Why did my elderly cat just die in her sleep when nothing appeared wrong with her. She was being treated for arthritis in her hind leg?

My condolences.

The only way to definitively know is to have her necropsied. But I can tell you that sudden death in cats is usually related to heart issues.

It sounds like she died of natural causes, painlessly. I am so sorry. If you must know, then have a necropsy, but I think you should just grieve.

I’m sorry for your loss.

So very sorry for your loss.

Nothing you did or didn’t do…it was simply her time to go! My sympathies for your loss at this difficult time.

A necropsy would answer your questions, and I would think of it as a charitable act: you’d be adding to the knowledge and information out there, thereby helping future vets, cats, and cat owners.

But, if you can’t afford it, you can’t afford it. (This isn’t like someone not bringing their pet to the vet when it needs medical attention – your cat is deceased, after all.) But you will never know what happened. You’ll just have to accept that and move on.

Awwww..bless her little kitty heart!

I am sorry for your loss.

Not to minimize your shock and sadness, but, really, she went in the best way possible. A peaceful, painless death at home.

It is possible she suffered heart failure but as others have mentioned, without a necropsy it is impossible to say.

Peace to you. :-)

I’m so sorry, I know that’s devastating. Many hugs.

I agree with @Coloma and the others….if you can get a necropsy, do it. It might ease your mind. Sounds like natural causes for sure.

I’m so sorry! :(

Honestly? I’m with @Coloma on this one. I would say you were fortunate to have your baby go peacefully. (Afterall, you said she was curled up in her sleep, which is how I think most of us would like to go.) If you must investigate, go ahead… But I would rest assured knowing she went free and clear of pain and stress, and was comfortable at home.

I’m sorry to hear about your loss.

As others have said, it was just her time. You said she was elderly; be thankful that you had the time with her that you did, and take comfort in knowing that she went without pain. I’ve lost a few pets over the years, and I have to say that it’s easier to deal with when they pass on in this way, than when you have to make the choice of whether to put them down.

I hope you can take comfort in knowing that now, she can drink all the milk she wants without a tummyache, and she can chase slow mice without any arthritis pain in her legs.