The most common causes of sudden death in cats are heart disease and associated conditions. Feline cardiomyopathy or “heart muscle disease” and feline heartworm disease are the most common causes of sudden death in outwardly healthy cats. Both of these conditions frequently give no warning.
Physical Symptoms – Certain physical symptoms can also signal that a cat is near the end of their life. Loss of appetite, weight loss, and poor coat condition are all common signs of illness in cats, as well as difficulty breathing or laboured breathing.
Checking if the cat's eyes are open: Cats' eyes tend to stay open after they have died, this is because muscle control is needed to keep them closed. Checking the pupils: Pupils often appear larger than usual after a cat has died.
Coughing, lethargy, rapid respiratory rate, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance can all be common signs of heart failure. What are the final stages of congestive heart failure in cats? The final stages of heart failure will result in difficulty breathing and coughing.
Some heart diseases are “peracute” or sudden onset. There may be no warning signs or pre-existing symptoms and if your cat has not had a thorough physical examination, sudden onset heart disease can be quite a shock.
Congestive heart failure can occur at any age, in any breed, and in cats of any gender, but it happens most often in middle-aged to older cats. In the early stages of congestive heart failure, cats might show no signs at all. As the disease progresses, signs can include: Difficult or rapid breathing.
Some of the symptoms of a cat dying of kidney failure include excessive thirst and increased urination, loss of appetite, weight loss, dehydration, lethargy, depression, and drooling.
Some cats die peacefully in their sleep, but for others the final step is not so easy. Consider whether you want your cat to have a "natural" death or to opt for euthanasia.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in senior cats. Cancer is really a blanket term for uncontrolled cell growth, which means there are many different forms this can take – many different kinds of cancer that can attack your pet.
Your vet can arrange for your cat to be cremated, or you may wish to take them to the pet crematorium yourself. Your cat can be part of a communal cremation after which their ashes will be scattered with others in the garden of rest.
If your cat is dying it should be humanely euthanized to end its suffering. It can take anywhere between 3 days and 3 weeks, depending on the stage that your cat is in (Pre-active dying or active dying).
Indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age. Many may live to be in their early 20s. The oldest reported cat, Creme Puff lived to be an amazing 38 years old. Outdoor cats generally live shorter lives due to being more likely to be involved in traumas such as motor vehicle accidents or dog attacks.
Contact Your Veterinarian
Alternatively, if it is during the middle of the night or a holiday, you can try to contact a 24 hour emergency office (if one exists nearby). They may also have a way of getting you in touch with someone who can pick up your pet's body (like a pet crematory or mobile vet service).
Depending on local regulations, your options will include a backyard burial, burial in a pet cemetery, a private cremation (just your pet, and you get the ashes back) or a communal cremation (a group of pets cremated together, and you don't get the ashes back). If none of that suits you, some other options exist.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
Signs Of Obvious Distress
Cats are typically very stoic animals, so if your cat suddenly seems to be in distress, it is a cause for concern. 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.
Cats don't cry tears when they're sad or in pain. But Halls says whether your cat is experiencing emotional or physical pain, they'll exhibit behavioral changes that could include vocal crying. The sound of a cat crying is typically longer in duration and lower in frequency than day-to-day cat chatter.
Acute Renal Failure
This type of kidney failure occurs suddenly, within days or weeks. It can happen in cats of any age and typically results from poisons, disorders, diseases, organ failure, medications and other causes. Acute renal failure can often be reversed if caught in time.
Antifreeze, toxic plants like lilies, pesticides, cleaning fluids, and certain human medications are highly poisonous to your cat's kidneys. Even a single tablet of ibuprofen can lead to their kidneys shutting down. Check around your house and garage for these substances and make sure your cat can't get into them.
Warning signs and symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, chronic coughing or wheezing, swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and others. Heart failure means the heart has failed to pump the way it should in order to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
Signs of a stroke in cats include stumbling, pressing their head against a hard surface, and weakness. Strokes in cats require immediate and sometimes ongoing treatment to give your cat the best chance for recovery.
End-Stage Congestive Heart Failure in Cats
An increased heart rate. Confusion. Dyspnea – shortness of breath. Swellings caused by trapped excess fluids.