Whether your cat is currently missing or you're grieving your recently deceased buddy, the question 'Do cats run away to die?' is one cat owners have been asking for years.
When cats feel unwell, they become aware that they are easy prey to potential predators. They may feel weak and unable to defend themselves, which causes them to seek somewhere safe.
Even though you may think your cat feels safest in their home, their solitary instincts cause even indoor cats to leave and find somewhere completely isolated.
This is why many cats do run away to die. We'll be exploring why this is and giving you top tips on how to find your furry friend.
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Key takeaways
Do cats run away to die?
Why do dying cats hide?
Where do dying cats hide?
Tips to find a missing cat
FAQs
Final thoughts
Do cats run away to die?
The short answer is yes. Most cats will go away to die, but it's not necessarily because they have a sixth sense. While anecdotal evidence implies that some pets knew about their impending death (source), it is more likely because cats are aware when they feel sick and want to seek isolated and safe places to hide.
Not all cats will behave the same way, and ultimately it will depend on your pet's personality. Some cats prefer leaving home, and some prefer staying close to their owners. But why?
Why do dying cats hide?
Many cat owners share the experience of being unable to find their cats in their final days. So let's look at some of the main reasons why cats run away to die.
Staying safe from potential dangers
When cats feel unwell, they become aware that they are easy prey to potential predators. They may feel weak and unable to defend themselves, which causes them to seek somewhere safe.
Even though you may think your cat feels safest in their home, their solitary instincts are hard wired and can cause even an indoor cat to leave and find somewhere completely isolated from other animals and humans.
It may seem counterintuitive to venture outside when trying to avoid danger, but actually, this stems from an evolutionary instinct in wild cats who feel most comfortable outdoors.
Many owners feel disappointed and sad when their fur baby runs away, but it's important to remember that your cat's behavior when they're nearing death doesn't reflect how they feel about their owners.
"Even though you may think your cat feels safest in their home, their solitary instincts cause even indoor cats to leave and find somewhere completely isolated."
Conserving energy
Unwell cats can attempt to conserve energy by hiding. Whether it's in the house or somewhere further afield. When cats are conserving energy, they will look for somewhere:
Close to home
Warm
Safe
Hidden
This is because they won't be able to run away from danger, predators, or unwanted attention. Pet cats also may not have the energy to eat and drink, so they will hide longer without returning home for dinner.
Spending more time sleeping
You may think your cat is hiding, but it may be the case that they are simply sleeping longer and more deeply in their old age. Your beloved pet knows it is vulnerable when it is in a deep sleep.
This means they will seek very sheltered secret spots for their snoozes in older age or sickness, which means they are often hidden. Although few pets pass peacefully in their sleep, it is still possible.
Where do dying cats hide?
A lost cat can be incredibly distressing. However, if they are unwell or old, it can be even more upsetting when you can't find them. Cats isolate in many places, so be sure to check the following most common hiding spots.
Abandoned buildings
Abandoned buildings make the perfect hiding place for sick cats. They provide shelter from extreme weather and often have nooks and crannies that are secure and secluded.
If you own an outdoor cat, they have probably already ventured into the buildings in your area. This means they'll know exactly where to go when they feel unwell, and you'll probably have an idea too.
However, if your furry friend is usually indoors only, follow these top tips when trying to locate them:
Search buildings away from roads
Check sheds in your and your neighbors' gardens
Check outbuildings in quiet areas
Make sure you look in smaller spaces than usual. When my best buddy of 21 years passed away, she had hidden in a tiny space under a stack of crates in an abandoned farm building. So, don't disregard places that look too small!
Dense woodland areas
Wooded areas offer cats privacy, peace, and safety. Trees shelter the woodland floor from rain and wind, and their roots provide the perfect hidden sleeping place.
Leaves, twigs, and debris also allow cats to curl up without being seen by other animals or walkers. If you suspect your kitty has ventured into the woods, grab their treats and a torch (even in daylight) and walk softly while calling their name.
"Wooded areas offer cats privacy, peace, and safety. Trees shelter the woodland floor from rain and wind and their roots provide the perfect hidden sleeping place."
A secluded and peaceful place
If you're lucky, your cat may find a secluded place in your home. It's every owner's dream, but unfortunately, it is rare. In their final days, cats are often just seeking a bit of peace and quiet. If you have a garden, check the following places:
Hedges/bushes
Trees
Under/on garden furniture
In long grass
Tips to find a missing cat
Whether you believe your cat is alive or not, it's important to find them. While it is a stressful time, there are some tips and tricks that will make finding your lost cat easier.
Utilize social media
Social media is an incredible tool for finding a missing cat. The ability to spread the message far and wide to people who can help you makes the search effort easier and quicker. Check out the following ways to use this technology:
Paid advertisements: PetRadar allows you to create personalized adverts for your missing cats and choose how many people you want to reach. We then organize sponsored ads on Instagram and Facebook that will target a significant amount of your neighbors. We'll manage all reported sightings and support you through the tricky time.
Reach out to your followers: You've likely got a fair few followers who live nearby. By posting on your social accounts, you can increase awareness of your missing cat and hopefully recruit a few more searchers!
Reach out to your neighbors
Searching your neighbors' houses and gardens just as thoroughly as your own can be very effective if you can. Sometimes these places may be quieter and safer than their own home. Be sure to check their:
Sheds
Outbuildings
Under beds
In cupboards
In drawers
In wardrobes
Gardens
Under cars
Attract your cat back home
There are a few ways that can help attract your cat back to your house. However, if they are unwell, it is unlikely they'll return. But it's always worth trying. Taking the following actions can help:
Leave their food outside
Leave their litter box outside
Call their name loudly and often
Keep doors open
Keep disruptive noise to a minimum
Avoid having visitors over while your cat is missing
For more tips, read our guide on how to get a cat to come home.
FAQs
Do indoor cats run away to die?
It is common for indoor cats to run away to die. This is because they often seek isolated and secluded places to protect themselves in their vulnerable state.
Do old cats run away to die?
Yes, old cats often run away to die because they can sense when they are unwell. They seek isolated and secluded areas to protect themselves from predators and other dangers.
Do cats run away when they are sick?
Yes, cats often run away when they are sick because they are more vulnerable to predators. This means they sometimes run away from home to find a hidden safe place.
Why do cats leave home?
Cats leave home for a variety of reasons, including:
Feeling threatened by new pets
They are sick
They are injured
Moving house
They are in heat, looking for mates
They are hunting[[/faq-answer]]
How do cats act when they sense death?
When cats sense their own death, their behavior changes. This can include acting withdrawn, anxious, and restless. It can also mean that they stop eating, drinking, and grooming.
Do cats come back after running away?
67% of cats that live both indoors and outdoors will be able to find their way home. However, if you have recently moved house, your cat may return to your old home.
What happens right before a cat dies?
Depending on the cat, their behavior right before they die will differ. Some will be more affectionate, sleeping next to you and wanting attention. Whereas others may run away, hide, or become anxious around people.
Final thoughts
Coping with the passing of a pet can be incredibly difficult. It is devastating for the whole family and can disrupt everyone's lives. There is no way around the pain, but there are ways to make coping with grief a little easier.
As a cat owner, it's important to celebrate your pet's life and remember all of the happy memories you shared together rather than dwelling on their final days.
Consider gathering some photos together and going through them as a family. This will bring up some lovely memories to talk about and allow you to process your emotions. Even though it hurts, it's better to feel the grief rather than deny it. And remember, it will only get easier!
If your pet is still missing, start a PetRadar search to reach as many people as possible. Think of it as the modern missing cat poster that reaches as many people as you want. With reportings and sightings managed by us, you don't have to worry about sharing personal information with strangers, like your telephone number. It's the stress-free and safe way to help locate your best pet friend.
If you feel as though you've tried everything, have a read of when you should stop looking for a lost cat.
Written by
Lauren Jeffries
In this blog, I combine my two areas of expertise: pets and writing. I share my personal experiences alongside plenty of animal behavior research to help owners look after their pets. I have always lived with furry friends and am now a loving cat mum to two orange kitties.
