Our animals are one of the greatest gifts in our lives. They hold a special place in our hearts, representing a bond of unconditional love that extends beyond the physical realm.
That is why it is so difficult to let them. But as pet parents, it’s important to acknowledge that death is a natural part of life and to prepare ourselves for this eventuality with compassion and love.
When our furry friends near the end of their lives, they may display certain behaviors that signal that it’s almost time.
By being aware of these signs, we can prepare ourselves and our families for their final days, and provide the best possible end-of-life care for our beloved pets.
So what are the signs that you cat is dying of old age?
1. Lose of appetite and thirst
As our beloved feline companions age, it is common for cats to lose interest in food and water.
Just like humans, cats can sometimes feel too tired or weak to eat or drink, especially when they are feeling unwell. Their bodies may also recognize that processing food and liquids takes effort, so they may lose their appetite and thirst.
Additionally, some medications can affect their sense of taste and smell, making them less interested in food and water.
2. Extreme Weight Loss
Senior cats are prone to weight loss as they get older due to normal muscle loss. As your cat ages, they are prone to weight loss due to muscle loss. Their body becomes less efficient at digesting and building protein, causing them to lose muscle mass.
But senior or sick cats can become extremely thin, with their ribs, spine, and hip bones protruding under their skin. This could be a result of their disinterest in food or due to an underlying health condition.
3. Changes in Behaviour
Another sign that your cat is in their final stages of life, is that you may notice changes in behaviour. Some cats may lose interest in things they once enjoyed, including their favourite treats, toys, and even the people they love.
Some cats may become more reclusive and irritable, while others may crave extra attention and affection from their human companions.
And others may stop responding to their owners or family members altogether. But it’s important to remember that their disinterest is not a reflection of their love for you.
They still care deeply, but may not have the energy to express it in the same way.
4. Develop Dementia-like symptoms
When your cat approaches the end of their life, they may develop dementia-like symptoms. They may feel confused or lost in familiar surroundings as they go about their daily routine.
These symptoms are usually coupled with a distant look in their eyes and constant staring into space.
In the worst of cases, our cats may no longer respond to their name or familiar commands and get anxious during these interactions.
5. Experiencing Seizures, Muscle Spasms or Twitches
As your cat approaches the end of their life, they may experience seizures.
Some signs that your cat may be having a seizure include losing consciousness and experiencing uncontrolled muscle movements like tremors, twitching, and convulsions.
There are various underlying conditions that can cause seizures, such as organ failure, brain tumours, kidney diseases, liver problems, hypoglycemia, and head trauma.
You may also notice your cat losing coordination and accidentally bumping into things or knocking things down.
6. Feeling Lethargic and Limited Mobility
As cats age, they usually spend more time napping and resting in their favourite spot. But as they approach the end of life, they lose their life force and become lethargic.
They might prefer to rest in a quiet and peaceful area, where they can relax undisturbed. Towards the end, they may not even have the energy to lift their head.
7. Changes in Physical Appearance and Odor
A change in your cat’s grooming behavior can be a sign that your cat is transitioning towards the afterlife. When a cat is feeling unwell, one of the first things that can be affected is their grooming behavior. They may stop cleaning themselves as often, leading to a greasy, scruffy-looking coat.
Long-haired cats are especially prone to developing mats in their fur, particularly in areas such as their hind end, underbelly, and behind their ears.
8. Loss of Bowl and Bladder Control
As your cat’s health declines, they may have difficulty controlling their bladder and bowels as their organs start to shut down. This can result in accidents around the house and in their bed, even if they have been potty trained. It’s important to stay calm and reassure your cat that everything is ok.
These are challenging times for both you and your furry friend. And remember, cats are extremely sensitive, they can pick up on all our emotions!
9. Seeking Solitude or Hiding
As cats near the end of their lives, they tend to seek out peaceful and cozy places to spend their last moments. They may hide or spend more time alone, like under furniture or outside.
While it can be worrying to see your cat behaving this way, it’s essential to offer them love and support during this challenging time.
10. Shallow or Abnormal Breathing
As cats near the end of their life, they may have difficulty breathing, shallow breaths, and uneven breathing patterns. You might notice that your cat struggles to catch their breath, and the time between each inhale and exhale may increase.
If your cat’s breathing is unusual, it could mean they are approaching the end of their life. The likelihood of them dying increases with the number of symptoms they simultaneously exhibit.
11. Unable to Regulate Body Temperature
As cats near the end of their lives, they may struggle to regulate their body temperature and become more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Even a warm environment may not be enough to keep them warm and you may notice their limbs feeling cool to the touch.
A healthy cat’s temperature usually ranges between 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. But as they get closer to transitioning their heart weakens, and their body temperature may drop below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.”
12. Poor Response to Treatments
As cats grow older, they may develop illnesses that can often be managed with medications and other treatments for a long time.
As time goes by, you may need to increase the medication dosages or switch to different treatments if your cat stops responding to the current one.
This could be a sign that their body is deteriorating and unable to process medications effectively.
Final Thoughts
As pet owners, it’s important to recognize when our furry companions are reaching the end of their journey. Some of the signs to watch out for include:
- Loss of appetite or thirst
- Excessive weight loss
- Changes in behaviour
- Diminished cognitive function
- Having seizures
- Decreased energy levels and mobility
- Changes in physical appearance and unusual odors
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Seeking solitude
- Abnormal breathing and shortness of breath
- Difficulty regulating body temperature
- Poor response to medical treatment
Though saying goodbye is never easy, understanding these signs can help us provide our beloved pets with the best possible end-of-life care filled with compassion and love.
Support Your Cat’s Transition to the Afterlife: Book an Animal Communication Session
Provide comfort and reassurance to your cat as they embark on their journey to the realm of heaven. Through an animal communication session, gain valuable insights into your cat’s emotions and desires. This healing experience will not only deepen your understanding of your feline companion but also spiritually connect you, allowing you to peacefully accompany them into the afterlife.
Intrigued by how our departed pets communicate with us? Don’t miss my latest blog post revealing “25 unmistakable signs they send from heaven”, expressing their affection and longing for our presence.
Thank you for reading, I hope you found this blog post useful.
