Do Cats Know When They Are Dying? Can They Sense The End?

[@censusgary]

In her last days, one of my cats sat in my lap most of the time, and seemed to be trying to comfort me. She seemed to be saying, “Thank you for taking care of me, but I have to leave now.”

[@Fred-gi4uz]

Mine have done the same, they seem to want to give you more attention either asking for help or saying goodbye 1 st sight I look for is perched with a dead locked stare in there eyes pupils fully dilated

[@boataxe4605]

I had a 17 year old cat who knew exactly what day he was going to die. Since he was not recovering from a second stroke, I made an appointment to have him put down. The appointment was for 6:00pm and he died on my lap at 3:00 that afternoon. He knew it was his day to die and he did it on his terms. RIP Puddy.

[@dano3952]

He lived in a world where he was loved by you and passed away on the lap of the one that loved him. Love is all powerful and never ends.

[@martinmi5]

😥

[@judithdray1264]

I've had almost 20 cats/kittens over the years &

[@judithdray1264]

All were soooo s Smart!!!

[@dano3952]

@@judithdray1264 And it all started for your love of one and you just transfered that love for that one to the next and the same cycle of the legacy of love continues. That's a beautiful gift to give and you get so much back in return :-)

[@seatbelttruck]

I lost three of my senior cats since the start of the pandemic. One we put down when she stopped eating and drinking entirely and started having seizures, but the other two passed on their own. Another was a very aloof cat, and when his time came he walked out the door and just didn't come back, but the third, Sam, had a special bond with me. She had been born outside and was not fond of coming indoors, but for the last month of her life, she was living entirely inside by her own choice. She'd cuddle up on my chest and purr every night while I was unwinding playing video games, and generally spending as much time with me as she could. I don't know how well she understood death, but she definitely knew something was up and I'm honored that she decided the best use of her last days was to spend them with me.

[@williamhosford2796]

What a beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes.

[@alisonlee3314]

Oh this strikes a chord! I had two brother cats from kittens. One was always more independent, even though they were treated the same. They are like us aren't they. Siblings are different. Rudl disappeared when he was 18.....and I just knew why he did. No drama, but I knew😢. Bernie lived until he was 23. He became even more loving towards the end....I didn't know that was even possible! I grew up with them both. They were there through my teenage dramas and early adulthood. I miss them both xxxx

[@MrTigurius]

They absolutely do. My first kitten, a tiger lived a long happy life. The day she died she had been in the bedroom. I was in the cellar I saw her come down the stairs and came to me. As her last act she clawed at my foot and then gave a small hiss and she was gone. They are by far more aware than we can ever know. Love and miss you Cleo.

[@scottnichols3685]

My wonderful baby who had been my soulmate for 16.5 years suddenly woke me up one morning in distress. My vet later told me that my baby was at risk of sudden death. I sat down with my baby and told him, “When it’s time to go, it’s time to go. I don’t want you to live in pain or discomfort. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. Please don’t worry about me. I love you more than anything. You will always be first in my heart.” He seemed to listen to me intently. I was giving him permission to pass. I was his person. His entire life he never wanted anybody but me and we seemed always to be able to communicate in a way I had never experienced with any of my other pets. The next day, he rallied. He played…he sunned himself on the balcony…he ate like a truck driver….he ran around. The following morning after that, he called to me, and woke me up. I took him in my arms and told him how much I loved him. He took his last breath as I cradled him. I still miss him to the point that it hurts, and that was 17 years ago.

[@williamhosford2796]

That is heartbreaking,Scott. You gave her her best life in a forever home.

[@judithdray1264]

I feel you. I have much love & respect for my fur babies.

[@sharonb537]

I had a similar experience with my sweet girl. I kept telling her 'just let me know when its time, we're a team til the end, but you decide'. She seemed very close the last week but like yours she rallied, ate a huge amount of salmon, played a bit, and the next day she barely moved, stopped eating, and gave me an extremely penetrating stare that seemed to last an eternity. She was telling me it was time, and it was. You will see your boy again, I promise he's waiting for you.

[@angelaleaga718]

Scott as a cat owner I feel your pain.

[@stefanlaskowski6660]

I had a cat, Pyotr, who slept between my knees for eleven years, and seldom was not in the same room as I was. He would always come when I called. He was my best pal and the best cat ever. When he started sleeping in the next room, I knew he was sick. Turned out he had cancer. He stayed in the other room for about three weeks, coming out only to eat or use the litter box. Then one evening, as I was preparing to go to bed, he came into the bedroom and laid down on the floor as close to my head as he could get. When I woke up the next morning, he was already cold. So, yes, cats know. He had just enough strength to come into the room and lay down near me. Even fifteen years later, I still miss you, Pete.

[@angelaleaga718]

I am crying just reading this I have had to mourn several times and it never gets any easier, when my cats have passed away.

[@julz7753]

I’m crying. I dread the day my babies leave me

[@angelaleaga718]

@julz7753 Same here with my cat. Luckily he is only 8.

[@johnphelps7519]

After multiple bouts of loss of appetite and having to administer sub-cu fluids from an I.V. bag I hung in the kitchen, my cat developed a brand new behavior: she would crawl behind me when I was sitting in my loveseat, to hide between me and the cushions. She was a blessing of greatest magnitude for 18 years. 😻

[@williamhosford2796]

God bless you,brother. I think animals have an insight to things.

[@ritchiemurach1558]

i live in California. about 20 years ago my cat started hiding. i found my cat in a small area behind a bookshelf. i got him out an was petting him which calmed him down. two days later the area was hit bu a earthquake. the cat clearly knew something was wrong. after the earthquake the cat was normal again. a cats change in behavior might not be the cats health. it could be the environment.

[@judithdray1264]

Cats are Very smart!!!

[@bonnie7191]

My Bonnie knew her time was up at age 19 (that's her in my profile pic). She stopped grooming & going outside. On her last day, she walked out onto the back patio for one last look around her territory (for the 1st time in about 2 months). She then came back in & died in front of me. Still miss her & that was a few years ago now

[@rkeller8141]

I remember a friend’s big, and beautiful white fluffy cat. She was old, and last saw her, walking the sidewalk, away from the house. I never saw her again, she was never any problem, gentle to the end. I think she didn’t want any drama, and with dignity walked off into the sunset, leaving quite a lasting impression.

[@davebarnes9626]

When I had to put my 14 year old cat down at the Vet I was emotional as the Doctor was about to give him the final shot. My Cat replied with a Firm but not demanding Meow that he didn't want to go. He knew what was coming. I told him was it would be OK and that I loved him. RIP Midnight.

[@angelaleaga718]

Wow Cave what a story.

[@rlbhartmann6902]

This happeed with our second black cat, who had feline leukemia before there was vaccine to prevent it. He hid under our bed, knowing we meant to take him to the vet, and he gave a squall that made me almost faint when the needle went in. He's buried with 2 others in our yard, with flowers all around their graves. Mitchie Foo was a kitten, only a year old when she died of the same ailment, but she went more peacefully in our hallway. Charlie the Circus Cat was a black and white and was with us 14 years before a vet-prescribed diet kibble depleted him of vitamins he needed. I'm wary of hyped cat food formulas and even more suspicious of vets who push a product on unsuspecting cat people.

[@TimothyCollins]

On Tuesday of this last week, five days ago, my beloved little Mothra had to be put to sleep. I miss her so much. But about a month before that she spent a full day with me on my lap and cuddling. I am so glad I didn’t miss that and spent the day cuddling back. Because it was pretty much two days after that the down slide started. Never miss that last good day.

[@chainamarie03]

I've lost many cats over the years. Some have hit me really hard....like my 20 yrs old Sagwa....who I had put down on Jan 26 '23. She perked up for last couple months till she had a bad seizure and couldn't walk or see well. I hope she knows how much I adored her and I didn't want her to suffer. I've 3 cats left but none can ever 'replace' my baby girl 😭

[@kampdog]

I just lost my six year old black panther kitty a week ago. She had cancer and I found her hidden under a clothes rack in the spare bedroom covered in her poop. She was out of sight and was near death when I found her. I wrapped her in a towel after cleaning her up and held her all day until the Vet put her down.

[@annerodgers9149]

Kdog, that is what I did with my very aged cat who died years ago. I took him to the vet, but sat outside on the steps holding him. I was crying, and just didn’t care who saw me. I stayed with him while the vet did an injection, and Grey died quietly. This is always so hard.

[@111JenA]

I’m so very sorry you had to go through this. I’ve been through this with my last indoor cat. Feline Leukemia. It’s very hard bc they are family to a lot of us.

[@robertmurray8815]

My fluffy of 20years,she seemed slow moving. No eating, water. One afternoon on my lap looked at me said it’s time to die. Two days later she passed.

[@TorToroPorco]

As our cat aged his last months were spent mostly sleeping and he stopped grooming himself. He no longer came to us as often although he responded affectionately when we went to his bed to pet him. One afternoon when my wife opened the front door to check the mailbox he got out of his bed and to my surprise suddenly ran out the door with a burst of energy I hadn’t seen in months. He didn’t return later that evening as he’d normally do and when I went out to look the next morning I found his body under a car. Judging by how stiff his body has become I suspect he passed not too long after he ran out the door. I still remember that day with sadness.

[@angelaleaga718]

OMG that happened with one of my cats. She had a burst of energy and then shortly passed away. I have had many cats and dread the day they pass away.

[@bennewman4675]

I think every landlord should let people have a pet. It makes some people feel better and more happy

[@judithdray1264]

I agree, if the human is responsible.

[@bennewman4675]

@@judithdray1264 And if the cat messed up the carpet. They can just get a new carpet put in before they leave or not have one. Nothing will last forever anyway. If they would give that landlord more money. Maybe they still wouldn't let them have a pet. But its not fair to not let them pick how they live there life

[@anitaricci6785]

Landlords don't allow pets and shelters are full..not because families don't love them but need a home. It's very sad.

[@marinawildish7951]

Here in the UK more "n" more landlords will take a pet bond (deposit) which gets paid back 2 the tenant if no damages are done by said pet!

[@sandy-rr1by]

Next door neighbor totally ruined the rental house with multiple cats and dogs. House and yard had to be fumigated several times for pests before a contractor agreed to gut and renew the house. They were good pet people, but the worst renters I've ever seen for property damage.

[@deborahmcgrath4006]

My cat is now 18+ thank you for sharing . He’s doing well but as a retired Hospice Nurse I worry. He has helped me get though many stressful times. I feel like now I know the signs to look for to support him

[@YAHUAHbetheonlysavior.]

I have a loss too😭my beloved Mario who was 22 years old passed away in 2022 of kidney failure. In the last week of his life he would gather ALL OF HIS STRENGTH and come up a flight of 14 stairs to my bedroom and collapse on the floor just to be with me. 😭 I know he was saying "please help me". I took him to the vet, but there was nothing they could do because he has lived a long life. So rather than leave him alone overnight at the vet, I brought him home to be with us, his loving family. I set him up in my 13 year old daughter's bedroom; she ABSOLUTELY LOVED HIM SO MUCH AND WAS SO HEARTBROKEN to see him like that. She was trying so hard to feed him and give him water with a syringe .😭 We put a small space heater near him because his body was getting cold. 😭By the the morning he had passed away. 😭😭😭That was honestly one of the hardest things in my life I had to see, 😭and then to have to be strong for my daughter ( and 3 sons who loved him too!) and explain to her that Mario has passed away.....in her room.😭😭😭... so we took him back to the vet to have them confirm he had passed away, and take out the little needle in his paw that gave him fluids. We brought him home and I made a nice little cardboard coffin😭and drew some pictures on it, and everyone wrote a sweet message to him on it, and we buried Our Sweet Mario in our backyard and placed flowers over his grave. I took pictures of it before we covered it with dirt, and when I looked at the pictures later that day, SOMEHOW a picture of just the beautiful blue sky was taken. I just KNEW it was a sign that Mario was now with The Heavenly Creator Yahuah. Also, the next day a beautiful rainbow was in the sky as confirmation!!! Mario has even come to me in my dreams and let me pet him😭and I SWEAR TO YOU it was SO REAL that I could actually FEEL his soft fur!!! He even has a buddy, a black scruffy looking cat that seemed like it was a stray came with him in my dream and wanted "pit-pats" too😊..... There is even a cat that looks like him that occasionally comes in my backyard and walks over his grave!!! ...I love Mario SO VERY MUCH and am SO VERY HAPPY to have been blessed with such a WONDERFUL FRIEND . ...TO ALL HERE grieving the loss of your beloved cat/pet: Don't worry, THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR OF ALL THINGS will reunite us one day with them to hug, love, cherish, and play with them once again. R.I.P. My Sweet Mario and May YAHUAH rest your precious soul forever .

[@REXKUEHNER-l5f]

YES FOR SURE THEY KNOW. YOU WILL KNOW WHEN THEY START PULLING AWAY FROM THIER OWNERS. THEY WILL PICK A PLACE TO HAVE IT HAPPEN . YOU CAN TELL THIER SPINES START GETTING MORE AND MORE BUMPY. THEIR BACK ENDS START GETTING SMALLER AND SMALLER.

[@williamjamison5010]

Yes they can, and its scarily heartbreaking.

[@teresa3221]

My cat who was the love of my life she was so loving she was getting older but the night I went to bed the other cat she sister jumped up on the bed but Anna couldn’t get up I tried to lift her but she didn’t want to know so I put her by the radiator in the morning she was under the stool and at that moment she let out four loud meows and went under the bed I saw her legs wobble and she died instantly I felt she was saying good bye and had waited for me to wake up I loved her so much

[@mariemiller8740]

Yes I know they do my cat put her paw into my son's hand before she died

[@judithdray1264]

All our cats were/are very smart!!!!

[@fkitty444]

Some of them. My 14 yo cat lost all fear when he knew, and we adventured. He also played dead in front of us to see what we would do. I have had many cats do the play dead moment at various stages, not just dying, but it does come back up. I think a great deal more going on in some cats than science wants to acknowldge, but cats are all individual, for every super bondable cat, there are many that can barely communicate with humans.

[@Zulu2020]

Yes, I had a cat he was about 18 years old on ,the night he died he was in bed with me and I was surprised at that ,I just let him lay where he was at but in the morning when I woke up he was gone and he was outside laying in the grass under the picnic table He had died sometime during the night.

[@lunnaris474]

I think my cat sensed it and tried to tell me but I didn’t get it. He was hospitalized at the vet, I visited him and he tried to come with me with all the little strength he had. My vet said he couldn’t leave yet and sadly that was the last time I saw him, he died 2 days later and I couldn’t say goodbye 😢

[@colettesantoro8797]

@M M, My cat tumbled down a whole flight of stairs. My husband took her to the vet immediately and nothing was found except some swelling in her neck. Vet was keeping her over night and it all went down from there . She had brain damage so we chose to “help her go”. I had wanted to go see her but my husband talked me out of it. I had recently been in the hospital for 28 days and he said I had enough to deal with. To this day, I regret not going to say goodbye to my 20 year old cat. I’m even tearing up right now 10 years later.😿

[@SirCamsmorethanalot]

@@colettesantoro8797 dump insensitive controlling husband!

[@rlbhartmann6902]

@@colettesantoro8797 Losing our furry companions is traumatic for us, but if we're unable to be there I'm sure they understand.

[@adamlock5987]

I'm so sorry...

[@adamlock5987]

I have a cat called Robin and thankfully,she's only four years old so I can hopefully spend time with her.

[@vannpatrickjr1353]

My first cat lived 19 years and passed away due to cancer it quit eating and drinking water.

[@dayhikr140]

My lovey cat knew. She was more loving to me, cuddling me in ways she hadn't before. She told me the day to send her to heaven. She looked at me with the most pleading expression and could only muster a whisper meow. I knew it was the day.

[@sandid1826]

Their body temperature also goes down.

[@debbiee6535]

Yes they do know when they're dying and some dogs do to most of them do

[@maribelfarnsworth4565]

Thank you - That's so helpful!

[@peteherrera1502]

Yes they know and they know when there is something wrong with you by your smell

[@ellensc-hawley3720]

very informative

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

Absolutely yes 🐈

[@hilarysmith9075]

My cat Hobbes knows something about death. She's very shy and hides as soon as the front door is opened. I had a very bad case of pneumonia and was found unresponsive in my bed with her next to me. The ambulance arrived, and instead of bolting as soon as they turned up (lights and sirens and all) she hissed and tried to attack them when they were getting me on to a stretcher. She knew i was dying and she wasn't going to let anyone near me. I spent a long time in ICU because my liver, kidneys and heart were failing due to the infection. But somehow this little bitty cat knew about it before anyone else did. They're far more smart and sensitive than we think. ( she now constantly follows me around the house or sleeps in my wheelchair )

[@williamhosford2796]

Beautiful story. They do really love us...they just show it differently.

[@judithdray1264]

All my cats/kittens were very smart!!!

[@sheryljones856]

Yes

[@alwayshonest357]

most of the traits you mentioned, are normal in all cats.

[@olaledin1806]

Six months ago I began losing weight. At the same time my remaining cat began losing weight as well. He's 17,5 years old so we took him to a vet. They took all possible tests but he came out as healthy as a cat can be. But the vet told us that cats can develop a sensitivity to its owner. If the owner gets symptoms of a kind, the cat can get the same. Is that really possible?

[@fkitty444]

yes, but its also possible that an environment that is sickening you, can sicken your animal. farm overspray nearly took out my entire family, and it killed the pets quicker. My theory, since WASHINGTON STATE doctors refuse to entertain the notion or ALLOW testing for pesticide illness, just write it off as psychosomatoc illness that you and the cats and the dog and the neighbor get sick when the planes buzz your house and spray, or that your father, mother, 3x cats and two dogs all got mysterious illnesses and ademas (eye, diverticulitis, skin, ears. bowel, stomach, spleen...). Get urself checked and look at timing to environmental stimuli, including viral. Sometimes, ur pet also getting sick is a sign to pay greater attention. We lived in an affluent area, but that dudnt matter, the neighbors still poisoned us. One of their own even came down with same kind of sickness, they just thought she was weak. If there is correllation, leave as soon as you can, you can do some hair testing later. PS when relocating, if you see communities dying from lack of maintenance, they probably sickening too. Paraquat and glyphosate are SLOW but relentless. We traveled over 5000 miles last year, and even without illness playing hot/cold for toxins, the farm communities with the biggest chemical use and storage were dying, sick, and full of cancer.

[@karenleepickett]

I had a kitty with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. She was stable on medication for almost 7 years. Yet, she would sometimes hide when it was time for her dose (hoping I would forget). Yet, when it was getting harder to get her to come out from under the sofa (for a treat). I knew. I brought her in and as she was being prepared, her blood pressure went down suddenly. They brought her in to say goodby to me. Ironically, the vet was on the verge of going on maternity leave and was able to fit us in.

[@adiosamerica3948]

My cats quit eating when the end is near.

[@Dmtmindset222]

If they start hiding and sleeping on the floor or by windows check them

[@albertteng1191]

i have had many cats in my lifetime, and usually when a cat is dying, the cat would disappear , even if its an indoor cat. They would go and die in some secluded place. They say they dont want their owners to feel sad, but science say, cats would go die in some hidden place to prevent predators from eating their carcass

[@angelaleaga718]

Several of my cats hid too.

[@joyceeoannou9648]

Yes all animals

[@arildthordal810]

The cat cannot eat as before if their digestion system slows down.

[@miriamholmes932]

Yeas, cats know when they are dying. They will find a peaceful spot where they can die in peace. I had cats for over 50 years. They were inside and outside cats. When they were old they knew when it was time to go.

[@17aikidoka]

My cat still waited at the door when i came home and stayed close to me in his last days😔

[@dorenehendricks6627]

Id say yes and its heartbreaking

[@unappealingundesirable2826]

I had a brown female tabby cat, who was very athletic. She passed away when she was 18. Even as that approached, I looked on the internet, and saw that an 18 year old cat, is equivalent to an 85-92 year old human. So, it was a relief when she passed. Even when she was 14-15, it was painfully noticable that she was slowing down. She had kidney failure, and we tried radiation treatment. One bad sign, was when she was picking new places to sleep, usually in hidden away places. Here's what happened on her final day, a Saturday: I put her up on the kitchen table. She climbed down onto a chair, then climbed off of the chair, down onto the floor, and curled up right NEXT to the bottom of the kitchen table chair (which she never would have done, when healthy). I said, "Oh, this doesn't look good." We decided that, it was best to "do the right thing." Our family cemetery was on the way to the cat clinic, so I stopped by, had her in the carrier, and I put her on top of my father's tombstone, and told her that "You're going to be re-joining Dad." Still, the way my cat "climbed down from the kitchen chair, and curled up right at the bottom of the chair," is an image that will always stay with me.

[@patwarner6757]

Cassie is at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for you

[@berwynirwin7055]

Yes they do know that

[@penhillam5598]

Animals also know when others die. Usually they withdraw.

[@janhoyle4471]

They stop eating & drinking. My girl started wanting more attention from me a lot more! I knew it was coming I just didn’t want it to happen! I took her to the vet to see if anything could be done. He told me she was in final kidney failure & there was nothing that he could do, so we decided to let her go mercilessly.! My son & I were with her & I cried like an idiot. I just hurt so bad she was my baby for 19 years. We chose to have her ashes returned & I made a beautiful statue urn to keep them in the ceramics studio. She is sitting on my bedroom desk close to me. Her fur is still in the plastic bag they placed it in. Every once in awhile I take it out & run it on my face. I have a black kitty now. I believe she sent him to me. It’s the first male I’ve owned since I was a kid. He’s a sweetie, so lovable & adorable. He was adopted before. The young man returned him because he lost his job & could no longer care for him. He was 2 when I got him. He just weaseled his way into my heart. He knew he wanted to go home with me. When we went on the meet & greet with the agency & him he played a bit got a few pets then decided it was time to go home, cause he jumped right into the carrier. & got comfy!! Do we paid his adoption fee & settled our business before buying his food & leaving. The car ride didn’t even bother him. That’s the first cat that didn’t go bonkers in the car. I really love the big guy. He’s 16 lbs all muscle!

[@sophiabright8371]

I believe they do.

[@vannpatrickjr1353]

I have always been a cat person

[@richardmanley2072]

This video is very helpful just recently march 30th i lost my best friend missy she was 19 years old my heart is broken

[@domenicagiaccone4155]

Yes they do

[@timothychung4811]

Yes...

[@Cyber6Kucing]

hello cat Wiki. see u again😍😍

[@kathlinetaylor8526]

My 🐱 had to be put to sleep kidneys had gone was 17YRS old he locked my hand on vets table

[@georgepollastri601]

My Cats Temper, Dominique, Christoffer, Sad Sad, Shoes, Temper, kitty Lone, Mona, Casey, Coco, Blackie, Bambi, shushu Casey, Coco, Bambi went missing My cat's that have passed on will always be remembered

[@ronniepacis666]

Mctrouble died on.july 20

[@markodonnell6587]

0:03 / 4:02

[@sissygeist3129]

Great info given with love.

[@rosemaryleonetti6482]

Yes the do

[@Bethelbandit]

The comments 😭😭😭

[@bennewman4675]

Can they sense if anther cat is related to them?

[@warrengwonka2479]

Don’t know. Our two cats were sisters from the same litter.

[@peteherrera1502]

God is going to recreate the animals, and our the pets on the new earth that is created. Revelation 21:1-8 It is man the sinned not the animals. The animals and the earth were Victims of mankind's choices and actions. Isaiah 11:6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

[@kaleoy7584]

If cats know when they are going to die, then I guess cats that get hit from a car and dies, ran in front of the car on purpose and wanted to commit suicide.