Sudden Death

Question
Perhaps you can give me a reason my 7 1/2 year old cat died in his bed without any indication of anything being wrong. He was an outdoor cat that was put in a storage shed everynight. He was at the vet on 12/31/08, and got his two shots that were due. He weighted alittle over 16 pounds. Every fall when the weather started to get colder he would gain also 3 pounds and lose this weight in the spring. He had a very thick coat of fur during the winter months and would shed during spring and summer. On 1/20 09 it was around -15 below and not so cold the next two days. The day that he suddenly died it got to about -5 below. At first I though he may have died from hypothermia but ruled this out. He was outside the next two days after it got
-15 below.He is provided with a 3ftx3ftx3ft box filled with straw in which he made a small hole in the middle where he would sleep. That night he ate 1 1/2 cans containing a variety of fish and other meats plus a handful of dry cat food. The shed is well built but is not heated - there is no draft or any air movement throught it. He has always stayed in this shed without any problems. When I put him away that night, there were no signs of anything wrong with him. However, in the morning he was dead in his nest. What do you think could have caused a healthy well fed cat to die suddenly.We own alittle over 5 acres. During the summer I would cut the fields on both sides of the house and he would get a mouse also everyday - sometimes two aday. Of course he would eat them. I would appreciate your thoughts on what caused him to die without showing any signs of being sick. Thank you for your time.
L. Amil

Answer
L.,

Sometimes there aren't any easy answers. Cats can die suddenly for unexplained reasons just like people can. It's possible that your cat had a stroke, he may have even eaten a poisoned mouse that caused him to bleed to death internally...Neither of those possibilities would necessarily leave any marks on your cat. Rodenticide poisoning would be my first guess given that your cat wasn't particularly old. Rat and mouse poisons generally inhibit clotting of blood which can cause minor bumps or bruises to bleed uncontrollably and cause death. I know that it's very tough losing a well loved friend and my thoughts are with you at this time. I wanted to take this opportunity to share a short piece of writing that has helped me to cope with the loss of my pets over the years. I hope that it offers comfort and helps you with your grief.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

You may also find websites like petloss.com helpful in this tough time.