Some kittens choose seclusion in their final days, while others become more cuddly and spend time with their loved ones.
They can return to their favorite resting spots to make themselves more comfortable as well as follow their favorite human constantly as they need some extra TLC.
Some cats can also express their comfort through purring, but they can also purr as a coping mechanism.
Purring has healing properties. It’s been proven to strengthen muscles, tissues, and bones. Purring can even release endorphins that help lessen whatever pain your cat might be going through.
In today’s article, I will explain how cats behave in their final days. I will also explain why cats purr when they are dying.
How Do Cats Act When They’re About to Die?
Learning about the death of your best friend isn’t easy. However, knowing the signs that the end is near can help you as the cat owner make your cat comfortable.
You won’t be able to heal your kitten and prevent the inevitable, but you can identify what they’re going through and make their final moments as painless as possible.
Signs of Deterioration
As cats die of old age and sickness, their body will eventually start to decline. Dying senior cats can show some of the same signs of weakness as sick cats such as not making it to the litter box, not eating, and refusing playtime.
As a cat mom myself, I honestly feel depressed writing about these signs as I know I too will have to face the inevitable in the future.
So trust me when I say that I fully understand how bad you might feel when learning about your cat’s behavior in their last days, but it’s better to know everything, so you can mentally prepare yourself for the worst.
Unfortunately, their senses won’t seem as sharp as they once were. They might not be able to see or hear you properly.
The only thing that remains the same is their sense of touch. Heartbreaking, I know. Now that you also know this, I suggest petting your cay as much as possible so they know they’re leaving this world loved by their favorite human.
Seeking Peace and Solitude
As I already mentioned at the beginning, many cats seek solitude in their final days. Even the cats that cuddle at all times may seek out isolation when they sense death coming.
Please, don’t take this behavior personally. Your feline reacts instinctively as bigger cats in the wild and stray felines isolate themselves when they’re feeling vulnerable. That’s how they protect themselves from predators.
However, some cats can hide as a result of stress as the decline of their senses and their overall sense of physical weakness can make most kittens prefer solitude over any type of stimulation.
Lethargy
Since sick felines aren’t as strong as before, they become lethargic. They’re not into play time and toys anymore as they’re feeling tired, so don’t be surprised when your feline refuses play time and sleeps more than usual.
Just getting around the home can become a chore for sick felines, so give your feline a break and place their necessities nearby. For instance, place their litter box near their resting spot along with their food and water bowls.
Purring Cat
Some cats prefer isolation in their last days, while others can take their final days to show their owners some love.
Also, cats purr in their last days as well as revisit their favorite resting areas such as their favorite pillows or blankets. They can also follow their favorite humans around as they don’t want to feel lonely.
Purring in dying cats isn’t uncommon. In fact, this type of breathing isn’t only a sign of happiness and comfort but also a self-healing mechanism.
In case you haven’t heard, purring has been proven to strengthen tissues, muscles, and bones. The best part? Purring can even release endorphins that help cats deal with whatever pain they’re experiencing. In other words, cats purr to heal themselves.
Is Purring A Good Sign In A Sick Cat?
Sick cats purr because purring has healing powers. However, healthy cats also purr when they’re content, safe, and secure.
If your sick cat purrs, don’t worry as they’re likely self-healing. Some sick cats stop purring when they’re sick or dying. Instead, they’re just laying in a slumped stance, silently.
If your sick or dying cat starts vomiting, visit the vet immediately as vomiting might suggest a blockage, illness, or other issues, especially if they’re vomiting many times in a day.
Other warning signs that require medical attention include diarrhea, fatigue, inability to move, and unresponsiveness.
Although a purring cat is usually a happy cat, if your cat purrs while showing any of the signs above, they’re probably purring out of discomfort and pain.
When cats feel uncomfortable, their purring can increase. Moreover, sick and dying cats can breathe faster.
In fact, their breathing might resemble panting in dogs. In this case, you should take your feline to the vet right away as rapid breathing isn’t normal in cats.
What’s a Normal Respiratory Rate in Senior Cats?
Healthy cats take between 15-30 breaths every minute. You can monitor your cat’s breathing rate with your phone’s timer or digital watch. Alternatively, you can watch their chest rise and fall to equal one breath.
Make sure your feline is sleeping and not moving, so you can get a precise number. Then, count their breaths for 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4. That’s how you get the number of breaths of your cat per minute.
How to Tell if a Cat is Purring in Pain? How to Know Your Cat is Dying?
Cats typically purr when they’re happy and trying to communicate with their pet parents or other cats, but they also purr when they’re stressed, anxious, uncomfortable, and in pain.
You can easily tell if your feline is purring in pain if they’re biting, scratching, hiding instead of being active and playful, experiencing changes in their breathing, eating and/or drinking, grooming, bathroom habits, etc.
Let’s discuss all the common signs of a cat purring in pain or dying cat so you can learn more about your cat’s behavior and meet their needs.
Acting Aggressive
Cats in pain usually act aggressively. They bite and scratch their cat owners, especially if the cat owners touch or move painful areas of their bodies.
Changes in Breathing
Cats in pain can also breathe faster. They can even pant which isn’t a good sign so if your cat’s breathing resembles panting in dogs, visit the local vet clinic right away as your cat’s probably in danger.
Furthermore, you can determine if your cat is purring in pain by the changes in their breathing rate. So, monitor your cat’s respiratory rate at home with a digital watch or one with a second hand.
Make sure your cat is asleep so you can get precise results. Count their breaths for 15 seconds, then multiply that number by 4, and you will get the number of breaths per minute.
The normal respiratory rate in cats is between 15-30 breaths per minute. If your cat has a higher rate than normal, seek medical help immediately.
Heart Rate and Pulse Changes
These two terms essentially mean the same thing as the speed of your feline’s heart represents the same speed of the pulse as their pumps blood to the vessels.
And pain and discomfort usually result in increased heart or pulse rate. Additionally, the rate often speeds up when you touch or move the painful areas of their body.
The normal heart rate in cats at rest is between 160-200 beats per minute. You can monitor your cat’s heart rate by placing your hand over their chest right behind their elbow. Count the number of beats in 15 seconds, then multiply that number by 4.
Cats usually have a fast heart rate, so getting precise results can be hard. However, taking into account other things such as changes in their body temperature, behavior, and respiratory rate can help you determine if they’re in pain while purring.
I strongly suggest visiting the vet if you suspect your feline is hurting.
Gum Color
Cats normally have light pink gums, so any changes indicate a problem. If possible, examine your feline’s gums by gently lifting their lips.
If you notice grey, white, blue, or purple gums, they probably have a lack of oxygen in the tissues. If they’re bright red, your feline likely has increased blood pressure or some type of inflammation, so visit the vet right away.
Eye Changes
Often, pain elsewhere in your cat’s body will result in dilated pupils. Pain in the eye, on the other hand, will result in smaller or larger pupils, depending on the underlying disease or injury process to the eye.
Squinting can also indicate pain, either in the eye or elsewhere in your cat’s body so pay close attention. Moreover, a “bloodshot” eye can indicate pain in the eye.
Eating or Drinking Changes
Sick and/or dying cats usually eat and drink less because they either don’t have the strength to walk to their bowls or they’re experiencing internal pain.
In this case, you can move their food and water bowls closer to their resting area. If they still refuse food and water, there’s probably something bigger at hand.
If your feline refuses food because of tooth or mouth pain, you will notice right away as they will drop food out of their mouth or drool while eating. Whatever the reason, you should visit your vet and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Grooming Changes
Sick and/or dying cats usually stop grooming themselves as they lack energy or feel pain when trying to clean themselves up. Moreover, cats in pain aren’t as active and playful as before and they’re more likely to sleep more than usual.
You can help your pet stay clean by brushing their coat daily and using baby wipes to clean up the lingering urine and feces after they use their litter box.
Looking for Privacy
Many cats will isolate themselves when in pain. They can spend time under a bed or couch, or even in closets.
So, make sure you check frequently for hiding as it’s a very telling sign, especially if it’s a very uncommon activity for your pet.
Mobility Changes
Pain in cats can usually result in decreased mobility.
However, depending on their injury or disease, your feline might still move about the same around, but their movement can look a little different.
For instance, you can notice that they move more slowly up and down the stairs. Or you can sense that they’re less enthusiastic or able to jump as before.
If you’ve noticed these types of changes in your feline’s movement, consider adding joint mobility and fish oil supplements to their food, especially if your vet has already confirmed that your feline is suffering from arthritis.
These supplements don’t require a prescription and they can aid with inflammation in the joints as well as improve your cat’s quality of life.
However, I strongly suggest consulting your vet before giving anything to your feline so you can be sure it’s safe. Additionally, your vet might prescribe pain medications if necessary.
Changes in Bathroom Habits
Sick and/or cats also have difficulties using their litter box because the position they take to poop and pee can cause additional pain in their body.
Additionally, due to this struggle to use the bathroom, cats can become constipated in some cases.
Moreover, don’t get angry at your feline if they don’t make it to the litter box and pee or poop on your carpet or somewhere else in your home.
Instead, clean up their mess and ask your vet for possible solutions and tips on how to help your cat in these situations.
Body Changes
Last but not least, you should look out for body changes to determine if your feline is in pain. For instance, check for any swelling on their legs, face, and body.
Swelling in cats could indicate a painful condition such as a tooth root abscess, cat bites, inflammation, insect bite, allergic reaction, cancer, or other health issues.
Additionally, if your cat has recently undergone any type of medical procedure such as a dental procedure or surgery, ask your vet for instructions on how to take proper care of your feline, so they can recover as quickly as possible.
Do Cats Know They’re Going to Die?
Cats can sense when they’re going to pass away. It’s why they typically hide or “run away” from home. They try to find a safe spot to pass away and protect themselves from predators.
Do Cats Get Cuddly Before They Die?
Some kittens look for seclusion in their last days, while others do the opposite. They become clingy and cuddly to their human and/or animal companions.
Final Tips for a Sick or Dying Cat
If your vet suggests that medical treatment and recovery aren’t possible for your cat, you can take certain actions to make your cat’s final days as pleasant as possible.
Keep Your Cat Comfortable
For instance, keep your feline warm and provide easy access to their favorite bed or pillow. Also, place their bed in the sun, so they can get natural light and warmth.
Don’t forget to brush your cat’s coat daily and clean up any messes. Moreover, offer more appealing food with a strong odor such as tuna to encourage your cat to eat.
You can even pour tuna juice into your cat’s water bowl to make them drink water.
I also suggest building ramps for easy access to your feline’s favorite window spots or napping areas.
Keep their environment peaceful and quiet and keep other animals away from their resting spots. Lastly, ask your vet about medications to relieve their symptoms.
Your vet can suggest or prescribe pain medications, steroids, or appetite stimulants that can make your cat’s life easier.
Prepare Yourself for the Worst
Make sure you cuddle your cat if they allow for it and express your love for your cat in their final days. And if they prefer to be left alone, respect their wishes.
Finally, make a plan for the end of their life. If you consider euthanasia, discuss the process with your vet and schedule the appointment. I highly suggest that you pick either the beginning or end of the day so that you can have more privacy.
Some vets also accept house calls, so if your feline hates going to the vet, research at-home pet euthanasia options or ask your vet if they offer such services.
See more:
- Why does my cat always purr around me?
- Cat respiratory rate while purring
- Do cats purr when they sleep?
*image by ellinnur/depositphotos