Why do cats hide when they die

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While you may not hesitate to call out for a bowl of soup when you're sick, an ill kitty keeps to herself. Cats instinctively hide when they are sick or dying, but by understanding why and what the signs are, you can help your pet even in her final days.

Avoiding Danger

The life of a cat can be pretty dangerous outside the comfort of your home. Out in the wild, a cat has to fend for herself, and can easily fall prey to other wild animals. When your cat is sick or dying, she is vulnerable, and she knows it. In the wild, she would have to hide herself away from attackers, because she would be too weak to defend herself. Even in the home, then, if she senses that she's weak or dying, she'll protect herself by hiding.

Instinctive Solitude

In the wild, a cat typically lives on her own. Unlike dogs, cats don't run in packs, so a cat's instinct says that she has nobody to depend on but herself. While you know that isn't true because you love your cat, her instincts tell her that looking for help from others won't do her any good. That's why as her owner, you have to actively pay attention to her and her behavior. She'll never go out of her way to show you that she's sick, but you can discover it for yourself.

Other Behavioral Signs

When a cat is sick or dying, she won't just try to hide. Her general behavior will give you plenty of clues as to whether or not she feels well. For example, sick or dying cats may seem bored or depressed, opting to sleep more often and refusing offers to play. She may eat less or not at all. She may even resist your companionship, showing aggression when you try to hold or pet her. If she demonstrates any of these signs, it's time to see the vet.

Caring for Seniors

As your kitty nears the end of her life, there's little you can do but make her comfortable. One key way is to reduce the stress in her environment. For example, keep a favorite blanket or one of your old T-shirts nearby, so that she has something familiar and comforting when you can't be around. Brushing her coat every day helps too, because she may not be able to groom herself with much ease anymore. And hard as it may be, if your cat insists on having some solitude, go ahead and give it to her. If that's what gives her peace, then show your love by granting it.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

References

Writer Bio

Tom Ryan is a freelance writer, editor and English tutor. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English writing, and has also worked as an arts and entertainment reporter with "The Pitt News" and a public relations and advertising copywriter with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

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• Signs Your Cat is Nearing End-of-Life

Yes, cats tend to hide when they are dying depending on the severity of their condition, your cat’s personality and how much they are impaired cognitively. Severely ill cats tend to forget their relationship with their owners while those with dementia do not really know what they are doing anymore. 

According to researchers, dying cats also seem to revert to the instinctive behavior that is common among cats in the wild. They tend to seek hiding places away from the colony to protect their colony-mates from contracting disease and to evade predators.

Cats may also hide from their owners when they are dying because they are in great pain and they are in a sensitive state. Being petted or touched could be uncomfortable in their condition. Thus, they tend to seek out isolated and dark spots to hide in and to be alone. 

Dying felines that have access to the outdoors tend to hide in cool and shaded areas like thickets of wild grasses or under vehicles or bushes. Indoor cats typically hide in the cellar, a storage room or under beds. Aside from hiding, they will rarely come out for their meals, to drink water or to use their litter box. 

Signs that your cat is dying

These are the signs that your cat is nearing her end aside from hiding:

• she is extremely weak, lethargic and refuses to move
• she sleeps more than usual 
• she has lost interest in eating and drinking
• she has a lower body temperature 
• she has seizures
• she loses interest in grooming herself and has a detectable odor due to the build-up of uneliminated toxins

If your indoor cat is manifesting the signs mentioned above, the best that you can do is to provide her with a cozy, soft and warm bed so she will be comfortable. Keep her bedding clean as a dying cat will not be able to control her bladder anymore. Carry her to the litter box if she doe not go there herself. Most importantly, consult your vet on what to do in administering end-of-life care for your cat.

Yes, cats will hide when they are sick. However, this will depend on the personality of your cat. Some cats tend to become more clingy and will demand attention while some will become cranky, aggressive and irritable. Sick cats tend to have lower energy levels and they are not their usual selves. 

Other symptoms of a sick cat aside from hiding include the following:

• unpredictable mood change 
• diarrhea 
• vomiting 
• dilated or constricted pupils 
• lethargic 
• loses interest to play 
• may become more vocal or will stop meowing 
• changes in eating or drinking habits
• sudden weight gain or loss 
• difficulty in breathing 

Do cats prefer to die alone?

Cat experts believe that cats do not prefer to die alone but their instincts dictate them to do so. It is instinctive for cats to hide in a dark, cool and secluded area when they are very ill or dying. They do this to hide from predators, be alone to get rest and to seek comfort. 

Do all cats hide when they die?

While most cats tend to hide when they die, some will not. This will generally depend on how much they are impaired cognitively, their personality and the cause of death or severity of the condition.  However, most cats will hide when they die since this behavior is driven by their instincts. 

Where do dying cats hide?

Dying cats will usually hide in cool and shaded places like thickets of wild grasses, under cars or among thickets of wild grasses. Cats that are mostly staying indoors will retreat into dark areas of your home like the cellar, under a bed or closet or a vacant storage room. 

Final thoughts 

It is heartbreaking to realize that your once affectionate and frisky cat is nearing her end. Aside from noticeable signs like weakness and loss of interest in eating, drinking and playing, your cat will also seek out and hide in dark and isolated areas. Cats tend to hide when they are dying since they may be pain and want to be alone to rest and self-soothe. It is also instinctive since, like cats in the wild, the purpose is to evade predators and to stop the spread of disease to other cats in the colony.

Image: istockphoto.com / MarinaZg

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