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

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I found my cat Moosh squeezed himself into a rolled up carpet and died. At first I thought it was suffocation, but now I'm afraid it was heat stroke and he might have still been alive. When I found him, his eyes were squeezed tightly, his mouth was sticking out of his mouth. His paw was curled under. He didn't seem to move out of his hunched over positon. His chest was warm when I pushed on it, but nothing happened when I pushed on it. i think top of his body was hard, not sure anymore.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on June 21st, 2017

I am so sorry that you found Moosh like this. This is very traumatic and difficult situation to deal with. It sounds like he was no longer alive but he could have still felt warm from being in the carpet. My sympathies go to you as I know this can be difficult. Just know you gave Moosh a wonderful home while he was with you. Hugs!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    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

    Published on

    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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