They said death is a part of life. You adopt a few kittens, then the kittens grow up and a few years later become senior cats and then one day, death comes.
If you’re a pet parent, the thought of your furry friend dying is likely a nightmare. And if you’ve recently had to deal with a dying cat, you probably want to know how long the process takes.
There are many reasons a cat’s life may come to a natural or unnatural end. Kidney failure, a car accident, or just plain old age may be a factor in your cat’s life and death. A dead cat is a tragedy, I think we can all agree. This is a hard question to answer.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question when your cat is dying. The length of time it takes for a cat to die can vary depending on the individual animal and the cause of death.
In general, though, it is typically shorter for cats than dogs. This is because cats are smaller animals and their bodies tend to shut down more quickly when they are dying.
Final Stages of Your Cat’s Life
As cat owners, there are certain signs to look for when it comes to dying cat stages. There are several stages that dying cats usually go through. The first stage is called terminal decline, during which the cat’s body begins to shut down.
During terminal decline, the cat will lose interest in food and water and may even stop using the litter box. She will become increasingly lethargic and sleep more often. Her breathing will become shallow and she may pant or gasp for air.
At this point, it is important to provide your cat with a comfortable place to rest. A quiet room with a soft bed or blanket is ideal. You may also want to consider placing her in a cage or carrier so she feels safe and secure.
It is also important to keep in mind that your cat will probably not be able to urinate or defecate on her own during this time especially if the cause is kidney failure. You will need to help her by cleaning her bottom with a wet cloth or baby wipes.
This is followed by a period of dying, which can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
During this time, your beloved cat will become increasingly unresponsive. She may not react to your voice or touch, and she may even lose consciousness.
Her breathing will become shallow and irregular, and her heartbeat will become weak and erratic. She may lose the use of her hind legs.
At this point, it is important to provide your beloved pet with a peaceful and comfortable environment as well as knowing what to do when your cat is dying.
You may want to consider placing her in a quiet room with soft bedding so she can rest peacefully. You may also want to dim the lights or play soft music to create a calming atmosphere.
It is also important to keep in mind that your cat’s body temperature will drop during this time. A healthy cat has a temperature between 100.4 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. As a cat’s organs begin to fail, such as in kidney failure, their temperature may drop to below 98.6. You will need to keep her warm by covering her with a blanket or heating pad set on
By this point, if your cat is dying, he will lose consciousness and stop breathing. The heart may also stop beating. After death, the cat’s body will go into rigor mortis, during which the muscles stiffen and the body becomes rigid.
It is important to note that dying naturally is different from euthanasia. Euthanasia is when an animal is intentionally put to death by a veterinarian or other professional. This is usually done at the behest of a pet parent to relieve the animal of pain and suffering.
What Do Cats Do Before They Die?
There are several signs that a cat is dying. These include loss of a cat’s appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and hiding. The cat may also stop grooming itself and begin to urinate and defecate outside the litter box.
As the cat’s body begins to shut down, it may experience seizures, breathing difficulties or abnormal breathing, and a lower body temperature. The pupils may also dilate and the third eyelid may cover the eye.
These are just some of the signs that a cat is dying. Keep an eye on the litter box – this is usually a key indicator. If you notice any of these changes in your pet, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. Remember to ask if there is a possibility of offering pain relief for geriatric cats.
How Can You Tell if a Cat Wants to Die?
There is no sure way to tell if your beloved pet wants to die. However, there are some signs that may indicate that the cat is ready to go in his or her final days.
Many cats will experience loss of interest in food and water, no longer grooming oneself, and withdrawing from social interaction. Your cat’s symptoms may be subtle or obvious, but as a cat owner, you will be able to recognize changes in behavior.
Of course we will never know if we should let our elderly cat die naturally, or put our kitten with chronic kidney disease down for her own sake. As a cat’s health deteriorates, we need to know if they are suffering, and whether they have a chance at recovery. This information again, will come from your vet.
Natural Death vs Euthanasia
When a beloved cat is dying, is suffering, has stopped eating or is experiencing a debilitating condition such as kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, the owner must decide whether to let the animal die naturally or to have it euthanized.
There are pros and cons to both options. Allowing the cat to die naturally may seem to be less painful for the animal. However, it can be a long and difficult process for the owner to watch.
Euthanasia, on the other hand, is typically quicker and less painful for your cat. It can also be less emotionally difficult for the owner to deal with.
The process of euthanasia typically takes less than five minutes and is generally easier on the pet parents. First, the animal is given a sedative to make them drowsy. Then, a lethal injection is given to stop the heart and breathing.
After death, the body will go into rigor mortis and may stiffen up. However, this process is usually not as pronounced as it is with natural death.
The decision of whether to euthanize a dying cat is a personal and painful one. There is no right or wrong answer. Talk to your friends, family, and veterinarian to decide the best route for your feline friend.
Should I Leave My Dying Cat Alone?
It’s a difficult question to answer, and there is no easy answer. It depends on the situation and on your own personal beliefs. There are pros and cons to both leaving your dying cat alone, and to staying with it.
Leaving your cat alone may seem heartless, but sometimes it is the best thing for them. If your cat is in pain or is suffering, then staying with them will only prolong their suffering. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your dying cats is to let them go peacefully, without you there.
On the other hand, some people believe that their presence can comfort their dying sick cats. They think that by being there with their pet, they can ease its transition into death. And for some people, the idea of leaving their geriatric cat alone during its final moments is simply too difficult to bear.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It is a decision that you will have to make based on your own beliefs and values. If you are unsure what to do, it is best to talk to your veterinarian or another trusted animal professional. They can help you weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for you and your pet.
I know this sounds repetitive – but honestly vets are, on the whole, so good at helping owners deal with, and grieve their ailing feline. The vet is the one who will know for sure whether your pet is suffering and whether it is cruel to let him or her continue on.
What Should I Do With My Cat Once He Has Passed?
Once your cat has passed away, there are several options for what to do with the body. You can bury your cat in your backyard, or you can have him cremated.
If you choose to bury your cat, you can choose to purchase a pet burial kit. This kit includes a biodegradable casket and coffin liner, as well as a marker for the grave. You will also need to dig a grave that is at least three feet deep.
There is also usually a pet cemetery you can look into. What are their requirements and how can you apply?
If you choose to cremate your cat, you can either do it yourself or have it done professionally. If you decide to cremate your pet yourself, you will need to purchase a pet cremation furnace. These furnaces are designed specifically for pets and are available online or at some pet stores.
If you decide to have your cat cremated professionally, you will need to make arrangements with a pet crematory. Many veterinarians offer this service, or you can search for a pet crematory in your area.
Once your cat has been cremated, you can keep the ashes in an urn or scatter them in a place that was special to your pet. Some people choose to bury the ashes in their backyard, while others scatter them in a park or nature reserve.
Some people have their pet’s ashes made into a talisman or necklace. Others use the ashes in clay to create their cat’s last pawprint. There are many things one can do with a pet’s ashes once they have been cremated.
How Do I Comfort My Dying Cat?
The best way to comfort a dying cat is to provide them with love and support. Spend time with your sick or senior cat, offer them food and water, and groom them if they are able.
Talk to your veterinarian about ways to make your cat more comfortable. They may recommend pain medication or other treatments.
Most importantly, be there for your pet. They will need your love and support during this difficult time. When your cat dies, make sure you have someone there to comfort you.
Additional Resources
If you are facing the loss of a pet, there are many resources available to help you through the process. Here are a few:
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement offers support groups and counseling services for pet owners who are grieving.
Pet Loss Grief Support is an online community that offers support and resources for those dealing with pet loss.
The Humane Society has a list of books about coping with pet loss.
The above organizations can all offer telephone support if you don’t feel ready to face other people just yet too.
Conclusion
Losing a pet is a difficult experience, but there are many resources available to help you through the process. Talk to your veterinarian or another trusted animal professional to help you make the best decision for you and your pet. Be sure to spend time with your pet and provide them with love and support during this difficult time.
Remember that whether you choose to accompany your pet through the valley of death, or to euthanize them for their own good, you are making the right choice for you and your family. Ultimately, it is up to you to choose the route that will cause you the least regret and heartache.
Neither choice is easy, and neither choice is simple – but once you pick one, stick with it, and remember you made it with the best information you had at the time.
*image by Mara_J/depositphotos