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My cat died, but her tail moved. Why do cats twitch after death?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

MY CAT DIED IN MY ARMS UNRESPONSIVE BUT HER TAIL GENTLY WAGED WHAT DOES THIS MEAN PLS

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 11th, 2019

First off I'm very sorry your cat died! Please accept my condolences for your loss. The source of energy that helps move muscles is known as ATP. When a living organism dies, the ATP leaves the muscles, and this can lead to twitching of body parts. It can be normal that you see a tail moving as an animal passes away. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

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