The number 1 cause of death of cats and dogs in America is euthanasia.

Heart disease affects 10 to 15 percent of cats, and the most common feline cardiac disorder is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A heartbreaking disease, HCM can cause congestive heart failure, blood clots or sudden death in young, middle-aged and older cats with no prior signs of being ill.

The most common causes of sudden death in cats are heart disease and associated conditions. Feline cardiomyopathy or “heart muscle disease” and feline heartworm disease are the most common causes of sudden death in outwardly healthy cats. Both of these conditions frequently give no warning.

Signs Your Cat Is Dying

• Lack of Interest In Eating and Drinking. It’s common for cats to lose their appetite toward the end of their lives.
• Extreme Weakness. You will notice your cat becoming more lethargic and refusing to move.
• Lower Body Temperature.
• Changes in Appearance and Smell.
• Seeking Solitude.

Signs that your cat is in pain include:

1. Agitation (unsettled, trembling)
2. Cat crying, growling, hissing.
3. Limping or difficulty jumping.
4. Avoids being petted or handled.
5. Playing less.
6. Licking a particular body region.
7. More aggressive.
8. Change in posture or gait.

Persistent and incurable inability to eat, vomiting, signs of pain, distress or discomfort, or difficulty in breathing are all indications that euthanasia should be considered. You and your family know your cat better than anyone else, so try to make a reasoned judgement on quality of life.

Intermediate to advanced lymphoma signs include: Weight loss. Abdominal pain or distention. Increased thirst and urination. Respiratory distress.

If you believe that once a pet has passed away the body is just a shell, you can call your local animal control. They usually have low cost (or no cost) services to dispose of deceased pets. You can also call your veterinarian. You will need to bring your pet to the clinic but then they can arrange for disposal.

Your vet will administer a measured overdose of a drug, similar to an anaesthetic, which will put your cat into a deep and permanent ‘sleep’. It’s usually quick – they just quietly slip away – and most importantly, it’s considered painless.

Your local animal shelter may be able to perform the procedure for as little as $100. At a full-service veterinary hospital, a euthanasia procedure may cost $500 or more, but this includes additional services like returning your pet’s ashes to you in a special wooden box.

One of the most obvious reasons to consider humane euthanasia is when a pet has a terminal disease, such as heart failure, cancer or another incurable condition. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about how they will manage the disease — in some cases a specialist may be necessary.

Veterinary boards and associations say euthanasia is sometimes morally necessary and should occur when suffering cannot be relieved. Vets often have to persuade clients it’s time to “let go”. But vets are free to conscientiously decline “inappropriate euthanasias”.

You will need to inform your vet of your wishes at the time of euthanasia if you want your vet to arrange the cremation. If your cat dies unexpectedly at home and you do not wish to bury them in your garden, contact your vet who can arrange cremation.

Often the best way to deal with a defensively aggressive cat is to simply avoid him until he calms down. Animals of many species strive to expel or keep out other individuals from their territory, and cats are no exception. Both male and female cats are territorial, but males may defend larger territories than females.