How to tell if a cat is dead

When our cat became old, she moved less and less and lay down more and more. Her hair began to fall out and thin. Somehow I noticed that she was having trouble breathing. I even thought that the cat was poisoned by something and was about to throw up. But this sign, as it turned out, meant that the animal had not long to live. And indeed, that same evening it was gone.

How do you know if a cat is dying? Symptoms of dying in a cat.

We all want our cats to live forever. It's a huge injustice that they live much less than we do. However, the good news is that their lives, like ours, are getting longer, allowing us to spend more time with them. Let's enjoy that time while we have the opportunity! Unfortunately, there eventually comes a point when a cat dies. Is there any way to spot it? How can you tell if a cat is dying?

Cats have almost always been considered something unusual and even magical. In ancient Egypt, they were worshipped almost on a par with the gods, and harming a cat was even punishable by death. Cats' reputation declined somewhat in the Middle Ages, when they (especially black cats) were suspected of conspiring with the devil himself.

Today, of course, we no longer believe that black cats portend bad luck, but nevertheless they retain a reputation as mysterious and somewhat magical animals. Some even believe that they can sense the death of other people and even their own. But surely a cat can sense its own death? And if it is possible, what symptoms should alert us?

Signs of dying in a cat

It is very difficult to say goodbye to an animal that you love and treat as a member of your family. But how do you know when its time has come?

Recall the opinion of the famous zoologist Desmond Morris, according to which the cat, like other animals, does not realize that it is dying. Cats, according to current knowledge, do not have the same self-awareness as humans.

In other words, a cat cannot sense death as such, but it is quite capable of recognizing its symptoms, such as weakness, for example. Purrs perceive the world very differently than we do. They have much more developed senses and are much better at noticing any changes in their bodies than we are.

You may worry if your cat's behavior suddenly changes. If your cat has enjoyed human company up until now and is now starting to avoid them, it may be a sign of impending death. But this cannot be judged by a symptom alone. Apathy can be a sign of many other diseases that are quite treatable.

What is certain, however, is that a cat whose end is approaching is avoiding people, other cats, and going to a quiet, peaceful place. The body of a cat that begins to experience agony is much more sensitive to all stimuli and therefore it avoids them. It is much more sensitive to touches, smells, unpleasant sounds, etc.

However, it all depends on the particular cat. There are cats that behave in exactly the opposite way – they want to spend more time with their caretaker, to cuddle with him more than usual. However, cats are very secretive creatures, so you should pay attention to the subtle signals.

What are the symptoms that indicate imminent death?

Signs of imminent death are similar to the symptoms of severe, rapidly progressing diseases. Therefore, in order to avoid mistakes, you should urgently call a veterinarian at RosVet to confirm the presumed diagnosis.

You should not draw conclusions on your own, but the fading life of the animal will be indicated:

• Weakened pulse, below 140-122 bpm, critically below 60 bpm, means death is imminent;
• heavy, rapid breathing – above the standard of 20-30 breaths per minute. Not to be confused with rapid breathing due to heat, stress. The sign is associated with poor respiratory function and lack of oxygen;
• Low body temperature (measured in the rectum), normally in a healthy cat it cannot be below 37.7 C. A dying cat's temperature drops to 35-32C, paw pads become cold to the touch;
• No appetite, refusal to eat or drink water. A few days before death, the cat stops eating and drinking, you can tell by the untouched food, dry feces, dark urine;
• urination, defecation "under itself," if this is not due to paralysis of the hind limbs and pelvis. The cat is so weak that it cannot reach the litter box;
• Dull, mussed, unkempt coat, foul odor is due to all organ disorders, intoxication, the animal stops taking care of itself;
• cloudy eyes, pupils do not respond to light, eyes drooping – such disengagement indicates excruciating pain that animals endure.

Cats before death change their habits, may excessively caress the owner, literally demand attention. Sometimes, on the contrary, they hide or leave the house to die alone.

Why do they leave?

Cats that are free to go outside almost always disappear when death approaches. In packs of stray animals also, sensing the approach of death, dying cats hide. Why this happens is not known for certain, but there are several theories:

• A sense of weakness, an inability to resist attack, and pain as a danger, all of which cause the cat to flee;
• seclusion in order to heal, to come to its senses;
• reluctance to upset their owners is pure theory, an assumption based on the impressiveness inherent in humans.

In any case, based on many years of observations, veterinary specialists can say that the cat's behavior changes before death. And it is very noticeable to the owner, even if he or she has not had a close relationship with the pet.

How can an owner know that an animal is about to die?

How can you tell if a pet is about to die? The following signs will help you determine if a cat is about to die:

• A change in eating behavior. A fading animal partially or completely loses interest in food. The food in the cat's bowl is increasingly untouched. When only hours remain before death, the pet refuses water. Because the cat refuses to eat, it stops defecating (sometimes blood inclusions can be found in the feces) and the urine becomes darker.
• Apathy, lethargy, decreased motor activity. Like a dying person, the cat on the eve of his death feels bad, it is weakened and sleeps a lot or just lies with its eyes open.

Read also: Symptoms, treatment and prevention of kitten worming: how to worm the baby at home?

• Disturbance of breathing. In the last days of life, the pet's heart stops working as usual, this leads to the fact that the delivery of oxygen to all organs, including the lungs, is disrupted. As a result, the cat breathes frequently and heavily. The dying cat develops shortness of breath.
• A decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. On the eve of demise, the animal's pulse rate slows and blood pressure drops.
• Specific smell. This is the main symptom of the cat's imminent demise. At the time of the end of life, the work of the pet's internal organs is disrupted, causing toxins to be only partially eliminated from the body or not eliminated at all. Toxic substances accumulate in the cat's body, provoking the appearance of a sharp putrid smell from the cat's breath and body.
• A decrease in body temperature. In this case, the pads of the cat's paws become cold.

How cats die depends largely on why it happens. Older pets, anticipating their demise, spend more time surrounded by family members, lying for long periods on the lap of the owner. The fading of an animal goes through 3 stages: pregagonia, agony, and biological death.

What to do when alarming symptoms appear, how to relieve the cat's condition?

Not all owners of dying pets behave correctly in this situation. The owner's actions should be aimed at alleviating his suffering. All efforts should be thrown to make the cat's last hours of life as comfortable as possible.

To do this, you need to provide it with a comfortable and soft place to rest, change the cat's bed regularly for a fresh one. If an older animal is not able to control defecation and urination, you should cover the litter box with disposable diapers and change it in time. When the cat is exhausted and will not be able to reach the litter box on its own, you should take it every 3-4 hours. Bowls of food and water should be placed next to the cat.

If the cat tends to distance itself, you should give it complete peace and privacy. If it caresses the owner more than usual, you should spend as much time as possible with it, stroking it and saying affectionate words. Putting him to sleep may be necessary if he is in great pain. If it is not in pain, there is no need to put it to sleep.

Putting a cat to sleep: humane or treacherous

If the cat suffers and does not get up for a long time, the owner has the right to use the procedure of putting the animal to sleep. Each person perceives it differently: some consider it a real betrayal, others – deliver the animal from its torment. Sometimes, however, the disease drags on, giving the cat unbearable agony. This is especially true for animals suffering from urolithiasis or cancer, in which the pet often dies in agony. In this case, the owner should do everything possible to relieve the suffering of his four-legged friend. If you decide in favor of euthanasia, first ask the veterinarian if there is any other way to relieve the cat's suffering.

If the cat is in pain, you should ask your vet how to relieve it

Absolutely right! Of course, you shouldn't confuse humanism with self-pity. That is, you should not confuse your reluctance to put an animal to sleep for medical reasons with your inability to make a decision to do so and the guilt that follows.

Olga Zhuykova, kennel owner

https://www.svoboda.org/a/377148.html

When our cat fought with the dog, his jaw was broken and his internal organs were damaged. The doctor said there was nothing he could do to save him. He suggested putting him to sleep. But I could not sign the animal's sentence with my own hands. It seemed to me that since the cat was alive, it could recover. The cat eventually left to die, but my conscience remained calm.

Testimonials from owners whose cats were in pain before they died

I put my cat to sleep…when I saw she stopped eating and looked sick…she was 17 years old. And if she runs why? and a good appetite? my dog (also old) has a small bump on his face and stomach. for a year and a half, jumping. I'm not taking her to sleep. as I see that it hurts and gets up with difficulty, immediately take her.

What to do if the cat died

After the death of an animal you should contact the state veterinary service. According to the law, burying a dead pet in the ground, throwing it into a body of water is not allowed. This is because it can be dug up by other animals or eroded by groundwater. And the body of water is not made cleaner by decomposing animals. In Russia, there are organizations that burn (cremate) the corpses of pets. After the procedure, they will give you the ashes of your pet, which can be buried and a gravestone placed on it.

It is important to make a quick decision about burial – on hot days it is better to contact the veterinarian immediately. If the weather outside is cool, however, burial the next day is acceptable. The vet should be contacted within 24 hours. He will determine on the spot what to do with the corpse. There are special burial grounds with biothermal pits, designed for burial or incineration of dead animals.

Digging the grave to bury the ashes should be done carefully to avoid damaging the cables that may be in the ground. If you want to have a real funeral, you can buy a coffin and perform the ceremony. It may help to cope with the loss of a close friend.

Bury it far away from crowded places and forget it. We've buried two dogs that way. Some people make headstones, hang pictures, bring food, clean up the place. I consider it unnecessary. It's a pity, but what can you do, an animal is not human.

Guest

http://www.woman.ru/home/animal/thread/3857861/

Our cat was buried by our parents near the woods. When a little puppy died in our yard (couldn't get it out), we just buried it with the girls in the yard. Then we found out we couldn't bury it there.

My 15 year old cat died tonight. She died of her own accord. She didn't suffer. she hadn't eaten anything for a week and a half, hadn't been drinking for a couple of days, couldn't get up, and yesterday she wasn't moving at all. Her kidneys were very bad and so was her heart. Tonight, she stopped breathing. It was very hard, very painful. Her body was at home all night, still is, put in a cold place. Now we are going to take her to be cremated. Hang in there, I know you're going to have a hard time. But what can you do. It's good to have a cat out of your life, not a loved one. It gives him a little strength. How he will behave in his last moments before he dies, God only knows. Ours died quietly, but for a long time. On the last day she was hardly conscious at all. Close to the moment of death, her breathing became heavy and sparse. And the jaws opened. That was it.

Signs of a cat and cat's imminent death

When dying of old age, the symptoms of something happening to the cat resemble a slow fading. It's as if life is slowly leaving the pet.

Loss of appetite

If an animal refuses to eat, this is always a bad sign. For the owner, this should be a cause for concern, especially if the pet is elderly and has not eaten in 24 hours.

Shortness of breath.

A healthy pet has a normal respiratory rate of 20-30 breaths per minute at rest. Increased breathing rate as well as decreased breathing rate is a bad sign and can often indicate at the very least that the pet is ill.

Decreased heart rate and blood pressure

If you notice a decrease in the cat's heart rate, it means that the cat's heart is weakening, which means that the cat's blood pressure is dropping. For comparison, a healthy cat's heart rate is 150-200 beats per minute, but if the numbers start dropping lower, you should be concerned.

Specific smell

A healthy cat will never stop taking care of its own hygiene – no matter if it is a bald sphynx or a longhair breed. If you notice that your cat isn't grooming himself anymore, that he's losing his coat, and that he's beginning to foul odor, it's a sign that something is wrong.

A drop in temperature

As a dying animal's heart rate decreases, the cat begins to freeze. You can notice this by touching the cat's ears, legs and tail, which will be much colder than usual, as well as by its behavior – the cat will seek the warmest places to rest.

Caring for a dying cat: how to relieve the condition

The first thing to do is to show your pet to the veterinarian. A specialist will help determine what is happening to your pet and, if it is near death, help you individually determine the best care option. Find the right food, determine the source of pain, if any, and possibly prescribe the necessary pain medication.

The best thing you can do for your pet at this point is to make sure suffering is kept to a minimum and he gets the best care possible. If the cat wants more attention than usual – try to give it. At the same time respect her wishes – don't force her into anything, even if you really want to, for example pet her. Prepare a comfortable bed in a warm place that the pet has chosen for himself at this time.

If he has mobility problems, shorten the distance from his bed to water, food and toilets if possible. Provide peace and quiet – it is better to avoid parties, guests and loud music. All these factors are a huge strain on a sick animal's mental state.

Remain calm. People's behavior can be transmitted to animals, so you don't want to stress your pet unnecessarily.

If you understand that the pet is going to die soon – try not to leave it alone for a long time. Firstly, there are cats that do not want to be alone in this situation and the presence of their owner helps them tremendously. Secondly, it is important that someone keep an eye on the cat in case he becomes restless, his condition worsens again or he suddenly feels pain, in order to provide possible assistance.

Signs of your cat's imminent demise

I hate to say anything sad. But life is life. And all life, whether we want it or not, ends in death. It is unbelievably hard when pets, who have become full members of the family over many years, leave us. Unfortunately, their death is an inevitable process. We cannot influence it in any way. But we have the possibility if not to delay the departure of the pet, then at least to prepare for the worst.

Let's list the main signs that will remind you of the imminent parting with a fluffy pet.

Unusual behavior. Colleagues-authors often repeat: cats, anticipating their imminent death, leave the house and do not return. Let us not dispute this assertion. The author of these lines has lived side by side with cats for almost forty years. About half of my cats chose to leave home and half met their death at home. Such is the arithmetic. Shortly before their deaths, there are significant changes in the cats' behavior and numerous "oddities" appear. They can both not leave their owners and choose total solitude, avoiding all communication. Often they are completely lost in space, not understanding what is going on around them (a consequence of advanced senile dementia). Cats become blind and deaf, becoming, as they say, not themselves.

Characteristic symptoms: the cat wanders aimlessly around the house, as if looking for something; tries to attract the attention of the owner with an intentional "strange" behavior; all the time meows, afraid of being alone, afraid of the dark or confined space; stops taking care of itself.

Slowing down of the body's vital signs. You can measure your pet's heart rate (pulse). Normally it is 140-220 beats per minute. If the heart rate is 100 beats or lower – you should prepare for the worst.

Decreased breathing rate. When a cat is in its prime, it breathes in and out about 20-30 times a minute. Just before death, the breathing rate is 5-6 times. The animal makes a visible effort to breathe in. When you notice something like this, know that the pet will live a few more days at most.

Pet Care

• Many cat owners, in an effort to relieve their pets' suffering, turn to pet hospices. These hospices provide pets with round-the-clock care, which can prolong their lives.
• If you are unable to do any of the procedures yourself, you can arrange for the doctor to take care of them.

• Make sure the area stays clean. Wash the blankets in warm water every other day. Do not use strong smelling detergents, as these smells may be unpleasant for the animal.
• If the cat suffers from urinary incontinence, lay towels that are easy to change if necessary.

Surround the cat with care in its final days. Sometimes it can be difficult for animals to get to their own toilet. If the cat is very weak and cannot stand up, take it to the toilet every few hours. Talk to your veterinarian about using a dressing to make it easier for the cat to empty.

What to do after the pet dies

Take care of the pet's remains. If the pet died at home, place the body in a cool, remote area and store it there until it can be cremated or buried. This will slow down decomposition and protect your family from harm. Carefully wrap the body in cellophane (e.g. a plastic bag) and put it in a cold place (freezer, cool cellar). If the death was the result of a put to sleep, the veterinarian will take care of the body. [12] X Reliable source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source

• In some areas, the law allows a pet to be buried on private property belonging to its owner, while in others it is prohibited. Check your local laws before choosing a burial site. [13] X Reliable source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
• Burying a pet's body in a park or other public area is against the law.

Consider how to deal with grief after a pet's death. The death of a beloved pet is very hard on its owner. It is normal to feel the bitterness of the loss during the first days. Make an appointment with a psychologist who can help you deal with the loss of your pet. Your veterinarian may recommend a specialist.

How do you know when a cat is dying?

I want to tell not about the agony – probably everyone recognizes it by the lack of reaction to the surroundings, cramps, wheezing, cries. I'll tell you about… I don't know the right word… let's just say, suicide . About the signs that the cat has already crossed the line of no return.

The most sure sign of imminent death is a steady loss of interest in food. Without a regular supply of nutrients no body will last long.

If you can't get his appetite back within a few weeks, he'll be long gone. If he doesn't drink enough (which is usually the case), increasing dehydration will bring the end much closer.

• Fading is indicated by prolonged indifference to the condition of the coat.
• A dying cat's body temperature is constantly lowered (by 3 or more degrees) – this is especially noticeable by the cold pads of the paws.
• You may also see rapid breathing.
• The cat may sometimes have a foul odor – this is a symptom of failure of systems and organs.
• A dying cat becomes noticeably weaker – it no longer jumps on the sofa or bed, it staggers when walking. The strength quickly melts away, and soon the animal is not even able to get up.
• Consciousness may become confused: then the cat circles around the house, not understanding what the bowl of food is for and where the litter box is.
• Sometimes the cat will meow or scream for a long time (of course, in great pain). Sometimes, on the contrary, goes silent forever.

But these are all obvious things when the end is near. Another thing you're probably wondering is: aren't there more remote in time, perhaps unexpected, but fairly accurate signs? There are some.

Certainly, the near-death the terminal stage of any disease. Although this is deeply individual: one animal will barely last a dozen days, another will live another few months. But when the terminal stage is certainly confirmed by a veterinarian, the cat's death is near.

When is putting a cat to sleep humane and when is it cowardly

It is immoral . to put a pet to sleep if there is no money for treatment. First It is quite realistic to find a clinic with a more affordable price, and there are quite a few pet forums where they offer free leftovers of quite good expensive drugs. В Secondly You can arrange for treatment in installments. Or borrow from friends. In short, one way or another to get the funds.

You should not immediately put a young animal to sleep if there is even the slightest chance of cure. The young body still has enough hidden reserves, and it is very possible that a miracle will happen.

If we are talking about the elderly and seriously ill… Death from some diseases is considered particularly painful. Here are a few at risk for everyone: advanced oncology, kidney failure, liver failure. Of the contagious ones: panleukopenia, FIP. Although, when these infections are detected immediately…

Panleukopenia (If an animal is taken care of by an experienced veterinarian, there's a chance he or she could pull through. А FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) has recently learned a cure. A couple of years ago one could only dream of recovery – sick cats were dying long and painfully, but now there is a cure. It's not cheap, but it's worth it, as FIP is a young cat's disease.

This question will inevitably arise for everyone whose pets don't leave their homes. When a cat walks freely… before it dies, it's bound to leave – if it can still move around, of course. And don't believe the stories that cats can sense when they're about to die. It's more prosaic: the cat is getting weaker, and that's why it's looking for an impregnable shelter. By the way, a sick cat also hides to recover without the risk of becoming prey to its enemies.

It seems to me that residents of small towns and villages have fewer problems with burial. If you don't have your own plot of land, you can find a wooded area or vacant lot nearby, where the cat will find a decent last shelter. But remember, it is forbidden to bury the body of the animal in the community – by law, the owner must take it to a veterinary clinic for cremation.

What to do after the death of an animal

Despite the pain of loss, the owner of the deceased cat has urgent matters to complete. If the cat died on the street or at home, it should be buried by itself. This can be done on your own property, in the woods, or at an animal cemetery.

Cats that have died in veterinary clinics are buried by special services. The owner pays for the service, says goodbye to the pet and leaves the body in the hospital.

How to come to terms with the loss

It is not easy to accept the loss of a four-legged friend. It's hard to accept the thought that your pet is dead and will never run out to meet you or jump into your lap. If you want to cry, do not hold back: tears ease the burden of loss.

Important! With the bitterness of loss will help to cope with this technique: you need to remember only the positive aspects and funny episodes in the life of the departed favorite. Then the sadness will turn into light sadness.

Many families do not dare to have a cat again, because they do not want to experience the grief of loss. But time passes, and the little fluffy lump appears in the house: exploring unfamiliar territory, climbing on the couch, settling on the shoulder. No one can replace a departed friend, but it's important to understand that life goes on. It is wonderful if a person can become a family for a cat that needs warmth and care.