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Why did my 17-year-old cat die suddenly with vomit and blood?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I had a cat who was 17 years old just recently she passed away. It broke my heart. But I came home from work and she was fine. Eating drinking and purring. Just recently she had diarrhea first time in her life but did not last long. I got home late and went to bed early. The next morning I found her lifeless. There was some vomit below her head and in her mouth and a very small spot of blood. Just for a peace of mind I was wondering if you have an idea of what may have happened I miss her Somuch

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2017

I'm so sorry you suddenly lost your cat! Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain what caused her to pass away, but I can make some guesses. In senior cats, cancer is common, and because our animals can't tell us what is going on with them, oftentimes we find that they are suffering from cancer but we don't know it until it's too late. It could be possible that your kitty had cancer, and it ultimately took her life. She could have also been suffering from kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or other organ failure. I hope my guesses may give you some peace of mind, and again I'm sorry for your loss :-(

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 5th, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. It is very traumatic to lose a pet, especially when it happens so suddenly. Cats don’t get scared to death and old age in and of itself is not a disease. There was something going on internally that lead to your cats demise. Kidney disease, a bacterial infection, liver disease, and cancer are just some of the things that could have been going on with Old kitty. Most vets offer to perform a necropsy (examination of the body to try and determine cause of death) service. If interested you can ask your vet about this and the cost associated with it. However, typically you have to submit the body within the first 12-24 hrs.
Again I am so sorry for your loss and send my deepest condolences to you and your your family. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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