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As a loving pet owner, it’s important to watch out for signs that signify the end is near. This will help you provide your pet with the proper care to keep them comfortable during their final days. In some cases, keeping an eye out for these signs can help you to identify an issue early enough to extend their life a bit longer. In this video, we will talk about 12 critical signs that indicate your cat is going to die and tell you about saying farewell to your beloved pet. Incontinence Cats often lose control of their bladder or bowls as they age. Some cats may poop or pee in their sleep, while others may dribble urine as they walk without seeming to notice. Some medications and moving their litterbox close to where they rest can help. Decreased Mobility As a cat nears death, their legs will start giving out and they will become less mobile due to muscle loss and pain from arthritis or other health challenges. Weakness is often progressive, starting with something small like no longer being able to jump up onto the kitchen counter, and this may progress to difficulty navigating stairs and even being unable to get in and out of a tall litter box. You can help your cat by making sure that all of the things they need are easily accessible. If your cat is suffering from arthritis, your vet can prescribe cat-safe pain medications. Seeking Solitude Cats often withdraw and prefer solitude when they are gravely ill. They may hide somewhere, or move to a secluded corner of your home. In the wild, a dying cat instinctively understands that they are more vulnerable to predators. Hiding is a way to protect themselves. Changes in Appearance and Smell Cats are very clean animals. They spend most of their day grooming. If your cat has lost interest in keeping themselves clean, this may be another clue that they’re reaching the end of their life. They will also develop a detectable unpleasant odor due to toxins building up as their organs stop properly working. They don’t want your treats Lack of appetite is common at the end of life. Your cat may start eating less and may have a hard time finishing their daily portion. You may also notice that your feline will stop drinking water. But remember, almost all diseases — and even stress — can cause loss of appetite in cats. Not Interested in their Favorite Things When a cat nears the end of its lifespan, they begin to lose interest in the world around them. Their favorite toys will gather dust, and they may no longer have the energy to follow you to the kitchen or jump onto their favorite cat tree to watch the world go by. This is because your cat feels more tired than usual, and it may be painful for them to move around too much. Odd Breathing When a cat is very close to death, they may breathe in an odd manner. Your cat’s breathing may be very fast or very slow. They may also simply have to work hard to move air in and out. Weight Loss As a consequence of not eating enough, you will notice a decrease in your cat’s weight. But weight loss can also be common in senior cats, and it will start well before the end of their life. This is because as cats get older, their body becomes less efficient at digesting protein. Drastic weight loss can also be an indication that your cat is suffering from cancer. Behavioral Changes As you might expect, your beloved pet probably isn’t feeling their best near the end of their life. They could be in pain, sick, uncomfortable, and going through a lot of changes all at once. This can lead to them behaving differently, becoming irritable, hide more than usual, or even hiss at you. Reduced Body Temperature As death inevitably approaches, your cat’s body cools down and they lose the ability to control their own body temperature. Owners often notice cold paws and cooler breath. You can keep your feline comfortable during these times by using warm bed and heated pads. Their Gums Change Color If your cat’s organs are no longer functioning properly, their gums may change color. Blue gums can indicate that there’s not enough oxygen in a cat’s blood. Bright red gums could be a sign of toxicity or overheating. White or pale gums can be a sign of blood loss or poor circulation. Yellow gums indicate organ problems such as liver disease. Normal gums should generally be a bubble gum pink color. SAYING FAREWELL TO YOUR CAT The weeks leading up to the end of a cat’s life may be stressful, but try to cherish and enjoy the remaining time you have with your pet. Provide your cat with care and affection. Keep them warm, with easy access to a cozy bed and a warm spot in the sun. Make sure they have easy access to food, water, litter box, and sleeping spots. Help them out with maintenance grooming by brushing their hair. Keep their environment quiet and peaceful, and don't let other pets or kids bother your feline. It's important to remember that if your cat is suffering from a lot of pain, assessing the option of euthanasia is humane.
