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Why did my 11-year-old cat die suddenly with eyes and mouth open?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

When we got home from church tonight. My 11 year old cat had passed away. She was laying on the rug in the living room. The last couple of days she had been sneezing and had a runny nose. I really didn't think that much about it. I'm just so confused because I thought cats lived til they were 15 or 16. Her mouth and eyes were wide open? So makes me wonder, did she suffer, did she just die suddenly? Any help would be great. I know it won't bring my girl back. But maybe I can tell my boys.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 11th, 2017

What a horrible thing to come home to, I'm very sorry! Some cats can die sooner than 15 or 16, it all depends on their health. It could be that TC had a serious illness, such as cancer, that she didn't show any outward signs of, and that's what caused her to pass away. When cats pass away, the muscle that help close the eyes and mouth relax, so that's why her eyes and mouth are open, it doesn't mean she suffered. Honestly, without seeing her in person, I can't tell you if she did suffer or not, but I recommend taking her into the vet in the morning. The vet can do a necropsy (an autopsy for animals) that may give the cause of death, and give both you and your boys peace of mind. If you do plan on doing that, I recommend placing her in a bag, and possibly keeping her in the garage overnight. If it's very cold where you are, the cold temperature of the garage will slow down the decomposition process. Again, I'm sorry for your loss :-(

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