Question:
Yesterday, my 14-year-old, very healthy 25-pound cat jumped off the bed, vomited some clear liquid, collapsed, screamed and died. The emergency room vet agreed the cat looked healthy and suggested that it was a heart attack. I am still in shock over this. I am disabled and this indoor cat never left my side. He was behaving perfectly normal before his sudden death.
Have you ever heard of this? What could possibly have happened?
D.R.G., Poughkeepsie, NY Aug 23, 2009
Answer:
My sympathies go out to you -- what a devastating experience! At least your cat's suffering was extremely brief, it at all. A heart attack or blood clot causing a stroke may well have been the cause of your cat's sudden death. Sudden death is far more common in cats than in dogs because they are more susceptible to dietary deficiencies and intolerances that can lead to heart disease and feline dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Another common problem in cats is periodontal disease (really bad teeth) than can cause heart disease and other serious health problems. For older cats and dogs, too, I recommend fish-oil supplements, especially the top-quality Wholemega by New Chapter that is made from wild salmon. And for pets suffering from inflammatory conditions, their Zyflamend blend of herbs and nutraceuticals should do wonders -- both products were created for human consumption.
I urge you to adopt another cat as soon as you are up to it since I am sure your cat contributed much to your emotional and physical well-being with his power of presence and affectionate contact.
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