Weight loss is a case of calorie balance – either reduced intake, reduced absorption or increased use or loss. If you don't know the correct spelling, it's likely your friend has used it previously on Facebook or other social media channels. If you weren’t trying to help your cat lose weight, and especially if your cat is a senior, there might be a health issue to blame. This does not mean that you are purging all trace of your cat, though. Specific hormones are responsible for your cat’s hair growth and in turn, may also be the reason why your cat is losing hair. Last year I had to help my 15-year-old cat, Mr. Jazz, cross to the Bridge. Broadly, shock is when the brain is deprived of oxygen and the circulatory system slows down. I share If you've noticed your cat suddenly losing weight, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition or illness. These can appear shortly before its heart gives out, or when the cardiomyopathy is non-fatally triggered by heightened blood pressure. Without it, your cat's blood … Causes of Sudden Death in Cats. Part of the hardest part of losing a cat suddenly is explaining the event to a young child. This will be enhanced by a lack of full comprehension as to what happened. When a beloved pet dies, the grief and the pain of the loss of our trusted friend and companion can be difficult to handle. By undertaking activities that would not have involved your cat, you can find new passions. Although venom lethality varies between species, a venomous bite of any kind can be a mortal wound for a cat. The loss of a beloved pet is no different to losing a human family member. Behavior. 17 Reasons Why Your Cat Having Trouble Jumping on Things. The kidneys process waste, regulate fluid composition in the body, and stimulate red blood cell production. He is the proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. The cat may lose hearing in only one ear or in both, depending upon the causes of the loss. He doesn’t eat dry cat food as much as he used to, so we have been feeding him wet food. Pet Safety & Injury Prevention . Do not claim that the cat ran away and will come back soon. Don’t berate yourself for the times you were too busy to play or pet a cat. I'm so sorry to hear that your cat has passed away. This includes sepsis, when a bacterial infection moves into the blood, and shock, which can be caused by any number of traumas and ailments. Failure to do so will just allow overwhelming sadness to build. Even if you do not blame yourself directly for your cat’s demise, you may dwell. Thank you for being here and supporting others who are feeling sad about the loss of coping with the loss of a beloved cat can be truly devastating but hopefully this after losing a cat this couple found note from stranger revealing how their kitty changed her life . The sudden death of a beloved pet is an upsetting event that many cat owners have experienced. Do not go through the process alone. This will invariably enhance and magnify the hole in your heart cause by your cat’s death. Following recovery, the cat will likely be on medication for life. I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your cat. One study, published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal, found that half of all cats that died unexpectedly did so due to trauma. You must be ready for this. In between, accept that you are grieving. Allow children to grieve in their own way, showing patience and understanding. She stopped climbing onto the top of the couch and was eating a little less. Airborne poisonings are typically restricted to an over-exposure to carbon monoxide. Beyond this, offer support. Pretty as they are, lilies are extremely toxic to cats. An abundance of cats still need loving homes, and you could provide this. Keep working through the techniques discussed above to manage mourning. Gather favored photos of your cat and make a scrapbook or collage. Guilt is an emotion commonly associated with bereavement. Crying or loud meowing while trying to urinate, Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, How To Cope with The Sudden Death of a Cat. This way, you are less likely to draw unfavorable comparisons. Depression From the Loss of Your Cat . Treat the death of a cat the same way you would a human. There are stories of cats dying, seemingly for no reason. Symptoms include intense itching (itch causes your cat to over groom or chew the fur), redness, scaly patches, and hair loss. Keeping a cat indoors, or creating a secure outdoor enclosure, limits its exposure to a number of the above threats. You may set out food and water out of habit. The loss of pets is taken increasingly seriously in the 21st Century. It is important to remember that no vet will take the decision to euthanize lightly. If a cat is taken unexpectedly ill or experiences an accident, the impact can be severe. Juvenile heartworms also live in the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, where issues can arise. If the cat is aging, its hearing loss may be actually a combination of nerve damage and the gradual fusing together of the tiny bones in the cat’s inner ear. As the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine notes, remission from diabetic ketoacidosis is possible with effective treatment. iStock . Losing a cat is a heartbreaking experience. Here are a few messages that will work well on a pet sympathy card. Heart Problems. Regardless, the signs of heartworm disease include: Preventing heartworm disease rests primarily on ensuring that your cat is kept up to date on its heartworm medications. Posted Feb 19, 2017 If you feel that you miss feline company, you can still enjoy this. Like you, it was Kia dying all alone that was one of the things that hurt me the most. Other pets, especially fellow felines, will acknowledge the change in circumstances. Holding a funeral for your cat may also be cathartic. The Journal of Counselling and Development explains how hard pet bereavement can hit teenagers. Say goodbye, acknowledge your grief, and allow yourself to feel sad. Volunteer at a local charity. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it ingests larval heartworms. Others may suffer severe constriction of the airway and respiratory distress, severe enough to result in death. Although not all cat weight loss is caused by cancer, it is a relatively common culprit. Many professional counsellors will discuss your feelings with you. Then, take it to the vet as soon as possible. The key is to take each day as it comes. Cardiomyopathy is neither preventable nor curable. stephen pontious. Nobody should go through bereavement alone. It seems unfaithful to the memory of a dearly departed companion. As a reminder, these are: Initially, you may refuse to accept that your cat is gone. Pet Facts. If a cat is taken unexpectedly ill or experiences an accident, the impact can be severe. Why is My Cat So Scared of Everything All of a Sudden? Your cat is unwell and requires medication, or is surrounded by…, If your cat snores while it’s in a deep sleep, you might wonder whether it’s normal or not. The online realm also hosts many forums designed to aid and support pet bereavement. Strokes can cause sudden death. In your cat, bald patches and hair loss can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance. What changes in sociability or energy level would indicate that my cat might be sick? Even if two cats did not get along, one passing may still be mourned. The bargaining stage can be linked to guilt. This causes dehydration, which leads to further metabolic imbalances. Cats are part of our family. If your cat suddenly stops eating after receiving a vaccine, it could be a side effect. Once a larva has matured, which takes 3-4 months, it travels to the heart. Richard earned his degree in journalism in 2008. Start a creative endeavor, like painting or writing. Here are some of the most common problems. Just had to put Maya, my female Maine Coon darling down. To find out more about sudden weight loss in cats – probable reasons and warning signs read on… Unlike other forms of heart disease, cardiomyopathy is hereditary and not a result of improper diet or exercise. Although choking isn’t common, it can happen. Supplements. Sudden, unintentional weight loss in cats is usually indicative of a larger problem that requires the assistance of a cat vet in Alexandria, VA to diagnose. It is important that you say goodbye to your cat. Recognizing heart failure is key in treating it – and, yes, heart failure is treatable if caught early on. It’s worth noting that the symptoms of heartworm disease can also indicate other ailments. Prevention is key. What’s more, the cat will notice. Sometimes there is little you can do to prevent your cat loss of appetite. Where possible, add the pet's name for a personal touch. Make time for play, ensuring that no further routines are changed. Give yourself enough time and space to do so. This includes both human and animal family members. This could be food, organic material (like plants), or small objects (like bottle caps, pen lids, or broken toy pieces). You need to complete the grieving process in your own time. If this is a sudden change in demeanor, there will be a fear-based explanation. It’s unfair, and a horrid shock. Her owner grew concerned when she recently started to lose her balance. Depending on the reason for your cats weight loss, you may notice that your cats appetite is reduced or entirely gone, a condition known as anorexia. However, the first symptom is often sudden death. Say goodbye, acknowledge your grief, and allow yourself to feel sad. This can be done with family members as a communal exercise in catharsis. As a result, you will need to take time to allow yourself to grieve. Don't be afraid to cry sometimes or think about your cat … Try not to allow your own sadness to overcome everyday life. You need to practice this same forgiveness with yourself. There are warning signs to look out for that a cat is nearing the end of its life. Psychology and Psychotherapy reports high satisfaction rates from such practice. Your cat had a good life. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. This will just make the bonding process tougher and longer. At the same time, focus on the good times you spent with your cat. Balance is also important. In terms of related articles I have on the issue, I feel like my article on cat barbering/overgrooming may be relevant to some owners in this situation. A pet owner’s worst fear is losing a beloved companion. Why is My Cat So Scared of Everything All of a Sudden? Health. Training. Choking happens when the cat swallows an item, and that item becomes lodged in the larynx or trachea. This usually happens when the kitten is eating dry or wet food that is served in larger chunks. Treat the death of a cat the same way you would a human. It just prolongs the grieving process. The loss of a cat is one of the most painful moments that you have had to face. You need to ultimately move on, if only for the sake of your children. You need to ensure you are ready for this. They will be able to run the necessary tests to determine what might … A vet may detect murmurs earlier, too, during a check-up. Write your cat a letter, detailing how much you enjoyed your time together. In such tragic circumstances, you will need to find unanticipated coping mechanisms. An old cat losing hair and weight is more prone to health conditions that affect the overall appearance. Your surviving cats can also be a source of comfort at this time. If you work together, you can share the bereavement journey. If you need a friend, please know that we are here for you. In fact, I’m going through it and grieving as I write this. This could be due to improper diet, starvation, intestinal parasites, or other health issues that impact blood sugar levels. Cats, like people, cannot be replaced. Do not feel bad about yourself if you are still anguished after weeks or months. Treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis involves several days of medications and fluids to balance out metabolic disarray caused by the ketones. You could also consider counselling. A cat’s instinct is to hide its pain or illness. Weight loss. Regularly eliminating outside the litter box, Body temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit and inability to warm up, If the cat was euthanized, ask your vet if they have a garden of remembrance, Check if there is a pet cemetery in your area, Bury the cat in your backyard, at least two feet deep, Investigate local animal cremation facilities (be aware, these services are designed for roadkill and are not always sympathetic), Injury or illness that makes breathing difficult or impossible, Severe injury that will lead to chronic pain and suffering, Injury or illness that compromises quality of life beyond reasonable levels, Terminal illness that would otherwise lead to a prolonged, painful demise. If a cat is taken unexpectedly ill or experiences an accident, the impact can be severe. Limiting your cat’s exposure to possible causes of sudden death often relies on keeping up with regular vet check-ins. A feline's front and back claws may seem insignificant, but they are essential for climbing, hunting, defending, and territory marking. Depending on the severity of asthma, the symptoms will vary between: Feline asthma cannot be cured or prevented, but its symptoms can be managed with medication. Almost everyone experiences the stage of grief known as depression. Call your vet, as they may suggest inducing vomiting. But if you notice a sudden drop in your cat’s weight, it’s important to consult a vet as it can be an indicator of a more serious, … 7. The additional strain on the cat’s respiratory system and heart may cause its heart to give out. A stroke in cats presents itself largely the same as they do in humans. Q: We have a 15-year-old cat that has been losing weight for a few weeks now. This could be through sprays, oils, or aerosolized particles. Hypertension. Only you will know if your heart is healed enough to take on a new cat. Even drinking from the water dish of a lily plant can be a fatal mistake. This is not the case. What are the reasons for sudden weight loss in cats? Take time to grieve. This includes regular vet check-ups, staying on top of vaccinations and medications, and ensuring that your home is safe for cats. Death can occur shortly after sepsis has taken hold and evolved into septic shock. In addition, you can lean on loved ones for support. Seek support from friends, family, or counseling. And if an animal companion dies suddenly, the pain can be extra intense and almost unbearable, because we were unprepared and most likely didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to our pet. Take the time to grieve for your lost companion before making this decision. Symptoms of envenomation include: If your cat has been bitten by a snake or spider, immobilize it and keep it calm. Even though a cat may be particularly good at landing on its feet, a wrong fall can still cause severe trauma. 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