|
Your cat's weight depends on its size and breed
as well as his age and general condition. If you
can just feel his ribs under his coat it is
probably the right sort of weight. Protruding
bones mean an underweight cat or one so old that
it has lost the fatty layer beneath the skin. If
you can't feel his ribs at all then he is probably
overweight. Weight loss may not be hard to detect
in a longhaired or obese cat. Fluctuations of 1.5
Kg (3 lb) over 3 months should be investigated,
but minor fluctuations are caused by drinking,
eating, urination and defecation. Monthly weight
checks (weekly for ill cats) are advisable.
Some diseases cause wasting (cachexia) in the
advanced or terminal stages. Many cats which die a
natural death stop eating in the 48 hours before
death - the body basically shuts down. Euthanasia
is indicated if the cat is in distress at this
time, otherwise provide a warm soft bed in a quiet
place so that he passes in his sleep.
Deterioration
 Is
he going downhill?
Am I
witnessing deterioration, the final crisis
or just a hiccup?
Is
further treatment possible, or humane, at
this stage?
Eventually his condition deteriorates, whether
due to illness or to the physical and/or mental
effects of sheer old age. Gradual deterioration
goes unnoticed unless you are very observant or
physically examine him regularly. Certain symptoms
mean he has reached the final stages. He has no
more enthusiasm for life, maybe no interest in
life. He may be unable to rest comfortably, stand
or even control his bodily functions. He may not
know where he is, recognize you or be fully aware
of his surroundings. Even if he is alert, I have
known cats to simply sit there, in no apparent
pain but not interested in food or water, awaiting
their end in a what appears (to humans) a calm,
dignified, accepting manner.
Right towards the end, a cat is often unable to
hold his head up. He may rest with his head
drooped and his nose touching the surface in front
of him. I have always considered this a warning
sign. I have also noted that the digestive system
closes 48 hours before death, even if the cat
continues to drink small amounts.
|
