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3 ways you can care for your cat at the end of their life

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We’re here to help you and your family through this difficult and emotional time.

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As your cat reaches the end of their life, they will need you now more than ever for comfort. You can support your cat towards the end of their life by:

• Putting their food and water in easy reach places
• Offering a low-side litter tray, placed somewhere convenient for them
• Provide warm bedding in a peaceful environment
• Gently helping them onto their favourite chair or spot
• Lay non-slip mats so your cat can move around safely
• Offer smaller portions of soft and wet foods
• Regularly groom and clean your cat
• Get support from your vet

We know your cat isn’t just a pet, they’re part of the family, and there are things you can do to make their last months more comfortable and enjoyable.

It’s a difficult decision but when your cat’s quality of life has declined enough that they are no longer enjoying life, it might be time to consider putting them to sleep. This is the process of peacefully and ethically ending your cat’s life called euthanasia.

Bear in mind, it’s rare for pets to pass away peacefully during their sleep. It’s not advisable to wait for this to happen. Especially if we know that their quality of life is deteriorating, or they’re in pain or distress.

If you think it might be time to consider this for your cat, get in touch with your vet.

Making your home comfortable

When a cat is nearing the end of its life, creating a comfortable and stress-free environment can help improve its quality of life. As mobility often becomes more difficult, it's important to make everyday essentials as easy to access as possible.

• Improve feeding: Place food and water bowls in areas where your cat spends most of their time, so they don’t have to walk far to eat or drink. If your home has multiple floors, think about putting everything your cat needs on a single level to avoid the need for stairs. Similarly, position litter trays nearby and choose trays with low sides if your cat struggles to step over high edges.
• Provide comfortable sleeping arrangements: A soft, warm bed can provide comfort for aching joints and help your cat rest more easily. Many older or unwell cats appreciate quiet, draught-free areas away from household noise, children and other pets. If your cat likes being close to the family, create a comfortable resting spot in a room where they can still be part of daily life without being disturbed.
• Make moving around easier: You may also want to place non-slip mats on slippery floors to help your cat move around more confidently. Gently helping your cat, such as lifting them onto a favourite chair or sofa if they can no longer jump, can help them enjoy familiar routines safely.

Managing food and hygiene

Cats approaching the end of life may experience a reduced appetite, weight loss or difficulty eating. Offering highly palatable foods, such as specially formulated recovery diets or your cat's favourite wet foods, may encourage them to eat. Warming food slightly can make it smell more appealing, while offering smaller, more frequent meals may feel less overwhelming than a full portion.

Fresh water should always be available and placed within easy reach. Some cats prefer drinking from a water fountain, while others may benefit from having several water bowls positioned around the home.

It's important not to force your cat to eat if they’re reluctant. If your cat is consistently refusing food or water, contact your vet, who can advise on whether nutritional support or other interventions may be appropriate.

As cats become weaker, they may no longer be able to groom themselves effectively. Gentle brushing can help keep the coat clean, remove loose fur and prevent painful mats from forming. Depending on your cat's condition, you may also need to carefully clean around its eyes, mouth or rear end using a soft, damp cloth. Regularly checking your cat's bedding and keeping it clean and dry can also help prevent discomfort and skin irritation.

Throughout this time, handle your cat gently and stop if they appear distressed, painful or uncomfortable.

Medical support

Depending on your cat's condition and any underlying health problems, your vet may be able to prescribe medication to help manage pain and other symptoms. Effective pain relief can make a significant difference to your cat's comfort and quality of life, so it’s important to discuss any signs of discomfort, such as changes in behaviour, reduced mobility or loss of appetite, with your vet.

Your vet can also monitor your cat's condition and help you assess their quality of life as its illness progresses. Although deciding when to say goodbye is one of the most difficult choices an owner can face, your vet can offer compassionate guidance on whether your cat's quality of life is declining and whether euthanasia may be the kindest option.

When the time comes, your vet will explain the process and discuss the options available to you, including how the procedure takes place and what arrangements can be made afterwards. Their goal is to ensure that your cat experiences as little stress and discomfort as possible, allowing them to pass away with dignity, comfort and care.