What happens to a cat's body after death? - briefly
After death, a cat's body begins to undergo decomposition due to the cessation of blood circulation and oxygen supply. The muscles relax, causing the body to lose its natural stiffness, and cells start to break down, leading to changes in color and texture.
What happens to a cat's body after death? - in detail
After a cat dies, several physiological processes begin to occur within its body. The first and most noticeable change is rigor mortis, which typically sets in about two to six hours post-mortem. This process involves the stiffening of the cat's muscles due to the depletion of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), an energy molecule necessary for muscle relaxation. Rigor mortis usually reaches its peak within 12 hours and starts to fade after approximately 36 hours, as enzymes in the body begin to break down the stiffened muscles.
Concurrently with rigor mortis, another process called algor mortis takes place. This refers to the cooling of the cat's body temperature to match the ambient environment. The rate at which this occurs depends on various factors such as the room temperature and the cat's size. Generally, a cat's body temperature will decrease by about 1°C per hour until it reaches the same temperature as its surroundings.
In addition to these physical changes, internal organs also undergo significant alterations. The heart stops beating, leading to a cessation of blood circulation. As a result, blood begins to settle and pool in the lower parts of the body due to gravity, a phenomenon known as livor mortis. This can be observed as discoloration or purplish-red patches on the cat's underside and other dependent areas.
Another important change is the breakdown of cells and tissues within the organs, a process facilitated by enzymes that are released upon death. These enzymes begin to digest the cellular components, leading to autolysis. This internal decomposition causes the release of gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, contributing to the development of a foul odor associated with decaying bodies.
Simultaneously, bacteria that are naturally present in the cat's gut start to multiply rapidly in the absence of the immune system's regulatory functions. This bacterial proliferation contributes to putrefaction, where the body tissues break down and release foul-smelling gases, further amplifying the decomposition process.
Over time, the cat's body will also experience changes in color due to the degradation of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The skin may turn a greenish hue as sulfur compounds are produced during bacterial activity, a stage known as putrefaction.
Eventually, the cat's body will decompose completely, leaving behind only skeletal remains. This final stage of decomposition can take several weeks to months, depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of scavengers or insects that may accelerate the process. Throughout these stages, the cat's body undergoes a complex series of biological changes, driven by both physiological processes and external environmental factors.