The sudden death of a beloved pet cat is one of the most painful things that a pet owner can go through. It is painful to try and understand the sudden death of a cat. You’re trying to understand what happened, think about what you could have changed, and see if you missed any health problems. When sudden death occurs in a young cat, it is difficult to comprehend. We discuss in this article some possible causes of sudden death of cats.
Feline life expectancy vs. risk of sudden death
Cats can live anywhere between 14 and 22 years. The life expectancy of cats can vary significantly depending on their lifestyle. The life expectancy of a cat can differ depending on whether it is an indoor-only cat, an indoor-and-outdoor cat, or a solely outdoor cat.
Cats that live indoors and outdoors have the shortest life expectancy. Cats who live outside have a shorter lifespan due to exposure to toxins and animal attacks. This is a trend, but there are cats that live outdoors only and have good genes. They are also provided with a healthy diet and receive veterinary care.
Cats that have died suddenly can be caused by a variety of causes
Unexpected or sudden death of a cat can be caused by many different things.
When we think about illness and death, it is important to keep in mind that cats hide their illness very well as a way to survive. This allows them to be sick for long periods of time before anyone notices. It is especially true for people who live with their cat every day and do not notice small changes such as weight loss, increased shedding, more sleeping, or duller hair. We may think that our cats’ symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss and less activity are due to them slowing down with age, rather than an illness.
Cats can die suddenly for a variety of reasons, including:
Trauma: It is more common in outdoor cats but can happen to any animal. Trauma can be caused by being hit by a car, being attacked or bitten, falling, or being shot. Outdoor cats can also get lost, putting them in danger. The microchipping of your pet increases the chance that you will be reunited with them before a mishap occurs.
Indoor cats can also be exposed to toxic substances and medications. Antifreeze, potpourri and medications containing acetaminophen are all common toxins.
Heart Disease: The disease can come on without warning. Some cats have a history with a heart murmur. Other cats may not have any abnormal symptoms or problems. Some cats may show subtle symptoms, such as less playing, more sleeping, a decreased appetite, weight gain, or increased respiration rates. Cats can be in perfect health and then suddenly show signs of serious illness. Heart disease in cats can cause difficulty breathing, or even difficulty using the back legs. They may cry out in pain. Cat owners may find their cats dead with no symptoms. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease among cats. It results in abnormally thickened muscle tissue in the heart. Feline heartworm can also lead to sudden death.
Heart Failure: A heart failure is when the heart can no longer keep up with the normal demands of the body. It is most common to see pulmonary edema, a fluid buildup in the lungs. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of heart failure. Heart failure is often characterized by a subtle loss of appetite, a reduced level of engagement in daily activities, or an increase in respiratory rate. Some cats are so short of air that they appear to pant while their mouths are open. They will then carefully hide their signs until a life-threatening state of heart failure is reached.
Heart Attack: The term “heart attacks” is used to describe people who have had a myocardial ischemia (MI), which is often caused by coronary arterial disease. Myocardium, the muscle tissue of the heart, receives oxygen and nutrients from coronary arteries. Coronary arteries, small blood vessels located in the heart muscle, bring blood to the heart from the aorta. The aorta is the body’s main artery. A heart attack happens when the muscle does not receive its normal blood supply.
Blood Clots: A blood clot (also called a “thromboembolism”) can be caused by a variety of health problems, including heart disease. Cats may die suddenly if blood clots reach the brain, the lungs or the blood vessels of the rear legs.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CRF): Chronic renal failure is a common problem among cats. When kidneys fail they can no longer remove waste products, which leads to a buildup of toxins. As the kidney disease advances, this can lead to weight loss, decreased appetite and vomiting. Some cats will have an increased thirst or urination. It is more common in older cats but can happen at any age.
Feline Urinary Obstacle: Feline urinary blockage (UO) causes an acute obstruction in the urinary system. Although it can affect any cat but is more common among males. The “Blocked Cat” is another name for this condition. Typical symptoms include crying and straining to urinate. Untreated, the majority of cats will die in 72 hours.
Stroke in Cats : The term “stroke” is commonly used to describe people who have had a cerebrovascular event (CVA), which was caused by cerebrovascular diseases. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to brain is disrupted, resulting in the failure of nerve impulses from the brain to reach the rest of body. These symptoms can occur quickly, causing sudden death.
Infections: Serious infections, also known as sepsis in the cat world, can cause progressive symptoms such as lethargy and anorexia. They may also lead to weight loss, dehydration or fever.
Shock: A profoundly life-threatening syndrome, shock can cause low blood pressure or even death. It can be triggered by an allergic response, heart damage (sepsis), trauma or toxins. Shock can cause cats to die suddenly, presenting as sudden death.
Uncontrolled diabetes in cats can cause severe symptoms such as weakness and lethargy.
