Sudden death in cat

[pedantic]

Is it possible for a cat to be frightened to death and just keel over?

My cat was found dead the other day on the grass verge near the road but he had no injuries. His mouth was closed and he just looked asleep.

He was a very nervous cat and hated loud noises. He was perfectly healthy and had been examined by a vet 2 weeks ago.

I am heartbroken.

[andy-hughes]

I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss.

Cats can have very delicate constitutions, which can lead to sudden death with no warning, or advance symptoms.

You can only assume that your cat may have had a heart attack, or anneurism, and that she dies peacefully, in no pain, and with not warning distress.

[gessoo]

I am so sorry to hear about your cat. I have often seen cats with no apparent injuries on the side of the road. Often they suffer a glancing blow to the head from a car which kills them immediately but shows no outward signs. However, it might have well been fright with your poor cat. When cats are ill or in pain they usually crawl away to somewhere well hidden to die, so I think that you should at least console yourself a little that whatever happened was quick and he didn't suffer.

With best wishes.

[lizw]

So sorry to hear about your cat. My 16 year old cat who has never been a big wanderer has not been home for two days now and I am so worried and also convinced that she's found somewhere to die. But why couldn't she die in her basket by the fire where I could stroke her? I do understand how upset you must be.

I think you should take some comfort in the fact that it looks as though it was quick and painless for your cat and he's not suffering.

Bloody cats - we think we own them but it's rubbish - they own us. Take care of yourself.

xxxxx

[logman]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your cat !

I agree with gessoo, No VISIBLE signs of injury but of course he may have suffered internal injury, which was probably quick and painless..

[pedantic]

Thanks so much for your answers and kind thoughts.

I had to make an appointment for our other cat to have her boosters and spoke to a vet today. I told her about his condition and she said that she was almost certain that Teddy had a heart attack through fright and would have died instantly.

Kind regards,

Pedantic.

[Litchick]

pedantic, I am SO SORRY to hear of your loss. Please now that I'm thinking of you and sending hugs and kisses. I'm so sorry.

[Robert G]

I'm very sorry to hear about Teddy's death. I've got 5 cats at present, and have lost 4 in recent years. It never gets any easier when one dies. I do feel for you.

However long or short a cat's life may be, the important thing is that it has a high quality of life. Try to take comfort in the undoubted fact that you gave your cat a loving home.