Yes, cats will instinctively hide when they are sick or dying. This is one of the saddest parts of owning a cat, but by understanding the reason behind your cat’s behavior, you will be able to help them feel more at ease during their final days.
Most cat owners will be able to detect when their cats are not feeling well or close to dying due to the behavioral changes which we will discuss in this article.
Why Do Cats Hide Before They Die?
Most cats will keep to themselves when they are feeling unwell or dying. This is due to their vulnerability when they are ill, which leads to your cat becoming more withdrawn. Cat does not like to feel vulnerable, and their instincts will tell them to seek a quiet hiding place away from predators so that they can feel safe.
This can easily be compared to how a sick cat would act in the wild, they know they are sick and vulnerable, so they hide away from attackers as a form of protection. This leads to the main reason behind your cat hiding when they are dying or sick—to take shelter from predators so that they do not become an easy target. This instinct is displayed even in the safety and comfort of your cat’s own home where they will not fall prey to a predator.
Cats will also hide when they are dying because they are not pack animals, so they typically feel safer in solitude where they can hide that they are feeling weak and defenseless. Your cat might not seek out your affection when they are sick because they do not want to show that they are sick and dying.
Do Cats Know When They Are Going To Die?
Cats can feel emotions and pain, so they will know when they are on the verge of death or feel unwell from a severe sickness. Cats who are dying from old age or from a health condition they are suffering from may experience slow mobility, appetite changes, along with noticeable weight loss.
These symptoms can also be associated with general aging in cats, but if you suspect that your cat is showing signs of an illness that is causing them to become withdrawn and hide, then it is important to take them to a veterinarian for a treatment plan so that you can keep them comfortable and pain-free.
Cats will usually act abnormally up to the days leading to their passing, and an illness or pain from a medical condition will cause them to hide and feel like they are sick enough to show their vulnerability to those around them.
How Do Cats Act When They Are Dying?
Aside from hiding, there are many other clues your cat will give you when they are feeling close to death or severely ill. A dying cat might seem more depressed and lethargic and not enjoy the activities it once did.
This is commonly seen in senior cats who might start to suffer from dementia or arthritis which can cause confusion and bodily pains which will lead to them withdrawing from their usual activities and even refusing foods, treats, and playtime activities they once enjoyed.
Cats do not like to show that they are dying, which results in them taking shelter in an enclosed and dark area where they feel safer. Or, they may wander off into an area in your garden or close by that also makes them feel safe.
Conclusion
It is common for a dying cat to seek a comfortable hiding spot so that they do not show their vulnerability, however it should not be confused with a cat who is hiding because they are frightened or are trying to escape from a stressor in their environment.
It is important to pay close attention to your cat’s behavior so that you can determine if they are acting abnormally so that you can intervene or help your senior cat feel more comfortable during their last few days.
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