Common Cat Health Issues and Their Warning Signs

When to See Your Veterinarian: Emergency Signs

Knowing what are signs of a true emergency can be life-saving. While some issues can be monitored at home, others require immediate veterinary attention.

Immediate Veterinary Attention is Needed For:

• Difficulty Breathing: Open-mouth breathing, labored breathing, blue or purple gums, gasping.
• Collapse or Seizures: Sudden inability to stand, unconsciousness, or uncontrolled muscle activity.
• Severe Trauma: Hit by a car, fall from a height, animal fight wounds, deep cuts, or major bleeding.
• Urethral Obstruction: Male cat straining to urinate, vocalizing, and producing little to no urine (as discussed in FLUTD section). This is critical and life-threatening.
• Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: Especially if accompanied by lethargy, blood, or black tarry stools, or if your cat has not eaten or drank for 24 hours.
• Ingestion of Toxins: If you suspect your cat has ingested poison (e.g., antifreeze, lilies, human medications, rodenticides), contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
• Sudden Onset Weakness or Paralysis.
• Severe Pain: Crying out when touched, hiding, refusing to move, or persistent vocalization.
• High Fever (above 102.5°F or 39.2°C) or Low Body Temperature (below 99°F or 37.2°C): While a thermometer is needed for accuracy, shivering, extreme lethargy, or very hot/cold ears can be indicators.
• Distended or Painful Abdomen.
• Sudden Blindness.

Do not hesitate to contact your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic if you are concerned. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat’s health. Have your vet’s contact information and the nearest emergency clinic’s number readily available.