Older cat is dying, how to make her as comfortable as possible?

Question

I believe my husband's 16 year old cat is dying. She's always been horribly nasty to me. In the past 3 or 4 days she's started coming to me to be petted and purring constantly. She has stayed in the living room pretty much full time for the past year and a half since I moved in, and now she comes to the back of the house. She'll follow both my husband and I around and meow randomly. She also has become friendly with the other cats. She hasn't been eating much for the past few days. She stopped eating hard food all together, and will only a little canned foor. She's drinking more often than usual. We want to ler her go naturally, here at home with us, unless she starts What are signs to look for that mean she is suffering? How can we make her last few days with us as comfortable for her as possible?

To everyone who stated their opinion about the vet calmly and nicely, thank you. We're taking her to the vet first thing in the morning.

To those of you who insinuated that I was being cruel to the animal, I greatly apologize for consulting my mother on the subject and listening to her advice.

Answer 1

Cat is NOT dying... she is clearly aging and could have a few issues that the vet can fix. Drinking a lot CAN be a sign of kidney disease, but even with that, if taken care of, the cat can live comfortably for another few years. Take the poor cat to the vet please.

Answer 2

I have learned many things about cats since I have 4 now that are FIV+. She's not eating dry food and little canned food---Have you checked her teeth and mouth for any sores or blisters? Also, if her breath is bad she probably needs dental work from the vet. (Really, her teeth being bad can hurt her alot) I'd be concerned that she is drinking more often than usual--Kidney problems? There's no such thing as letting her go naturally anymore. do you want to see her suffer more and more over a little thing you could have taken care of easily. Take her to the vet as soon as you can, so he can explain to you what the problem is and what you can do for her. You know, a cat I had a long time ago I just couldn't let go, so the doctor gave me pills just to make her more comfortable, she was too far gone for him to make it all better. Finally, I had her put down, but the vet said she would have died that day and it would have been very painful to her, so I'm glad I let her go.

Answer 3

Any change in behavior with older cats can be a sign that's something is wrong. However signs that they are near the end can include lack of interest in food, wanting to be left alone, not moving much, losing weight plus various other things. However these symptoms can also so be symptoms of a great many illnesses that cats get, including many treatable ones. It may be worth having her checked by vet to see if anything can be done for her. Even if nothing can help her he may have more idea how much time shes got.

Answer 4

I am so sorry to hear about your cat. It's a very hard thing to go through, I know, I've been there a few times my self. I think you will know when she is ready to pass. She might go into hiding, some cats do. In the wild they will run away to find a place to pass. Or she might pass in her sleep. Try to keep her warm with a heating pad on low with a little blanket over it. Let her lay on it for comfort and warmth. She's drinking, which is good, let her drink as much as she wants. If she is eating a little wet food, that is good too. I can't account for her being friendly towards you tho. That puzzles me a little. But, they can sense when they are going to pass, it's like a 6th sense with cats. Just take it one day at a time. If you need help right away or are in doubt with any thing about the cat's health. I would suggest you call your veterinarian for advice. I hope this helped out a bit.

Answer 5

For me personally I could never "prolong" my pets death. Obviously she isn't feeling good and probably hasn't "groomed" herself for sometime now. Cats will pant when they are in shock but do not always do so when dying. Many times when a pet is seriously ill they won't leave your side, yet some will go off in a dark corner to die. Sometimes cats will try to get under something and hide in something, like blankets, etc.

Older cats will not eat much hard food because it hurts their teeth, so soft food should always be offered.
I had a 12 yr old cat who had been losing weight but had no other symptoms. Her teeth were still very white and good but she was just old. Your cat is an old cat........about 80 in cat years?
My mom mentioned one day that my 92 yr old grandmother had problems chewing meat because it hurt her mouth/teeth (she still had all her own). The only thing wrong with my grandmothers teeth were because of the loss of bone (that teeth are anchored to), not the teeth themselves, and she was 92 yrs. old!
It dawned on STUPID me that it might be my cats problem too and I offered her soft, canned food and she ate it like she had been starving for weeks!!
Your cat drinking lots of water is most likely due to renal failure or kidney disease. She sounds like she is just old but I would have a vet check her out and ask him for his honest opinion.

Answer 6

When it comes to your pets last days. I beleive you will know. I lost my son (cat) almost 2 years ago After thousands spent at the vet. The day came I knew I am getting choked up even now. He layed on my lap gave a meow, that I knew, his illness went on for months he had a rare cancer. My son meowed as my mate took him to his passing to the vet. Very painful. If your pet is that ill and you want her to pass at home some vets will put them to sleep at your home for an extra fee. If they dont eat seem to be in pain and a vet gives your the diagnosis and what you can expect, you will know. My heart goes out to you

Answer 7

Your cat may have chronic renal failure, which, although not curable, is treatable. Dying of dehydration is not a humane way to die.

Make an appointment with your vet to find out what's wrong and what can be done about it.

My cat Sara had always been affectionate to me. But when she became increasingly affectionate, I knew something was wrong. That's when she was diagnosed with chronic renal failure and hyperthyroidism. She had to be hospitalized for a weekend for IV and antibiotic treatment. I learned how to administer subcutaneous fluids, which she needed daily, and she had another five months of life. However, it is not uncommon at all for cats with CRF -- even seniors -- to live YEARS after being diagnosed, if they are treated.

Answer 8

You will only know if the cat is suffering, and to what extent, based on a veterinary exam. If there is a problem or condition or disease, your vet will diagnose it and you will be able to find out about pain management for what's wrong as well as an estimation of your cat's current pain (if any) and a prognosis regarding her "natural" life span.

Answer 9

as you say, if she seems to be suffering, you'll do the needful thing. you are doing nothing wrong. try feeding her steamed chicken & fish, easier for her aged teeth & jaws to deal with. plenty of water, & give her plenty love & attention. maybe help her onto seats, beds etc with a wee lift. her old bones won't let her jump as she used to. oh! & forgive any wee "accidents". old animals get incontinent the same as old people. she's not being "bad", she can't help it. keep up the good work & i hope the wee one enjoys the (hopefully) years she has left with you.
that said, i would seek vetinary advice regarding her condition & health in general. that's the only sure way to know that your cat's well or otherwise. all the best to all of you.

Answer 10

Give her the love she craves for.Let her eat what ever she wants.You will know that she is done when she stops eating all together.Then it is time.Eating stops and they will not want to drink water.They will wither in about two days,dehydrate.Now you know that it is time for a shot from the vet so as not to suffer from dehydration.Best of luck it's hard to say good bye to an old friend.