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How long did my cat suffer after a dog attack and internal bleeding?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 years and 6 months old | 10 lbs

My cat has died after a dog attack. He went outside around 11-12 am and I found him dead around 4 pm in afternoon. He was half-stiffen. He had blood in his abdomen and in his mouth but without any visible wounds. After a while some purple marks appeared in his skin in the abdomen, four teeth marks. I guess he died of internal bleeding after he got bitten in abdomen and he threw up blood. Can you please tell me how long it probably lasted for him to die and did he suffer a lot? Please be honest

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2017

I am awfully sorry for the tragic way in which your pet died. In these types of situations it is impossible to know how quickly your pet passed away because internal bleeding can vary tremendously. It depends on which vessel was severed and how quickly that vessel pumped blood out of the vasculature and into the abdomen. I would hope that your pet didn't suffer for too long. Major vessels tend to bleed out fairly quickly (less than an hour), while smaller vessels can be somewhat slower (several hours). Try to remember the happier times you had with your furry friend and not dwell on how he passed away. I know this may prove difficult, but it is what keeps us together in these times of sorrow. I I hope that Mirmir rests in peace and I send my deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am so so sorry that you just lost Mirmir! How horrible for you! Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain how long it took him to die, but I can say that bleeding from internal injuries would be distressing and painful for him. I certainly hope that he didn't suffer long before passing away, but it can take a number of hours for a cat to pass away with internal bleeding. Again, without seeing him I can't say for certain, I'm sorry. Please accept my condolences for your loss :-(

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