Easing Your Cat’s Suffering When the End Is Near

It might be the tug at your heartstrings. It might be a feeling that your cat is slowing down. Maybe your cat has lost his appetite or willingness to labor across the floor to the water dish. Somehow a pet owner just knows when the time in coming near.

Easing those last days is a labor of love. The first signs might be a loss of appetite, lack of grooming, and a halt to the daily routine of following you around for companionship. Your cat may hide or choose to sleep in a different spot. Many very ill cats sleep with their noses pointed to the floor.

During this emotional time, it’s very hard to measure the comfort and quality of your cat’s life against the thought of losing your pet. Immense sadness can influence your decisions. It’s so very tempting to hold your pet close for as long as you can.

I’ve had many animals and every death, whether natural or by euthanasia, strikes the heart so painfully. A treasured pet died on my lap after suffering grand mal seizures. I comforted my childhood cat, a beautiful marble-colored tabby, for three hours after a stroke paralyzed her. I know that I eased her suffering as I stroked her soft fur, waiting for the vet’s office to open. Putting her down was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.

Love and comfort

The common thread to every situation is the love and comfort we provide our animals. These critters come to us for everything they need, every single day of their lives. Comforting your cat when their time is near is no different. Your gentle touch and reassuring presence are the perfect balm for your ailing animal. The same care you provide your animal every day will ease them the most.

When you choose to let go of your animal often comes over you like the click of a switch. Maybe it’s when you realize you can handle the grief. Or possibly, it’s after you have the chance to say goodbye. I was lucky with most of my animals. I had the chance to say goodbye, to comfort them as the end approached, and for many of them, to hold them in my arms when they left this world. I think you’ll find that by comforting your cat through those final days, you’ll find your beloved pet comforts you as well.

So many animals are taken from us before their time due to vicious diseases. I had one such cat, Puddy Tat, who blessed us with her cattitude for almost eight years. She had mouth cancer, a fast moving disease that causes sores to form on the mouth and nose. Our vet recommended taking her home and making her comfortable. I begged him to trim the dying skin on her face and bathe her. He refused. I called another vet, explained that I just wanted her to be more comfortable. He completely agreed and greatly increased the quality of her remaining days. Puddy was hand-groomed and hand-fed for three weeks before she died.

Tips for easing your cat’s suffering

In a perfect world, you’ll be able to make the most of your time with your cat. Lavish love and attention on your pet, keep her warm and comfortable. Remember that your cat just wants to be with you. Your presence eases her pain and suffering. Try placing your animal in her favorite sunny spot and snuggle down right next to her. Keep your cat warm with hot water bottle under a blanket.

Place a water dish and mashed food near your cat’s sleeping spot. If your cat refuses to eat or drink, try spoon feeding water or broth. Dehydration and starvation are a slow and painful death for any animal. And a difficult thing for a cat parent to watch. I’m not suggesting delaying the inevitable. The cruel hand of fate always brings a crisis on the weekend or at nighttime when there are no vets available to help.

Cats are so good at hiding pain. For this reason, it’s so hard for owners to judge exactly when the time is right to euthanize. Seek the advice of your vet. He’s the very best person for assessing your cat’s situation. During this difficult time, take someone with you to hold your hand and be that second set of ears when speaking to your vet. This will help you with the difficult process of letting go.