Expert: Jessica - 2/1/2012

Question
Hoping you might be able to help, though appreciate it will only be an opinion. My cat died a year ago and I still feel great pain for my loss, and had hoped some explanation to what caused the death might some how give me a bit of closure.

In brief terms, my cat (7 year old mog) had a fit where by he screamed out then hid for a few minutes with his heart going at an incredible rate before settling; it took a few days for him to return to normal mental behaviour. The vets checked him out but didn't have an explanation, all jabs were up to date. He then had another very small fit a month later but was fine after a minute. Sadly a few days later he screamed out again for a minute, urinated uncontrollably (normal colour), took a few last breaths (not forced) and died.

He was in fine health, no issues at all, and fully up to date with all jabs etc. He was mainly a house cat (as were his parents) so only got grass etc once a week or so, though it was winter so not often.

His sister, of whom we've owned since a kitten too is fine, no similar issues.

Given the quick death, would it point towards an issue in the brain causing the instant stopping of functions, as there wasn't really any struggling to breath or colour change; just as if after a minute the lights were turned out.

Any advice or opinion appreciated.

Thanks,

Ian

Answer
Hi Ian,

I would suspect that your cat had a severe cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. These can be difficult to detect, as the heartbeat can be normal at times and become extremely irregular at other times. Cardiac arrhythmias are perhaps the most common cause of sudden death in cats. All of your cat’s signs seem to fall in line with heart episodes, ranging from the sudden crying out to the subdued behavior for a number of days afterward to the noticeably racing heartbeat (called tachycardia). Unfortunately, most cats with cardiac arrhythmias do suffer a sudden death, even if they manage to be diagnosed and treated. If it was my kitty, I would truly believe this is what caused his death. I have lost two cats this way – one who was diagnosed and treated but died after a few months, despite our efforts, and one whose cause of death was suggested on a necropsy.

I’m sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is to get through the grieving process with so many questions unanswered. I hope you are able to gain some closure through your research.

Best regards,
Jessica