Why do cats leave home to die or hide
Why do pets behave like this, do they feel their death? How can a person help in such a situation?
As a general rule, felines try to get out of the house as much as possible before they die, so as not to upset the owner and other pets. Domestic cats, feeling the approach of the end, hide in a secluded corner. If the pet hid and categorically refuses to go out, it is better to immediately contact the veterinary clinic to find out the reasons for this behavior.
Signs of Illness
Not only people, but also animals are aging and have health problems. On average, pets live up to 15 years, although there are also centenarians. How to understand that an older cat is sick or is dying?
- Loss of appetite. It is necessary to carefully monitor how the cat eats. If she does not eat during the day and refuses water, this is an occasion for an urgent appeal to a veterinary specialist. Perhaps she has problems with digestion or with internal organs.
- Rejection of the toilet. All pets follow a certain schedule of toilet procedures. On average, a healthy cat goes to the toilet several times a day. If the pet has stopped going to the toilet or there is a darkening of the urine, an admixture of blood and any other changes in the appearance of the bowel movements, it is necessary to consult with a specialist.
- Breath change. A healthy cat breathes about 20-30 times per minute. If the animal inhales less frequently or breathes too frequently, it may have a problem with the respiratory system.
- Weak heartbeat. To understand that a cat has too low pressure, you will have to contact a veterinary clinic and conduct the necessary examinations. A normal heart rate for a cat is 120 to 140 beats per minute. The pulse can be measured in much the same way as in a person: put your palm on the pet’s ribs under the left paw and count the beats for 15 seconds, and then multiply by four. If the number is less than 60, you should contact your veterinarian.
- Decreased temperature. The body temperature of a healthy cat is approximately 39 degrees. A temperature below 38 is considered low and may be a sign of illness.
- Bad smell. Cats are very clean animals. If the pet suddenly stopped washing and making a daily toilet, if it smells unpleasant, this may be a symptom of poor health. A veterinarian should be consulted to find out the likely causes.
Reasons why a cat leaves
Why do cats leave home to die? Some believe that the main reason a cat leaves home before death is to take care of the owner and his nervous system. Most likely, this reason is somewhat far-fetched, but there is no exact study yet. Other likely reasons include the following:
● Instinct. Wild cats leave the pack before they die, so as not to become a burden or cause an attack. A sick or weakened animal most often hides in a secluded place, trying not to attract attention to itself.
● Pain. Perhaps pets that are in pain try to run away from it and hide. But this theory also has no scientific basis, since it is easier for a domestic cat to endure pain while lying on the owner’s lap.
Whatever the reason for a furry pet trying to retire, it is best to find out in a veterinary clinic. It is necessary to carefully monitor the health and diet of your cat and, if there are any deviations from the norm, immediately contact a specialist.
See also:
What 5 different cat “meows” mean How to understand the language of cats and talk to your pet Three strange cat habits you should know about