Expert: Dr. Christina Chambreau - 7/1/2009

Question
Hello and thanks in advance for reading/answering my question.

This morning, one of my cats was dead when I woke up this morning. Facts about her:
1.) she has been an indoor cat ever since we took her in as a stray 5 years ago.
2.) She has never been outside and has lived in the same room with her brother.
3.) She was fed Iams weight control food as her brother is a big boy.
4.) She tested negative for feline aids and leukemia.

Last night, my wife said she was fine when she fed her and emptied the litter. This morning, when I went into the room, I noticed that the food dish was knocked upside down. She was laying on her side, outstretched with one paw clawing the carpet, at first I thought she was sleeping. When I finally noticed she wasn't moving I realized she was dead. Rigor had started to set in, she was very faintly warm in her belly but definitely below body temperature. The only odd thing I noticed is that she had secreted from her mouth and nose a pinkish fluid that was almost gelatinous in consistency. It may have had blood in it but it did not stain the carpet, in fact it simply stayed on the surface and didn't seep into the fibers. That struck me as odd. I realize you can't give me an exact cause of death but any ideas to put my mind at ease. My wife thinks it was somehow related to the fact that she was polydactyl and may have gotten an infection from one of her nails digging in but I looked and the nails had not caused an open wound in her paws. I wondering if it could have been a seizure or possibly choking on food or a hairball. Thanks in advance. -RIC-

Answer
Your cats sound like they were given a lot of love and care, so I know she is grateful for being rescued and for her time with you.

I do not know what could have caused her death.
It would not have been a nail, nor choking on food or a hairball. A seizure could possibly cause death, but I have never seen one cause death in less that 12 hours of actual seizuring, so that is very unlikely. Some cats develop heart problems, or could have anurysms like people, or throw clots into the brain. All of these are very rare. The discharge from the mouth probably came after death, or in the death process.

Only an autopsy could possibly give you some additional ideas.

Sincerely,
Dr. Chambreau

PS: if you or the other cat are ill from grief, there are Flower Essences that are totally safe that may help, or homeopathy that could help, so contact me at HealthyAnimals@aol.com if you wish more information on alternative approaches.