9 Signs Your Cat Is Dying and What To Do
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The signs your cat is dying include changes in behavior, appetite, energy levels, and physical health, often indicating that your cat may need veterinary support.
Even when expected, the end of a beloved pet’s life is always devastating. Our pets are a part of our family, and there’s no easy way to process the grief that accompanies their final days.
The best thing pet parents can do, for both themselves and their animals, is be prepared.
Key Takeaways
- The signs your cat is dying include both behavioral and physical changes.
- Common symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, hiding, and loss of appetite.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice sudden changes.
- End-of-life care may include hospice, palliative care, or euthanasia.
What Are the Signs a Cat Is Dying?
The signs your cat is dying include behavioral changes as well as physical symptoms.
The final days of a cat’s life will vary based on the cat and their health history, says Michael Kearley, DVM. So, learning how to know if your cat is dying often comes down to observing your cat and noticing changes in routine and personality.
Behavioral Signs Your Cat Is Dying
Behavioral signs your cat is dying include changes in personality, activity level, and interaction with their environment.
- Reclusiveness or hiding
- Reduced alertness
- Decline in activity
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Increased vocalization
- Abnormal aggression
- Poor grooming
- Loss of appetite
- Clumsiness
“I think part of that dying process is when the body starts to shut down, those mental faculties go away,” Dr. Kearley says. “So many of these dying cats are less reactive and responsive.”
Behavioral changes are something only a pet parent will notice, so contact your vet if your cat is suddenly acting differently.
Physical Signs Your Cat Is Dying
Physical signs your cat is dying include visible health changes such as weight loss, lethargy, and breathing issues.
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Respiratory issues
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Low body temperature
Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
What To Do if You Think Your Cat Is Dying
If you think your cat is dying, contact your veterinarian immediately for evaluation and support.
The above symptoms indicate that your cat needs a professional diagnosis. If your vet detects a terminal disease, they will help you develop an end-of-life plan, which may include treatment, hospice care, palliative care, or euthanasia.
“We want a cat to have as peaceful of a passing as possible, and a good death,” Dr. Kearley says. “That’s what euthanasia is.”
Hospice care may include medications, rehab therapy, and environmental adjustments such as elevated food bowls, low-entry litter boxes, and ramps.
“There’s a lot that pet parents and veterinarians together, in partnership, can have [prepared] ahead of time to make this transition as peaceful as possible,” Dr. Kearley says.
Cat Dying Stages
Cat dying stages vary, but veterinary-guided care helps ensure a peaceful and pain-free process.
Euthanasia is often the most peaceful way for a cat to pass at the end of life.
“Cats should not have to pass through stages of death without veterinary care,” says Heather Loenser, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer of Suveto Veterinary Health. “Hospice and palliative care veterinary teams can help explain the stages of death for your particular cat.”
During euthanasia, your vet will administer medication to relax your cat before giving the final injection. Your cat may twitch or take deep breaths before passing.
Without euthanasia, death may involve labored breathing, low body temperature, and immobility, which can be distressing and prolonged.
Signs Your Cat Is Dying FAQs
How do I know if my cat is dying?
A cat who is near the end of life may show behavioral and physical symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, hiding, and loss of appetite.
What happens right before a cat dies?
A cat’s final moments may include deep breathing, twitching, or loss of bladder control as the body relaxes.
Do cats know when they are dying?
There is no evidence that cats understand death, but they may respond to pain or discomfort.
While humans can understand the prognosis of a disease or condition, a cat “sees only what’s in front of them,” Dr. Kearley says.
How can I help my cat pass away peacefully?
You can help your cat pass peacefully by working with your veterinarian to provide hospice care, pain management, or humane euthanasia.
