How to Comfort a Dying Cat - Making Your Cat's Environment Comfortable

When your cat is dying, it may be hard for you to cope with the idea of losing her.[1] However, you can make the best of this time with your cat by making her as comfortable as possible. Rather than being sad about what you know is inevitable, take advantage of this time to bond with your cat and remember just how special she is to you.

1. Minimize noise and activity around your cat. When your cat is nearing the end of her life, it is extremely important for her to be comfortable in her own space. She will need a calm, quiet environment that is free of noisy activity and chaos. For example, if you have other pets, you may need to restrict their access to her.[2]
- Consider moving your cat’s rest area to a part of your house that does not get much activity or noise.[3]
- If moving your cat’s rest area to a different room would be too much of a change for her, then you should adjust your habits, as well as those of your family, to decrease the amount of activity and noise around your cat.
- Allow your cat choose where to sleep.[4] She may naturally choose an area that will give her the peace and quiet she desires.
- Playing soft, low music for your cat could make her feel more comfortable. Examples of soothing music are singing birds and running water.[5]
- The hustle and bustle of daily life may be too much for your cat to handle in her final days, and could actually make her illness or general state of health even worse.[6]

2. Provide your cat with extra bedding. When your cat is dying, it may be difficult for her to rest as comfortably as she used to. Extra blankets and bedding will give her some extra padding on which to lay and get comfortable. The extra padding can also prevent pressure sores that could develop if she lies in one position for too long.[7]
- Your cat may soil her bedding due to bladder control issues or physical inability to walk to her litterbox.[8] Choose extra bedding that is easy to clean, such as blankets and towels.
- Foam bedding, though comfortable, can be difficult to clean.[9]
- Check the bedding regularly for evidence of soiling (dampness, fecal material) and clean it as often as is necessary.
- The extra bedding can also serve to keep your cat warm. Older, dying cats can have difficulty maintaining their body temperature and can become cold more easily.[10]

3. Adjust the lighting in your cat’s environment. Changing the lighting for your cat can make her environment seem more comfortable to her. During the day, open the window shades or blinds just to enough to let in diffuse, natural light.[11] When the sun goes down, provide your cat with soft lighting.[12]
- Leave a low light on for your cat when it is time to say good night. She may feel more comfortable with a low light than complete darkness.[13]
- Visit your local home improvement store to learn more about low lighting options for your cat.

4. Place her necessities nearby. As your cat nears the end of her life, she may have trouble getting up and walking around. The distance that she used to walk to get to her litterbox and food and water bowls may be too far for her now. To minimize her discomfort with eating, drinking, and using the litterbox, place her bowls and litterbox in a nearby area that will be easy for her to get to.[14]
- Even with the close proximity, your cat still may have trouble getting up on her own. You can either fashion a sling out of a towel or blanket, or purchase a sling, to help her to her feet.[15]
- Place her favorite toys close by.