How to understand that a cat has died? - briefly
A cat's death can be indicated by several signs: rigor mortis setting in, lack of breath or heartbeat, and the eyes becoming cloudy. Additionally, if there is a foul odor and the body feels cold, these are also strong indicators that the cat has passed away.
How to understand that a cat has died? - in detail
To determine if your cat has passed away, observe several key indicators:
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Lack of Respiration: Check for any signs of breathing. Place your hand near the cat's nostrils or feel their chest to detect any movement. Absence of breath indicates that the cat may have died.
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No Heartbeat: Feel for a heartbeat by placing your hand gently on the left side of the cat's chest, just behind the elbow. If there is no pulse, it could suggest that the cat has passed away.
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Eyes and Pupils: A deceased cat's eyes may appear glazed over or dull. Additionally, the pupils will be fixed and unresponsive to light. Living cats have responsive pupils that constrict in bright light.
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Lack of Reflexes: Gently touch the cat's paws or the tip of their nose. If there is no reaction or reflex movement, it might indicate that the cat has died.
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Rigor Mortis: As time passes after death, a condition called rigor mortis sets in, causing the body to become stiff and immobile. This typically begins within a few hours post-mortem and can be felt as muscular tension.
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Odor: Unfortunately, one of the most telling signs is an unpleasant odor that develops as the body starts to decompose. This smell can become more pronounced over time.
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Cold Body Temperature: A cat's body temperature will drop rapidly after death. If the cat feels cold to the touch, it may indicate that they have passed away.
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No Response to Stimuli: Try gently calling the cat's name or making a noise near them. A living cat would typically respond in some way, whereas a deceased cat will show no reaction at all.
If you observe multiple or all of these signs, it is highly likely that your cat has passed away. It is important to handle the situation with care and seek appropriate guidance for next steps, including contacting a veterinarian for advice on what to do next.