As a pet owner, you will eventually have to face the dreaded day of saying goodbye to your beloved pet. However, you can grieve while also treasuring the final moments with your pet. We’re sharing different ways you can make your cat’s last day memorable.
How Can I Give My Cat a Good Last Day?
Make your cat as comfortable as possible, give special treats, and spend time doing what you both enjoy to make your cat’s final day particularly special. These include playing with toys, letting your cats sleep anywhere they like, and taking pictures to remember the moment.
You’ll want to do everything in your power to make your cat feel cherished as she approaches the end of life. With the help of these ideas, your cat may have one last enjoyable day before crossing the rainbow bridge.
Give Special Treats
In order to keep your cat’s weight and diet in check early in life, some pet owners restrict the delectable food they consume. As they get close to the end of their lives, indulge them with something they have never tasted before.
- Offer your cat’s favorite treats and nibbles, if they still have an appetite, to make their last day memorable. It can be chewy biscuits or fish-flavored dental treats.
- Don’t worry about dietary restrictions during their last days. Let your cat eat what they want and spoil them with a delicious treat. Give them their first taste of cheese, yogurt, or fried chicken.
- The New York Times reports that about 65% of owners buy gifts for their cats, while 23% cook special meals for their pets. Instead of canned food, why not cook some real tuna or tuna flakes for your cat?
However, cats with terminal illnesses like lymphoma and cancer may not have a fully functional gastrointestinal tract. As a result, some foods may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. They may also not have an appetite at this point, so consider giving them aromatic food to encourage them to eat.
Create a Calm and Comfortable Space
Cats nearing the end of life may feel uncomfortable. This is why it’s crucial that you create a serene and quiet environment so your pet can rest peacefully.
- Minimize unfamiliar visitors: Set aside this day for your pet, and do not expect visitors. Make sure that if you have to meet guests that day, they will be in a different room from where your pet sleeps.
- Play calming music: Play classical music or sounds like birds chirping to help soothe your pet.
- Keep food and toys close: Don’t make your cat go up and down the stairs to get food, water, and toys. Additionally, keep the litter box nearby.
- Dim bright lights: A cat’s sensitivity to lights is six times greater than a human’s. Allow daylight to enter the room by raising the window coverings during the day. When the sun sets, switch to dim illumination.
- Prepare a clean, comfortable bed: Most cats who are close to crossing over might wish to sleep, so make a tidy, comfy bed for them. You can also put a heating pad on your cat’s bed.
- Consider pain medication: If your cat is experiencing pain and is very ill, ask your veterinarian about a prescription for painkillers.
Spend Time Together
Spending time with your cat is among the best ways to have your pet experience a final good day. These are the actions you can take to make the most of the remaining time.
This is also a great way to help your child with pet loss, and prepare yourself emotionally if you’ll be staying with your cat during euthanasia.
Do Your Favorite Thing Together
Does your cat like to order meals at a drive-thru? Perhaps your pet enjoys running by the lakeside. Does your cat love to hang out on your balcony with your kids?
Depending on your cat’s health and mobility, you can make your pet’s last day memorable by doing your favorite activities. Whatever it is, let your pet experience such things one last time.
Snuggle With Your Pet
Some cats want to spend their last hours close to their chosen humans. Snuggling is a wonderful way to show your love if you don’t want your pet to exert much effort.
Take Photos
Even though this is a difficult time, you might look back on your pet’s final day and wish you had taken more photos, especially if it was something you were doing together for the last time.
Capture your best moments on camera. Recreate the first picture you took together. In time, these pictures can give you comfort when you look at them.
Say Goodbye
A study shows that domestic cats are perceptive to human emotional signals. While your pet won’t fully comprehend your words, you can hold a solemn memorial by sharing stories about your time together.
Friends and family can also say a few words that can provide comfort and closure for you. Think of it as a heartfelt farewell for your cherished pet.
Related Questions
When Is It Time to Say Goodbye to My Cat?
You’ll know it’s time to say goodbye to your cat when you assess that your cat’s quality of life seems poor. When there are more bad days than good, especially in health, this may also be the right time to consider euthanasia as the most humane option to let go of your pet.
What Does End of Life Look Like for Cats?
Cats getting close to the end of their lives may be less energetic, have dull fur, and suffer from breathing problems. You may also encounter dying cats who tend to sleep more, become depressed, or appear listless.
How Can I Remember My Pet?
There are several ways your kids can remember their pets. You can memorialize your pet by creating a unique memento. There are several options including: nose print necklaces, paw print paperweights, bead necklaces, and travel marbles.
Conclusion
You can give your cat a good last day by bonding with your pet, creating a calm environment, and giving them a special treat. Consider in-home pet euthanasia and cremation to spend the final hours of your cat’s life with compassion and dignity.