Signs Your Old Cat Is Dying
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When you have a cat that is elderly, knowing when the cat is in his final days of life can be difficult. Is the pet just feeling poorly, or is he actually in the throes of death? There are a few signs that will help you determine if it is time to head to the vet and prepare for the worst.
What is Your Cat's Age?
How old is your cat? The normal lifespan of a cat, according to VetInfo.com, is between 15-18 years. This is for a healthy, indoor cat. The time your cat has on this earth can vary. Some cats live beyond 20 years of age and others die quite young. Diseases and other factors can all impact your cat's lifespan. However, knowing the average lifespan can also help you determine just how serious your cat's other symptoms are.
Specific Signs that Your Old Cat Is Dying
Some of the signs of approaching death include:
- Lack of appetite
- Dull eyes that have lost their brightness
- Labored breathing
- Fur comes out in clumps or looks scruffy. The fur is not longer smooth and won't lie down flat.
- Yowling as though in pain
- Seizures or tremors
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What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Cat Is Dying?
The best course of action is to take your pet to the vet and get a professional opinion on the cat's condition. Some elderly feline issues can be treated and your cat's life could be extended for several more years. If the cat is too elderly to benefit from these treatments, your vet will tell you that and give you the option of euthanasia.
This is a very personal decision that only you can make. Some owners prefer to take their cats home and let them die naturally in comfortable and familiar surroundings. Others make the decision to end their pet's suffering through medication. Only you know what the right choice is for your pet.
It's never easy to lose a pet, but it is easy to second guess your decision on how to handle the final moments of that pet's life. Know that whatever you decide, you have done the best you could for this companion that has been with you for many years.
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Hi Lucky Cats,
Thanks for your kind words. It is a difficult subject, but I think it helps to know others have faced this same tough decision.
This is of course a sad topic to write about, but I'm glad you did. When we come to realise that old pets are living on borrowed time we can at least make their lives as comfortable as possible in their last few days and try to make the best of the time we still have to spend with them.
Hi Count,
I agree. It is a reminder to appreciate the time we do have and to overlook those minor annoyances like when they hack up hairballs.
I wonder what dying cats (and dogs) did before Vets came along....hmmm
Lynn, they went off to themselves and died. This is still instinctive for animals. Often, when an elderly animal wanders off and fails to return this is what has happened. Thank goodness we can make our pets as comfortable as possible. My animals are like a part of the family. I can't imagine them dying alone or suffering. Don't even want to think about it really.
My Mom's 15 year old Maine Coon died. He was vibrant and active right up to the end. The only sign he showed that he was getting on in age was an occasional bowel movement in someplace other than his litter box. The days leading up to his death he kept hiding in a secluded spot in the basement. I believe he instinctively knew his transition was imminent. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. My Mom is glad this is how she lost him if she had to lose him as opposed to declining health and possible euthanism. I have a cat that is 4 years old. I'm cherishing my time with him!
Lucky Cats Level 7 Commenter 6 months ago
Hi Lorisoard. You've written an insightful and helpful as well as sensitive hub about a very difficult subject. Thank you for caring, as is so evident, and sharing these words of wisdom and sympathy.