Some cats may become reserved and secluded as they become ill, while others will become more affectionate and choose to spend all their time with their loved ones. It is common for cats to move to a quiet place when they are very close to passing.
Cats will often become more affectionate as they approach their last days, wanting more attention than normal and being more vocal. Other cats may become less active and more withdrawn, sleeping more than usual and losing interest in playtime or interaction with humans.
Seeking Solitude
Cats often withdraw and prefer solitude when they are gravely ill. In the wild, a dying cat instinctively understands that they are more vulnerable to predators. Hiding is a way to protect themselves.
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. Changes in litter box habits, particularly in male cats, can indicate a serious health problem.
Cats are equally capable as dogs to form bonds with owners and mourn when the latter dies. Since cats are individualistic, different cats show sadness in different ways. A few cats go away never to return after their owners die, while others roam beside their owners' grave.
Cats have the power to sense their owner's emotions. So, cats have the ability to feel whenever their owner is sad. Beyond sadness, domestic cats are also able to feel whenever their owner has switched moods and emotions.
They will only feel a needle prick, but some felines may be more sensitive to this than others. If your vet injects the euthanasia drug directly from a needle and syringe, again they may react slightly to the needle prick but will not experience any pain when the drug is being injected.
Some cats may show an obvious change in their facial expression when in pain, while with others it may be more subtle for example: Your cat may squint or close their eyes. Their ears may appear slightly flattened or pressed to the sides. Their mouth, nose and cheeks may appear tenser and more compressed.
To solicit attention.
Cats enjoy social contact with people, and some will be quite vocal in their requests for attention. The cat may want to be stroked, played with or simply talked to. Cats who are left alone for long periods of time each day may be more likely to meow for attention.
There are several reasons why a cat will vocalize in this way and it's not always food related. It can be a call for warmth, attention, affection, or playtime. Different ages, breeds, and personalities also impact how much or how little cats cry out for their demands.
Make a Clean, Comfortable Bed Available
To make your cat feel more comfortable, add special touches to their cat bed or whatever place your cat likes to sleep. Add extra blankets for cushioning, and be sure to change the blankets regularly if your cat is having trouble getting to the litter box.
You can say goodbye to a dying cat by making a hospice bed for her, showing affection, taking more pictures, feeding her regularly, and letting her die in peace and dignity. These ideas rhyme with a dying cat that needs support and comfort.
If the death is unexpected, most vets will keep the body for you for a couple of days while you decide what you want to do. You can choose to take your cat back home to bury, perhaps in a favourite spot in the garden, or you can opt for a pet cemetery.
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.
Your cat's soul has moved on and in caring for his body, you are showing him one last time how very much you loved him. You can take your cat to your vet's office for disposal or storage until you have the body cremated or buried. Many veterinarians will handle the cremation process for you.
"Cats can distinguish human emotional state based on the tone of voice, or if the human is making "sad" or "happy" sounds," McGowan says.
Cats will miss their owners when they are gone, but the response to a cat missing you may vary. Some kitties may express their sadness through purring, meowing, or following their owner around, while others may show no outward signs of sadness. Here are some common signs your cat missed you: Meowing and Crying.
Cats' eyes will "tear" or water for a number of reasons, but they are all medical, not emotional. For instance, it may be due to eye irritation from a speck of dust or a scratch from another cat. Tears might also be caused by contagious diseases such as upper respiratory infections.
Extra Hiding
Hiding is the telltale sign of illness in cats, but can be hard to define. Many cats hide a lot normally. Things to watch for include increased hiding, hiding in new places, and not wanting to come out even for routine positive events like mealtimes.
Sitting All Hunched Up
Many cats will sit in a half-squat or hunker down on the floor when they are in pain. Your cat might seem like they are just resting, but if you pay attention, you will notice that they don't seem comfortable.
Although purring typically indicates happiness in our cats, they also purr to communicate when they are stressed, anxious or trying to communicate other needs, such as if they are in pain or uncomfortable.
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.
It is an individual decision whether or not you and your family want to be present during the euthanasia procedure. For some pet owners, the emotion may be too overwhelming, but for many, it is a comfort to be with their pet during the final moments.
It may take a minute or two for the heart to stop. The doctor will listen carefully to your pet's heart to ensure it has stopped before pronouncing him or her gone. After that, there is no danger of your pet waking up. This is a very common fear for pet owners.