Why do cats die at home, the reason? - briefly
Cats often die at home because they instinctively seek familiar, safe environments when they sense their time is near, avoiding exposure to predators or threats.
Why do cats die at home, the reason? - in detail
Cats often die at home due to their natural instincts and behaviors, which are deeply rooted in their evolutionary history. As solitary and territorial animals, cats seek familiar and safe environments when they sense their time is nearing. This behavior is a survival mechanism to avoid vulnerability in unfamiliar or exposed areas. When a cat feels unwell or senses its body failing, it instinctively retreats to a place where it feels secure, which is typically its home. Additionally, cats are masters of masking pain and illness, a trait inherited from their wild ancestors to avoid appearing weak to predators. This means that by the time a cat shows visible signs of decline, it may already be in the advanced stages of a condition, leading to its passing at home. Environmental factors also contribute; cats that are primarily indoor pets have limited access to external spaces, making their home the only feasible location for their final moments. Furthermore, cats often form strong bonds with their human caregivers and the familiar surroundings of their home, seeking comfort and solace in these spaces during their final days. The combination of instinctual behavior, the masking of illness, and the comfort of a familiar environment explains why cats commonly pass away at home.