Cat died in rolled carpet: Was it suffocation, heat stroke, or illness?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  I am so sorry to hear about your cats tragic passing. It is unfortunate when these things happen and we are left to wonder how our pet passed. It is very rare that a heat stroke would occur for an inside pet, unless the temperature was above 90-95 degrees and no water was available. I would guess that suffocation was more likely. I would recommend having your vet do an necropsy (examination of the body) to see if they can determine cause of death. However, it is unlikely that either of these scenarios would be determined without having a pathologist do the necropsy at the lab. Again I am so sorry for your loss.

  

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• Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  I'm so sorry for your loss and I know that you will miss Moosh deeply. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to determine the cause of death in some situations. While suffocation and heat stroke are possible causes of death, some cats also seek out quiet, secluded places when they are extremely ill so that they can hide, and often pass away in their hiding spots. After death, rigor mortis can set in fairly quickly, causing a rigid and abnormal body position. He may have stayed warm longer as a result of being in the carpet. You could consider asking your vet or a local veterinary school if they are able to perform a necropsy (the animal equivalent of an autopsy) to try to determine a more accurate cause of death. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.

  

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