Horrible unexplained cat death.

Hey Guys. I'm still in shock this evening and I'm tying to make sense of what's happened. I'm hoping someone might have more information or something or maybe I just need to vent. Today my friends cat died with absolute no explanation or warning. It was a very affectionate kitten sized 4 year old female. She has been in heat for the last few day and trying to get everything to mate with her. I was getting ready for bed when she ran towards the door, stretched out all her legs stiff and went limp. I watched for a few seconds and she curled up into a ball and started gasping. This only lasted a few seconds after her I gabbed her and ran downstairs. I put my head to her chest and her heart was thumping away crazily. It took me a few minuted to get my friend up and find my car keys. Before leaving I checked her heart again and it was very faint. We got to the animal hospital about fifteen minutes and two speed cameras later. The Vets took her for a few minutes and told us she had passed away. They said they couldn't be sure what had happened and an autopsy would cost thousands so we just took her home. I mean, what gives? She was happy and running around minutes before, she's a well looked after cat with all her immunisations... It just doesn't make sense. Any thoughts?

Omg, that's horrible, I'm so sorry for your and your friend's loss. I can't imagine what would have caused that. Is it possible she got into some poison?

I'm really sorry about your friend's cat.  It's such a horrible shock when this kind of sudden death occurs in an apparently healthy young cat.  Like the vet said, it's impossible to know without an autopsy but a few things come to mind.  Cardiac failure, strokes and asthma are all associated with sudden, unexpected death.  A fast acting poison could also be responsible.  Again, I am so sorry.  RIP little one.  

this is terrible news! i'm so sorry for you, and your friend's loss.

she might have had heart disease. it is one of the most common "sudden death" causes for felines. heart disease is very difficult to detect. however, many cats have passed away from the same description you gave here. they act perfectly healthy and active until they suddenly faint.

a blood clot, or an emboli may have played a part in her passing as well.

you can read more about feline heart disease here.

this is another website which explains the reasoning behind sudden fainting in cats.

keep in mind that i am not a qualified veterinarian, and i'm making these assumptions based off of my knowledge alone.

Thanks for your replies guys.

I am watching video after video right now about feline heart disease, just trying to make sense of it. Tonight has just been really really ******* horrible. She was the nicest most playful little creature, it just seems for bloody random and unfair. The worst part was the drive to the hospital. She hadn't moved since we left and we both knew that she had gone but we both sat in silence and refused to say it until the vet said it to us. Sorry to rant, it's just nice to know that someone who understands is listening x

How upsetting, poor little thing, I am sorry you lost her

I wonder if it related to her going into heat?

So sorry this happened. I also wonder if it could have been because of going into heat and a possible infection? Pyometria is common and a significant reason to spay. Anyway, I am really sorry.

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your friend's dear sweet cat. I know how difficult it must be for you.
My cat also died suddenly last June. He had HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). It's a disease of the heart where the muscles of the heart grow too thick and the blood has a hard time getting out of the heart.

Perhaps your friend's cat had HCM? Do they remember the vet hearing a murmur in the cat's heart when she was younger or if she had any fainting spells?

My thoughts are with you and that dear little cat.

I just had a thought. I know you mentioned that it would be too expensive for your friend's cat to have an autopsy. If it's not too late to do it, perhaps there is a veterinary teaching hospital that may do the autopsy for free or at a reduced cost?

It would give you and your friend peace of mind to know how the cat died and may help in the healing process as you both grieve the loss of this dear cat.

Helen that sounds like a great idea and I would recommend anyone in my situation to do the same. I didn't see it in time though and now Tink is on top of a mountain with a 200mile 360 view.

Gosh I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear kitty.  That's truly horrible.  You can write a tribute to her and post pictures in the Crossing the Bridge forum, if and when you feel like it.  Hugs to you!

DanIel123 said:

Helen that sounds like a great idea and I would recommend anyone in my situation to do the same. I didn't see it in time though and now Tink is on top of a mountain with a 200mile 360 view.

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I'm so sorry for the loss of Tink. I'm sure that Shelby is welcoming her across the rainbow bridge and they're already making plans to play all day.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

So sorry to hear about your loss. Very sad