Watching our pets grow older can be tough. We might start noticing some small differences like their nose and eyes turning grey, sleeping more often, changes in how much they eat, accidents happening outside their litter box, and maybe they can’t hear or see as well as before. They might also start acting differently.
While it’s normal for cats to change as they get older, it’s important to pay attention to these signs because they could mean they’re not feeling well.
Monitoring Your Senior Cat
Since you know your cat best, you’ll quickly notice any changes in their behavior or health.
Keep an eye on your cat’s thirst and appetite, their body and coat condition, their behavior, and overall demeanor, as well as their toileting habits.
If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to take your cat to the vet for a checkup:
- If your cat seems unusually tired or withdrawn
- If there’s unexplained weight loss
- If your cat has trouble moving or seems less mobile
- If you see any swelling, growth, or wounds
- If your cat is sneezing, coughing, or having trouble breathing
- If there’s difficulty or pain during urination
- If you notice blood in the urine or feces
- If your cat is having accidents or urinating more frequently
- If you observe unusual discharge or bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth
- If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- If your cat is neglecting self-grooming or has a poor coat condition
- If there’s a reduced interest in food or drink, increased drinking, or a sudden increase in appetite
- If your cat shows signs of pain when touched
- If your cat seems generally uncomfortable or unable to settle
- If your cat shows no desire to move
Sometimes, you might notice that your cat has changed their routine or doesn’t seem quite right without specific signs. Your vet will check your cat and suggest any tests or treatments needed. If your cat has a disease that can’t be cured, you’ll have to think about their quality of life. Your vet will tell you if there are medicines or treatments to help your cat live longer, but only if their life could still be good.
The bond between you and your cat is special, so it’s natural to want to keep them alive, even if they start to feel worse.
However, if your cat is always in pain or distress, the best way to show love is to end their suffering.
Read More: 7 Tips to Make Your Home More Comfortable For Your Senior Cat
When is The Right Time to Say Goodbye?
When you go to the vet, they’ll talk to you about your pet’s “quality of life.” This means how much your pet can enjoy life without being in pain or suffering.
Signs that your cat might be in pain and not enjoying life could include:
- Not eating or drinking
- Throwing up
- Having trouble breathing
- Avoiding being touched
- Sitting or lying in a strange way
- Shaking a lot
- Crying
- Being confused or disoriented
- Not wanting to go outside
- Refusing to come inside from the garden
- Changes in their bathroom habits or having accidents inside the house where they usually wouldn’t.
How Should I Prepare For My Cat Being Put to Sleep?
Once you’ve decided, it can be tough emotionally.
To help you through this hard time, you might want to consider:
- Taking some time off work to deal with what’s happened
- Letting the vet’s office know about your situation when you make the appointment – they might be able to schedule your visit during a quieter time
- Bringing a friend or family member along for support
- Asking if the vet can come to your house instead – some vets might agree to this if you’d prefer.
What is Euthanasia?
The term “euthanasia” originates from Greek and means a “good death.” You might also hear about pets being “put down” or “put to sleep.”
The main goal of euthanasia is to ease suffering in a painless manner.
What Happens During Euthanasia?
Some of the events described below might be difficult to watch, but remember that your cat quickly loses consciousness and cannot feel pain after that.
Before your cat is put to sleep, your vet will usually have you sign a consent form. After that, they will start the process.
- Euthanasia is usually done by giving an overdose of anesthesia into a vein in the front leg, though it can be done in other places too.
- A nurse will hold your cat while a small patch of fur is shaved off. Your cat will only feel a tiny prick from the needle – the injection itself is painless.
- Your cat might make a small cry when the injection is given – like with all anesthesia, there might be a brief feeling of dizziness as the drug starts working.
- Unconsciousness happens within a few seconds, often before the injection is even done.
- Death comes within a couple of minutes when the heart stops beating. It might take a bit longer if your cat is very sick or has poor circulation.
- Right after your cat passes away, you might see twitching or hear gasps of air. These aren’t signs of life; they’re reflexes that happen naturally when a cat dies.
- The eyes usually stay open, and sometimes the bladder empties.
Should I Stay With My Cat During Euthanasia?
It’s completely up to you, but many owners find it comforting to be with their pets at the end.
Because of the strong bond you share with your cat, they might also find it comforting to have you there with them.
Read More: 8 Things Your Senior Cat Wants You to Know
What Happens After Euthanasia?
After your cat has been put to sleep, you will be asked what you want to do with their body.
You can choose between:
- Cremation: Usually, this means their body will be cremated with other cats, but you can pay extra for individual ashes to be returned to you.
- Burial: Your vet can provide details on pet cemeteries, or you can bury your cat at home. Just make sure to talk to your vet about any legal rules you need to follow.
If you’re not sure, your vet can keep the body while you decide.
What Can I do to Remember my Cat?
There are many things you can do to remember your pet.
Here are some ideas:
- Ask the vet if you can keep a lock of hair – it’s a common request.
- Hold a ceremony, like a funeral, with loved ones who cared for your cat.
- Create a memorial for your pet.
- Make a scrapbook of memories.
- Set up a small area in your home with a photo and candle as a tribute.
- Write a goodbye letter and bury it with them.
- Write a poem or short story about your life with your pet.
- Share your feelings with others who understand.
- Consider volunteering to help others going through pet loss.
Coping With Your Loss
Losing a cat can be just as heartbreaking as losing any other family member. Everyone experiences grief differently, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a set timeline for it.
You might be going through anticipatory grief if your cat is still alive but you’re already feeling sad about their eventual passing. This kind of grieving can start before the actual loss occurs.
The loss of a beloved cat can be incredibly tough, and you might feel overwhelmed by your emotions while the world around you continues on. You might also feel like nobody understands what you’re going through. Deciding to end your cat’s life can feel like a heavy burden, and it can bring up complex emotions as you mourn and reflect on the situation.
Talking to someone who understands the bond you shared with your cat can help you process your grief and deal with difficult feelings. You could confide in a friend, family member, or reach out to trained volunteers who can offer both emotional support and practical advice.
Should I get another cat?
Deciding to get another cat is entirely up to you and depends on your own situation and how you feel. Every cat is unique, so even if you get one that looks similar, they’ll have their own personality.
It’s important to remember that a new cat isn’t a replacement for the one you lost, but they can still bring joy into your life.
Some people find that getting a new cat helps them move forward and deal with their grief. While you’ll always remember your previous pet, a new cat can bring happiness and laughter back into your home.
Read More: Feeding Your Senior Cat – All You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I do if my cat is already asleep from anesthesia?
A: If your cat is already asleep from anesthesia, it might be kinder to agree to euthanasia without waking them up, even though it’s a difficult decision.
Q: How can I help my children deal with losing a pet?
A: Losing a pet can be really tough for children, especially if it’s their first experience with death. Even if they don’t show it outwardly, they still need support. Be honest with them about what’s happening and try to involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.
Q: Will my other pets feel sad?
A: Pets can also show signs of grief when a member of their family passes away. They might cry, search for the lost pet, or even lose their appetite.
Q: What if no one understands how I feel?
A: Sometimes, people who haven’t had a close relationship with an animal may not understand your grief. It can be helpful to talk to someone who knows what you’re going through, like a friend or support group.
Final Thoughts
Losing a beloved cat is a difficult experience, but it’s important to prioritize their well-being and comfort, especially as they age. Making end-of-life decisions can be tough, but euthanasia can provide a peaceful end to suffering when necessary.
Grieving the loss of a pet is natural, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can help. While the pain may be profound, welcoming a new cat into your life can bring joy and healing, honoring the memory of your previous pet while embracing new companionship.
