Cats are masters at hiding pain, which means recognizing an emergency can sometimes be challenging. Knowing the most common cat emergencies—and what to do—can save your cat’s life.
In this extensive guide by Sploot Vets, we go over 12 common cat emergencies, when to take a cat to an emergency vet, and why contacting an emergency cat vet is essential.
1. Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty breathing in cats is characterized by labored, shallow, or noisy respiration. It can be caused by a foreign object obstructing the airway, asthma, heart disease, or fluid buildup in and around the lungs.
This condition is a veterinary emergency because breathing difficulties in cats can quickly result in oxygen deprivation. Getting in touch with an emergency cat vet can help prevent serious complications or death.
2. Too Little or No Urine
Having too little or lack of urination in cats is typically due to a urinary blockage, caused by urinary crystals, bladder stones, or urinary tract infection.
When this happens, cats may vocalize, strain to urinate, and show other signs of cat pain and discomfort. This condition is typically a life-threatening emergency because it can lead to kidney failure or bladder rupture if not treated promptly. If you observe these signs in your cat, contact an emergency cat vet promptly.
3. Persistent Vomiting & Diarrhea
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea is a serious condition in cats. It can be caused by ingesting toxins, infections, or underlying chronic illnesses.
Without prompt treatment, these symptoms can rapidly lead to severe dehydration, which puts the cat at risk of organ failure and other life-threatening complications. Emergency care is crucial to stabilize the cat’s condition and address the underlying cause.
4. Ingestion of Toxic Substances
Toxin ingestion occurs when a cat eats or drinks harmful substances such as human medications, toxic plants for cats (e.g. lilies, lavender), marijuana, chocolate, candy, grapes/raisins, or household chemicals.
Immediate care from an emergency cat vet is vital because toxins can cause severe symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or comatose—and may lead to irreversible organ damage if not treated promptly.
5. Non-Productive Retching
Non-productive retching is when a cat attempts to vomit but nothing is expelled. This behavior can be caused by the ingestion of a foreign object, esophageal blockages, intestinal blockages, or other gastrointestinal issues.
In some cases, non-productive retching may signal a life-threatening obstruction that requires emergency veterinary attention to prevent severe complications or death..
6. Sudden Bloating
A bloated abdomen in cats can indicate conditions such as gastrointestinal blockages, internal bleeding, or fluid buildup from infections or organ failure. These issues can cause significant discomfort, and if left untreated, may lead to severe complications like shock or ruptured organs. We highly recommend going to an emergency cat vet if you notice this symptom.
7. Physical Trauma, Falls, & Bites
Cats can get injured because of falls, car accidents, or fights with other animals; emergency care is crucial in such cases for the following reasons:
- Bites & deep scratches—the risk of infection and tissue damage requires immediate treatment.
- Open wounds—these can lead to significant blood loss and infection if untreated.
- Puncture wounds—these wounds can go deep, damaging soft tissue and opening the body to infections, making prompt care essential.
- Internal injuries—often invisible and caused by falls and physical force; these can cause life-threatening internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Fractures—require urgent stabilization to prevent further damage and ensure proper healing.
8. Bleeding from Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
Uncontrolled bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth can result from trauma, clotting disorders, or internal injuries in cats.
Immediate medical attention from an emergency cat vet is necessary to address the source of bleeding and prevent severe blood loss, which can lead to shock or death.
9. Burns
Burns in cats can occur from contact with hot surfaces, boiling liquids, open flames, or chemicals. Cats, with their exceptional climbing abilities and natural curiosity, are especially susceptible to burns when they explore their environment.
Burns are a medical emergency because they can cause severe pain, extensive tissue damage, and the risk of infection. In severe cases, burns can affect deeper layers of tissue. Cats may also go into shock due to the pain and fluid loss from the injury.
Immediate veterinary care from an emergency cat vet is essential for assessing the severity of the burn, managing pain, and preventing infection.
10. Overheating or Heatstroke
Heatstroke or overheating in cats can be caused by being trapped in hot environments, such as a locked car, or by overexertion in extreme heat. Overheating or heatstroke in cats is often accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, panting, drooling, or, in severe cases, collapse.
Heatstroke can lead to organ damage or death if left untreated. We recommend contacting an emergency cat vet immediately if you suspect this condition in your cat.
11. Sudden Disorientation
Sudden disorientation in cats is characterized by aimless wandering, difficulty standing, or an inability to recognize their surroundings. This can be caused by head trauma, stroke, poisoning, or underlying neurological conditions.
Sudden disorientation is a medical emergency because it may signal severe brain or nervous system issues. These require immediate diagnosis and treatment from an emergency cat vet to prevent permanent damage or further complications.
12. Sudden Paralysis or Weakness of the Back Legs
If a cat is dragging their hind legs or seems unable to use one hind leg, they may be suffering from ATE (arterial thromboembolism), aka ‘saddle thrombus’, which is commonly caused by an underlying heart disease.
Sploot veterinarian, Dr. Ashley Yao states:”This condition occurs when blood clots travel from the heart and block an artery, resulting in the weakness or paralysis of one or both hind legs.” She further explains: “Within the category of cardiovascular emergencies in cats, ATE is relatively common—and may be mistaken for physical trauma.”
ATE in cats is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment from an emergency cat vet is essential to reduce pain and improve the cat’s chances of survival, recovery, and regaining mobility.
13. Collapse or Lethargy
Sudden collapse or extreme lethargy in cats can indicate a serious underlying condition, caused by heart disease, anemia, low blood sugar, or exposure to toxins.
In any case, collapse and severe lethargy often signal a life-threatening issue that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. Prompt intervention by an emergency cat vet can help prevent further complications or death.
14. Seizures
Seizures in cats are characterized by uncontrolled muscle movements, often accompanied by drooling or loss of consciousness. They can be caused by conditions such as epilepsy, poisoning, or brain injury.
While seizures themselves may not always be deadly, the underlying cause can be life-threatening. We highly recommend contacting an emergency cat vet if you observe this symptom in your cat.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for Pet Emergencies
This concludes our guide on when to take a cat to an emergency vet. Pet emergencies are unpredictable—but being prepared can save valuable time. We recommend keeping the contact information of nearby emergency cat vets so you know who to call in case of an emergency.
→ Learn more - Emergency Vet: 9 Vital Things to Look For
Sploot Vets: Emergency Cat Vet, 365 Days a Year
Sploot Veterinary Care is your go-to emergency cat vet, available 365 days a year, and open until 8pm. Our experienced veterinarians and advanced facilities are here to provide your cat with the highest quality of care.
We have several vet clinics in Denver and Chicago, where we provide comprehensive, high-quality care, including emergency, primary care, and urgent care for your pets.
Arrange an emergency appointment at Sploot by calling us at (720) 770-8656.
