When to Put a Cat Down: 8 Signs a Cat is Dying

When you have an elderly or ill cat, every moment you get to spend with them can feel like a gift. But with that gift comes a responsibility. Caring for a senior cat or sick feline is a balancing act. Pet parents must weigh their cat’s condition against their quality of life and always be on the lookout for signs a cat is dying.

Deciding when it’s time to put a cat down is a heartbreaking decision. But it’s crucial to ensure elderly or ill cats don’t suffer as their condition worsens.

While most of us would prefer our pets to die peacefully in their sleep, statistics tell a different story. Research shows that feline euthanasia accounts for over 80 percent of domestic cat deaths. (1) And the leading causes of “natural” cat deaths are trauma, renal disorder, and cancer, (2) all of which can be quite painful.  

As a veterinarian with experience in feline-only practice, I’ve guided countless pet parents on this difficult journey. To help you prepare for this decision, here’s what you need to know about euthanasia. I’ll walk you through how to know if your cat is dying so you can recognize when it might be time to say goodbye. 

Cat Euthanasia: A Humane Option

The term “euthanasia” comes from the Greek words meaning “a good death.” For animals, it’s often a painless, humane way to end suffering due to various diseases, conditions, and injuries. 

Of course, if you’re considering this option for a beloved pet, it’s never this simple. However, it’s important to consider the realities of a sick or elderly cat’s life, as well.

Cats live in the moment. They feel what’s happening now but can’t really comprehend that short-term suffering might lead to long-term relief. If you don’t believe me, try convincing a cat that taking medication might make them feel better in the future. It’s not as easy as it seems.

This lack of understanding makes treating sick or elderly cats difficult. There are practical concerns, like the expense and frustration of convincing cats to take their medication. But there are also ethical issues when treating a senior or sick cat causes them to suffer even more.

For many pet parents, it comes down to one question: What’s more important — the length of my cat’s life or the quality of it? Euthanasia offers cats a peaceful, painless death, making it often the most humane option. It’s a way to ensure sick or failing cats don’t endure unnecessary suffering.

Many pet parents want to know: Do cats know they are dying? While we can’t be certain whether or not they do, we do know that felines do feel pain (even though cats tend to hide their pain). And natural cat deaths often involve pain, fear, hunger, and thirst.

Preventing this suffering is essential, and one of the greatest gifts you can give your cat. 

Putting a Cat Down: What Happens?

When you’ve seen the signs your cat is dying, you can opt for euthanasia as a way to make sure they don’t suffer. But what does that actually entail?

Here’s what to expect: Veterinarians generally start by giving cats a sedative to help them sleep. Then they’ll provide an overdose of anesthetic. This stops your cat’s heart, transferring them from sleeping to death quickly and painlessly.

Typically, the procedure occurs in a peaceful environment at a veterinary clinic or surgery center. However, vets who specialize in at-home euthanasia can provide the service in your home. Depending on the laws in your area, you can often choose to keep and bury their body or send it for cremation. 

Cat euthanasia cost is a concern for many pet parents. Generally, taking your cat to your vet for the procedure is less expensive. If you have somewhere to bury them and local laws allow it, it can cost less than $100.

Costs go up if you choose at-home pet euthanasia or you cremate your cat. There may be financial assistance at the veterinary clinic or from local shelters and charities. Ask your vet for more information about local assistance organizations.  

Most importantly, choosing euthanasia means your cat is now at peace. It’s a kinder, nicer end than a natural death at the end of a chronic disease, which can often take a few days.

8 Signs Your Cat is Dying: What to Look For

As a pet parent, deciding when it’s time to say goodbye to your cat is incredibly difficult. Below are some common cat end-of-life signs that may indicate your pet is nearing the end of their life.

1. Vocalization: If your cat is crying, yowling, or moaning, these are signs your cat is in severe pain. If your vet prescribes pain medication and the behavior persists, it means your cat is still suffering. It may be time to consider euthanasia.
2. Breathing Changes: If your cat is panting, struggling to breathe, or breathing rapidly, these could be signs of pain. They could also be symptoms of advanced heart disease, lung disease, or metabolic conditions. Either way, pet parents should take breathing changes seriously as they may indicate the end is near.
3. Lack of Appetite (Inappetence): It’s not uncommon for cats to go off their food occasionally. However, if your cat refuses to eat for more than 48 hours or can’t keep food and water down, this is a concerning sign. Inappetence is also a common stage of many diseases in cats. So discuss the behavior with your vet immediately to determine the next steps.
4. Weight Loss: Severe weight loss is never a good sign in cats and can be a sign your cat is dying. Sudden, unintentional weight loss is also a warning sign to watch out for. While there may be things your vet can do to help your cat stabilize or gain weight, often the cause is an underlying disease. For example, in cats with kidney failure, severe weight loss and weakness are common signs that the end is near.
5. Poor Grooming: Cats are normally meticulous about hygiene. If your feline stops grooming and allows their fur to get matted or soiled, this can be a sign of serious decline.
6. Collapsing: Unless your cat recently had surgery, sudden collapse or inability to stand in cats is concerning. It suggests severe weakness or dizziness that may not be treatable, especially in an old cat with chronic disease.
7. Disinterest: While hard to assess, your cat’s enjoyment of normal things can tell you a lot about their health. It may not mean much if they ignore a favorite toy once or twice. But if your cat consistently shows no interest in things that once brought them joy, it could be a sign that they are nearing the end.
8. Seizures: If your cat often has seizures despite being on anti-epilepsy drugs, it may be time to say goodbye. The more seizures they have, the more brain damage they may suffer. So frequent or continuous feline seizing is bad news for you and your cat.

Remember, this list isn’t exhaustive or proof positive that your pet is going through dying cat stages. You know your cat better than anyone, so if you have any concerns, it’s best to get them checked at a veterinary clinic.

When to Consider Euthanasia for Cats

Recognizing the signs your cat is dying is just one part of the decision. The problem is that the signs are seldom so clear-cut and absolute. So, how do you know when it’s time to put your cat down?

I usually tell pet parents that there’s a line before which it would be too soon and a line after which it would be too late. The grey zone in the middle comes down to personal preference.

And that can be challenging. Even more so when cats experience a gradual slide into illness that makes it hard to tell when they’ve crossed that invisible line.

Every cat is an individual, and every family is unique, too. Even cats with the same disease may experience different symptoms, and their families may have different lifestyles and priorities. Ultimately, when to consider euthanasia depends on your circumstances.

Many vets recommend using a Quality-of-Life Assessment Tool, which is like a “when to put your cat down checklist.” These tools provide an objective way to assess your cat’s quality of life. There are many tools available, but I like this one from Lap of Love and this one from Dove Lewis.

When to put your cat down: checklist of questions

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it might be time to put your cat down:

• Is your cat showing any signs they are dying (listed above)? And has your vet run out of feasible and affordable treatment options?
• Has your cat been diagnosed with a condition that will be difficult to manage due to financial, medical, or behavioral issues?
• Does your cat’s condition prevent them from doing things they enjoy?
• Does your cat have more bad days than good ones?

The decision of when to put your cat down is incredibly personal. But if your answers to the questions above cause concern, please discuss the results with your veterinarian.

It’s common to feel guilty about making the decision to put your cat to sleep. But it’s important to remember your decision is doing your cat the ultimate kindness. 

Making Your Cat’s Last Days Count: 6 Tips and Ideas

Knowing your cat is nearing the end of their life doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy their remaining time. Here are some ways to make their last days special:

• Tasty Treats: Offer foods or treats they usually don’t get.
• Adapted Play: Modify their favorite games so they can still enjoy them.
• Family Visits: Ensure their favorite family member spends time with them.
• Comfort: Provide extra blankets and cushions for maximum comfort.
• Quality Time: Spend time cuddling, taking photographs, or simply being together.
• Mementos: Consider taking paw prints or hair clippings as keepsakes.

What you choose to do with your cat is up to you and depends on your cat’s personality and medical condition. Don’t forget it’s ok to change your plans for their last days if your cat’s condition suddenly changes. A common saying amongst vets is that euthanasia is “better a day too soon than an hour too late.”

You don’t want your cat to suffer because you’re sticking firmly to your plan. So prepare to be flexible if things change.

Living With Your Decision

Whether you’ve noticed signs that your cat is dying or your vet has suggested euthanasia, the decision is never easy. Being prepared is key to ensuring your cat doesn’t suffer in the final stages of their life.

Deciding when to say goodbye is the hardest choice a pet parent has to make, but it’s an important act of kindness. Your veterinarian can provide support and an objective view of your cat’s quality of life and pain relief options.

It’s also important to give yourself time to grieve and heal following the decision and the loss of your pet. Your vet may also be able to direct you to pet loss support resources.

Remember, this decision is about giving your cat the peace and comfort they deserve after a life well-lived (and loved)!

References:

1. Teng, Kendy Tzu-Yun et al. “Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK.” Journal of feline medicine and surgery vol. 26,5 (2024): 1098612X241234556. doi:10.1177/1098612X241234556
2. Kent, Michael S et al. “Longevity and mortality in cats: A single institution necropsy study of 3108 cases (1989-2019).” PloS one vol. 17,12 e0278199. 29 Dec. 2022, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0278199