Most people think of purring as a sign of a happy cat, but purring may be used as a form of communication, a sign of hunger, and even a calming mechanism, which could explain why they may purr during their final days or hours.
“I've witnessed a lot of cats purring when they're dying, and when they're being put to sleep. The vet will say something like 'They were purring right up until the end', and people assume they're happy when they're purring. That's just not always the case.”
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.
Behavioral Changes
Some cats will become more reclusive, and may be cranky and more irritable (this might be due to pain or cognitive dysfunction). Other cats become more friendly and clingy, wanting to always be close to you. Some cats experience cognitive dysfunction, similar to dementia in humans.
Cats often pass away without anyone noticing that they've gone. For pet owners who know that death is imminent, preparing for the event can help them say goodbye to their friend. Occasionally, taking a pet to the vet isn't an option.
Things You Should Know
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Task Force has designated four age-related life stages (Table 1): the kitten stage, from birth up to 1 year; young adult, from 1 year through 6 years; mature adult, from 7 to 10 years; and senior, aged over 10 years.
While 13 to 17 years is the average life expectancy for an indoor cat, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. One kitty, Crème Puff, made it to the ripe old age of 38! Cats won't complain when they don't feel good.
One of the most common pain-associated behavior changes we see in aging cats is a decrease in grooming and self-care. Cats are, by nature, extremely finicky about keeping themselves clean. Watch any conscious cat for longer than a few minutes, and you are likely to see her cleaning some part of her body.
In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.
They're marking their territory
PetMD also points out that cats are territorial creatures. They claim their turf by marking it with their scent. So when they sleep on top of you, they're actually marking you—and your bed—as theirs. We should be flattered by this behavior, apparently.
Kidney Disease: When the kidneys aren't working properly, your cat may be dehydrated. This causes them to drink more and urinate more. Common causes of kidney problems in cats can be kidney stones, a kidney infection, or even kidney failure.
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. Find your cat if they're making this noise.
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.
One stage of this process is known as rigor mortis. This is when the energy supply to the pet's muscles deplete. When this occurs, everything becomes stiff. The average time for “rigor” to set in is 3-4 hours and it is typically complete within 12 hours post death.
Sadly, few cats die peacefully in their sleep at home. Most reach a point when their quality of life is poor and a decision for euthanasia has to be made.
Whether you are feeling sad, anxious, tired, guilty, or relieved, this is normal. There is no “correct” way to grieve the loss of your cat. Grief may be experienced in stages that can include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Do not force-feed a dying cat. Forcing a dying cat to eat can cause gastrointestinal disturbances (vomiting and diarrhea), bloating, nausea, choking, aspiration and difficulty breathing.
If your cat wants rest or to be left alone, honor its wishes. Do keep an eye on it, however, to monitor its condition and make sure it improves. A warm bed can make a sick cat more comfortable. Moving your cat's litter box closer to it while resting can also make its life easier.