Signs of Pain – Cats will usually display clear signs if they are feeling pain due to an illness or injury. They may meow constantly or hide away from people; some cats will even stop grooming themselves if they are too uncomfortable or unwell.
Loss of Interest
If your cat is losing interest in routine activities, in addition to having a weakened physique, an illness, and mobility problems, euthanizing may be the kindest gift. An unwell cat could become uninterested in playing or going for walks. It may also become disinterested in eating its favorite treats.
It is common for cats to move to a quiet place when they are very close to passing. They may eat less, groom themselves less, and behave differently than normal. Some cats may become irritable and growl or hiss when interacting with other animals or humans. They may also seem anxious or restless.
Cats who are painful may withdraw from their usual family interactions, may become less engaged in their surroundings, and may start hiding. You may notice decreased eating and/or drinking. You may also notice changes in sleeping patterns.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is the leading cause of death in cats, and it's important to be aware of the symptoms so you can help your cat as soon as possible. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your cat may also appear tired or lethargic all the time.
What's the Average Lifespan of a Cat? The average cat lifespan is between 13-17 years. Some lucky felines have been known to live 20 years or more—the world record holder for oldest cat on record, adorably named Creme Puff, lived to be a whopping 38 years old.
Time Flies for Humans and Cats
By 12 years of age your cat is becoming a senior citizen, and by 15 she is considered "geriatric" (see chart below). While the average lifespan for a spayed or neutered house cat is 14-16 years, many felines are now living into their late teens and even their early twenties.
Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong. Changes in litter box habits, particularly in male cats, can indicate a serious health problem.
Make your cat comfortable by giving them extra bedding, treats, and attention. Keep their food, water, and litter box nearby. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to euthanasia. Talk to your vet to determine when the time is right if you're going that route.
They will only feel a needle prick, but some felines may be more sensitive to this than others. If your vet injects the euthanasia drug directly from a needle and syringe, again they may react slightly to the needle prick but will not experience any pain when the drug is being injected.
Cats will often become more affectionate as they approach their last days, wanting more attention than normal and being more vocal. Other cats may become less active and more withdrawn, sleeping more than usual and losing interest in playtime or interaction with humans.
You will notice your cat becoming more lethargic, sedentary and refusing to move. Their weakness will be very apparent in their hind legs, and they will also sleep a great deal more than usual.
The key parts of palliative care are controlling pain, maintaining mobility, and adapting the environment to keep your cat engaged in family activities. Your veterinary team will partner with you to put together the most appropriate palliative care plan for your cat.
The end stage of dementia in cats may happen when they have lost interest in anything they previously liked or when their quality of life has gone down significantly.
Lifespans of Indoor vs.
Outdoor cats still live full lives, but they're exposed to illnesses, parasites, predators, and cars their indoor brethren steer clear of. According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the average lifespan of indoor cats is 10–15 years. For outdoor cats, it's as low as 2–5 years.
Your cat needs more attention when sick. The cat might not like noise or high traffic, so keep him in a quiet space, away from any commotion. Provide a warm sleeping space, special food, and an easy-to-reach litter box. Make sure you don't provoke your cat or try to rile them up.
Lethargic and Not Eating / Drinking - Like lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. Lethargic and Losing Significant Weight - A poor appetite can lead to weight loss, but so can diseases like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, even if your cat is eating well.
Growling, hissing or spitting indicates a cat who is annoyed, frightened, angry or aggressive. Leave this cat alone. A yowl or howl (they sound like loud, drawn-out meows) tells you your cat is in some kind of distress—stuck in a closet, looking for you or in pain.
Signs of a Depressed Cat
Changes in body language, including ears held back, tucked tail, and hairs standing on end. Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows. Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level.
Older cats may vocalize excessively for a number of reasons, including disorientation, loss of hearing and pain due to one or more medical conditions.