My young cat found dead today, trying to find closure..

Hello,

Earlier today I lost my first and most loving cat. He was inside and I made it to him within 15 minutes of his death. I held him in my arms until he was cold and stiff

Worst feeling I've ever experienced, now the questions have been swarming me why and how this could have happened. So here is details and hopefully someone could help me gain closure.

Jack was an all white, extremely friendly and bright cat. He was only three (3) years old! He had two different colored eyes, I've seen other cats similar to him. I took him in when he was 6 weeks old, he was found abandoned with a litter of kittens outside a court house. He was up to date with shots and has been tested for HIV and other diseases 3 months prior to today (all of which were negative). As an inside and outdoor cat I've always taken extra precaution to make sure he remained healthy. Yesterday was the only day I noticed him acting strange, his nose was dry and his breathing is what was most notable. He seemed to have a stutter in his breathing, it wasn't as smooth and easy for him. He's had a cold before and similar symptoms were seen so I thought nothing of it. He slept on my bed for the majority of the day and I fed him plenty of wet cat food like I normally do when he's not feeling so well.

He didn't feel overly warm either, just normal. Two nights ago he was outside, he goes out every day and sometimes likes to stay out until the early morning. Yesterday other than what I mentioned he was normal, still using the litter box, eating and drinking. I've found no vomit or any other thing around the house he was trying to get rid of.

When I found him dead this morning he was laying on a usual spot like he was napping. No signs of distress, his eyes were slightly open half way and his mouth was also slightly open with white foam that filled it. No blood or anything else. So he was laying on his side and his legs were also straight out from him, is it possible that he had a seizure? I'm just very confused and sad right now, any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for listening - Brandon

Perhaps poison or a toxin, since you mentioned foaming.

One of the many reasons I would recommend keeping cats indoors -> you do not have control over what (or who) they come into contact with while outside.

I am sorry for your loss.  Rest in peace, sweet white kitty.  You were loved and will be missed.  {{{Hugs}}}

I wouldn't have any idea of the cause of death. I am extremely sorry for your loss

I'm starting to think a poison or toxin was the only cause. He never would show any signs of being in pain at any point in his life. Only when he slept more than normal and/or was quiet since he loved to have his voice heard would I know. The thing that gets me is the fact that he was a picky eater and wouldn't eat something unless it was a tuna flavor or actual cat food.

Judging by it all, it took at least 36 hours for the 'toxin' to kill him. During which he was still eating and moving around.

My only best guess is be ate a poisonous plant like a mushroom outside. Is it common for cats to eat something found outdoors in a residential area?

An actual autopsy would help but I couldn't just have him become a science experiment and be dissected. I just miss my little buddy.

Thank you for your condolences.

For what it's worth...

It does not sound like antifreeze or rat poisoning. Perhaps a plant or insecticide. Cats usually don't eat stuff like mushrooms but do eat grass-like plants for an upset tummy. Maybe something was sprayed on grass that he got into.

So sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry for your loss of your beloved little boy Jack. My guess would be heart failure. It happens like that sometimes. Heart defects are not easy to detect. If this was the case, your baby most likely didn't suffer at all, he probably went in his sleep. I'm so sorry.

It's very hard to not know why a young cat has died.  Have you considered getting a post mortem?  I know the idea might be upsetting, but if it gives you a definitive answer that might help you to deal with that 'so robbed' feeling that losing a young cat brings.

I agree with Otto.

My kitties, Beeshee Marie, and Buddy both died of heart failure. 

In a young cat, to die that suddenly it is most likely inherited from a parent.  That was Beeshee Maries case.  She and Buddy, both had the foam at the mouth at death and breathing just as you described. Marie was fine one day and gone the next.  It is such a shock.  They were both indoor kitties. 

Please take comfort, that if it is heart failure, there was most likely nothing you could have done.  My vet assured me he was nearly 100 percent sure that it was inherited, probably from her father.  Her mom is fine.   I even took Beeshee's brother, Fetch, into the vet to have a sonogram of his heart to be sure he did not inherit the same thing.

God bless your little friend and you for  loving him so much.

I believe Otto may have the answer.  I'm so sorry for your loss!!!

I am so sorry you lost your cat. It is hard at any time, but really hard when it is such a shock. It is impossible to know what happened to your cat without a necropsy. I am going to close this thread now.
When you feel like it, you might consider posting a tribute in our Crossing the Bridge Forum. When you do that, it gives members opportunity to express sympathy and condolences to you.