When your beloved pet cat is nearing their last days, you may feel overwhelmed and unprepared, causing emotional distress for both your cat and yourself during this sensitive time. This article on how to comfort a dying cat provides compassionate, practical guidance to help support your cat through their final stages to provide a peaceful and dignified transition.
How to Comfort a Dying Cat
When a cat is actively dying, you can comfort your feline friend by making necessities easily accessible, establishing a calming, comfortable space, and providing pain medication. Spending quality time together by giving cuddles and treats can help ease your pet’s discomfort during their final days. This can also give you enough time to say a loving goodbye.
Saying goodbye to a beloved cat is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences you will face. While this moment is painful, you can transform your cat’s final day into a meaningful, loving celebration of your shared moments together. With the help of these ideas, your cat may have one last enjoyable day before crossing the rainbow bridge.
1. Give Special Treats
Cats with terminal illnesses like lymphoma and cancer may experience a loss of appetite due to a compromised gastrointestinal tract, leading to difficulty in maintaining normal feeding. To keep your cat’s weight and diet in check, some owners restrict the delectable food they consume. As cats get close to the end of their lives, it’s ok to let them indulge in food 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 meat or fish-flavored dental treats.
- Don’t worry about dietary restrictions during their last days. Comfort your cat by letting them eat what they want and spoil them with delicious treats. 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?
2. Make a Clean, Comfortable Bed Available
Most felines close to crossing over might wish to sleep, so make a tidy, comfy bed for them. They may end up choosing a particular spot where they can just rest and be alone. You can make this place more comfortable by making these simple modifications to your cat’s bed.
- Layer extra blankets to create thick, cushioned bedding that’s changed regularly.
- Place a heating pad beneath blankets on a low setting for gentle warmth.
- Add extra padding around the edges to create a cozy, nest-like environment.
3. Keep a Cat’s Space Calm and Comfortable
Recognizing and responding to your cat’s changing needs with patience and tenderness can bring comfort. You’ll want to do everything in your power to make your cat feel cherished and comfortable as they approach their final moments. You can create a serene and quiet environment to keep your cat warm as they rest peacefully.
- Set aside this day for your household, 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 cat sleeps.
- Play classical music or sounds like birds chirping to help soothe your kitty friend, especially for an old cat who would love some peace and quiet.
- A cat’s sensitivity to light 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.
4. Give Easy Access to Basic Necessities
Remember, an aging cat, particularly one nearing the end of its life, may no longer be as agile as they once were. To help them feel more comfortable, adjust their environment to accommodate their changing physical abilities. Offering compassion while preserving their independence and dignity can help reduce their stress and frustration.
- Eating and drinking can sometimes be a struggle for lethargic pets. Place the food bowl and water bowl at easily reachable heights. Consider using shallow dishes as many cats may have difficulty bending down.
- Position the litter box in a quiet, accessible location with low sides for easy entry, helping avoid accidents when mobility decreases.
- Keep toys close. Don’t make pets go up and down the stairs to get their favorite items.
5. Spend Time Together
Pets getting close to the end of their lives may be less energetic. As cats reach their final days, they may lose interest in doing their usual activities. However, you can help them experience those moments one last time. It’s also a good way to make your cat comfortable and have a final good day.
- 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 cat experience such things one last time, whether it’s hanging out on the balcony with your kids or lounging by the lakeside.
- Some felines 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 cat to exert much effort.
- 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 final moments on camera.
6. Look Into Pain Medication
Pain meds remain key components of a cat’s end-of-life care as they help prevent unnecessary suffering, even when approaching death. Your vet can give prescription pain medication to help keep your cat comfortable. Mix prescribed medication into small amounts of highly appealing wet food.
- Crush tablets and mix with broth or tuna juice if approved by a veterinarian.
- Use a syringe if direct administration is needed.
7. Say Goodbye
A study shows that domestic cats are perceptive to human emotional signals. While your cat won’t fully comprehend your words, think of it as a heartfelt farewell. 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.
- You can grieve while also treasuring the final moments with your beloved cat. Hold a solemn memorial by sharing stories about your time together.
- Let friends and family say a few words that can provide comfort and closure for you.
- Take time to sit quietly with your cat, gently petting them and speaking softly to provide comfort and reassurance.
Related Questions
What Are the Warning Signs of a Cat Dying?
Common signs a cat is dying include significant behavioral changes like extreme lethargy, complete loss of appetite, dramatic weight loss, low body temperature, reduced heart rate and respiration, and a strong tendency towards seclusion. These warning signs indicate a cat may be nearing death.
How to Tell if a Cat Is Suffering?
Sick animals often display clear distress through changes in behavior and physical appearance. Observable indicators include persistent discomfort, significant alterations in movement, withdrawal from social interactions, and unusual vocalization patterns.
What Is the Last Stage in a Cat’s Life Cycle?
The final stage in a feline’s life cycle is characterized by profound reclusiveness or hiding, where the cat’s behavior dramatically shifts towards seeking isolation and minimizing interaction. This stage represents a significant decline in physical and mental functioning, signaling the approaching end of your pet’s days.
What Do I Do if My Cat Dies at Home?
When a cat passes, it’s important to approach the situation with compassion and practicality. Start by contacting a veterinarian for guidance or a cremation service, such as Paws into Grace, for advice on the next steps. It’s also essential to prepare for the respectful handling of your pet’s remains, which may involve cremation or burial, based on your preferences and local regulations.
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 feline friend.
How Can I Remember My Pet?
There are several ways your kids can remember their pets, including memorializing your cat by creating a unique memento. Options include nose print necklaces, paw print paperweights, bead necklaces, and beloved bead keychains.
Conclusion
Knowing how to help your cat pass comfortably can transform a potentially traumatic experience into a moment of deep connection and loving support for your beloved pet. Paws iInto Grace offers professional resources and compassionate advice to help you navigate this difficult journey with your cat during their final interactions.
