Is my cat reaching the end of their life? Signs to look for and when to seek veterinary help

Identifying when your cat is nearing the end of their life can be more tricky than most people expect. After all, changes and deterioration can creep on so gradually that it’s hard to spot the point at which things take a turn for the worse. It can also be challenging to know whether a problem is serious or not. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We list some of the most common end-of-life signs to look out for, as well as when you should seek help. Read on to find out more about what to expect. 

Signs that your cat might be reaching the end of their life 

The signs of end of life will vary between cats, often depending on the progression of any underlying health conditions your pet might have. However, there are some key physical and behavioural things you should look out for. 

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should speak with your own vet or us for advice. 

Physical changes 

Reduced appetite and weight loss – A shift in appetite could indicate that your pet is struggling. Towards the end, many pets can go off their food, or they might only want to pick at treats. If their reduced appetite occurs more gradually or over a prolonged period, you could also notice weight loss in your pet. 

Dehydration – A cat that is not drinking enough, or that has a medical condition affecting their ability to concentrate their urine (like kidney disease), is at risk of dehydration. The signs can be subtle to begin with, but if left untreated, you will notice issues like sunken eyes, dry/tacky gums, loss of skin elasticity (skin doesn’t ‘ping’ back into its normal position when gently pinched), and lethargy. 

Lethargy – A vague symptom that can be associated with many health conditions. Many owners often report noticing it when their pet is nearing the end of their life. Signs of lethargy include sleeping more than usual, lack of interest in playing, and struggling with normal activity around the house.  

Vomiting or abnormal stools – Repeated bouts of vomiting or loose stools might be noted in some unwell cats. Severe or repeated gastrointestinal signs that don’t respond to therapy may be an indication that your cat is losing the battle with their health complaint. 

Weakness – Muscle wastage is very common in older pets nearing the end of their life. This can be due to a combination of factors including underlying joint disease, weight loss and reduced appetite. Neurological issues can also contribute to weakness. Cats with weakness may struggle to jump up or use a scratch post, and have difficulty climbing into the litter tray.
 

Toileting accidents – Urinary and faecal incontinence can be a clear indication that your pet is nearing the end of their life. Inappropriate toileting can also occur due to health conditions like cognitive dysfunction (feline dementia), joint disease, or bladder problems; your vet will suggest the underlying cause. 

Breathing issues – Changes in breathing rate or effort could indicate a terminal issue for some cats. If your cat’s breathing is laboured, noisy, or fast, then you must contact a vet for urgent advice. Conditions like heart failure and cancer can cause serious respiratory problems like these. 

Reduced body temperature – If your cat’s body temperature is low, this could be a sign that the end of their life is very near. A reduced temperature is a sign that their body is struggling to cope. An unwell cat presenting to the vet with a very low body temperature carries a poorer prognosis for recovery. 

Behavioural changes 

Reduced interaction – Owners often mention that their cat is taking themselves off more than usual as they reach the end of their life. Many cats seem to withdraw from normal social interactions, wanting less fuss and play. This may be a survival instinct and a way of feeling safe when they are sick or in pain. 

Reduced grooming – A cat that is nearing the end of its life may struggle with normal behaviours like grooming. This can lead to poor coat condition, matted fur, and increased dander. Cats that are stiff with osteoarthritis often struggle with grooming, but severe dental disease and obesity can also affect a cat’s ability to take care of themselves. 

Changes in sleep pattern – A cat that spends more and more of the day sleeping may be declining. But also note, a cat waking in the night or struggling to rest might be dealing with disruptive health issues like painful joints, cognitive dysfunction, or even cancer. 

Increased vocalisation – Some cats may yowl or howl as they reach the end of their life. This can be due to cognitive decline or sometimes because of pain. 

Confusion – Owners may notice that their cat seems disorientated. Perhaps they get lost en route to the litter tray, forget where their food bowl is, or seem confused about why they wanted to go outside. Confusion can be a sign of cognitive decline, but dehydration and other illnesses can also affect your cat’s mental state. 

Disinterest – Did your cat used to love their squeaky mouse toy but now they don’t seem to care? A loss of interest in their toys or environment can be a poor sign. It indicates your pet is either too depressed or physically unable to interact with their possessions like they used to. 

When should I call my vet? 

If you see any of the signs on our lists, it’s worth speaking with your vet. After an examination and taking a detailed history, your vet will be able to advise you further on your cat’s condition. Some of the things we have mentioned might be treatable, and it could just be that your cat needs a bit of extra support to help them feel better. 

However, if it’s confirmed that your cat is very close to the end of their life, then a decision will need to be made in your pet’s best interests. 

Quality of life check 

Many vets will discuss quality of life with pet parents that are debating euthanasia. A cat with a good quality of life will be in reasonable health, comfortable, and able to enjoy their usual daily activities. If your cat is having ‘more bad days than good’, this could be an indication they are no longer coping and that their quality of life is deteriorating. In this case, euthanasia is a caring act designed to help limit your pet’s suffering. 

Saying goodbye can be incredibly difficult, so we have put together our ‘Is it time?’ checklist to help. Gradual changes may go unnoticed when you see your cat every day, so this list of questions should help focus things for you. 

If you think euthanasia is the right approach now, then message or give us a call to chat things through. 

Summary 

There are many signs that your cat could be nearing the end of their life. Deteriorating pets may show just one or two of these symptoms, or they could display several. 

If you’re not sure, then it’s always worth getting a vet to look at your cat. A qualified professional will be able to determine what problems might be treatable or not. 

If you have made the kind decision that it’s time to say goodbye, then don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated and empathetic team are here to help you through this challenging time.