Cats have a reputation for being independent, self-sufficient, and maybe just a little bit mischievous. But even the most calm cat can find themselves in a situation that requires immediate medical attention.
And because cats are experts at hiding signs of illness, it can sometimes be difficult to know when a problem is truly an emergency. A change that seems small at first can sometimes signal something much more serious. At Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand, and Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast, our emergency teams regularly treat feline patients and are ready to help when an emergency arises.
Here are some of the common reasons cats may find themselves in the emergency room, and what pet owners should watch for.
Trouble Breathing
If your cat is struggling to breathe, breathing with their mouth open, breathing rapidly, or using their abdomen to help breathe, don’t wait to see if it improves.
Cats do not routinely breathe with their mouths open like dogs do. Difficulty breathing can be caused by conditions such as asthma, heart disease, fluid around the lungs, trauma, or other serious problems.
Breathing difficulty is always an emergency.
Urinary Problems & Blockages
Urinary issues are relatively common in cats and can range from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder inflammation to painful urinary blockages. While some urinary problems may be treated by your primary veterinarian, a blockage can quickly become life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care.
Signs that your cat may be experiencing a urinary problem include:
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Straining or crying while urinating
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Blood in the urine
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Producing only small amounts of urine
- Producing little or no urine
Even when a blockage isn’t present, changes in your cat’s urination habits should never be ignored. If your cat is repeatedly attempting to urinate but producing little or no urine, do not wait to see if the problem resolves on its own. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Vomiting, Diarrhea & Loss of Appetite
An occasional upset stomach may not be an emergency, but repeated vomiting, persistent diarrhea, blood in the vomit or stool, or a sudden refusal to eat can be signs of a more serious problem.
Cats that stop eating can develop additional health complications, particularly if they go without food or water for a few days. If your cat is vomiting repeatedly, seems painful or lethargic, or refuses food and water, it’s time to contact your veterinarian or an emergency hospital STAT.
Accidents & Injuries
Cats may have nine lives. But unfortunately, they aren’t indestructible.
Falls, being hit by a vehicle, animal fights, bite wounds, and other injuries can cause internal damage that isn’t immediately obvious. A cat may appear relatively normal after an incident while still having significant injuries.
Emergency evaluation is especially important after a trauma event, even if your cat seems okay.
Getting Into Something They Shouldn’t
Curiosity can get cats into trouble.
Cats may chew on plants, medications, household cleaning supplies, human foods, or other substances that can be toxic. They can also swallow string, ribbon, hair ties, toys, and other objects that may cause an intestinal obstruction.
Not sure what could pose a danger to your cat? The Cornell Feline Health Center offers a helpful resource covering common cat hazards, including potential household hazards and toxic substances.
If you think your cat has ingested something potentially dangerous, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital right away. When possible, bring the product packaging or information about what your cat may have eaten.
Eye Problems
A squinting cat may look like they’re simply having a bad day, but eye problems can become serious quickly.
Sudden squinting, a cloudy or bulging eye, significant redness, discharge, an obvious injury, or a cat repeatedly pawing at the eye should be evaluated promptly. Eye injuries and certain eye conditions can threaten vision if treatment is delayed.
Wounds & Abscesses
Cats are natural fighters, and even a small bite wound from another animal can become infected beneath the surface. Swelling, pain, heat, redness, discharge, fever, lethargy, or a foul odor can indicate an abscess or infection.
Don’t assume a tiny puncture wound is harmless. Cat bites can seal over quickly and trap bacteria underneath the skin.
When in Doubt, Trust Your Instincts
One of the most challenging things about caring for cats is that they don’t always make it obvious when something is wrong. A cat that is hiding, sleeping more than usual, suddenly becoming withdrawn, not eating, or behaving differently may be trying to tell you that something isn’t right.
You know your cat’s normal behavior better than anyone. If something seems significantly different, or if you’re worried that your cat may be experiencing an emergency, it’s better to seek veterinary guidance than to wait and see.
Here When Your Cat Needs Us
At Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand, and Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast, our emergency veterinary teams are here when your pet needs care outside of your regular veterinarian’s hours*.
With locations in Ormond Beach, DeLand, and Palm Coast, we’re here to help provide emergency care for cats and dogs when unexpected illness or injury strikes.
Because cats may have nine lives, but they still need a little help from time to time.
If your cat is experiencing a veterinary emergency, don’t wait. Contact Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia for guidance or head to the nearest location.
*Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia and Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand are open 24/7/365. Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast is open evenings and weekends.