Most emergency veterinarians will admit that they often treat cats when they are in very dire condition. Many cat owners feel guilty for not having realized that their cats were suffering. The fact is that most cats hide or stay away from humans when they are feeling unwell. They become reclusive, which makes it difficult to recognize early signs of health problems. While some cat emergencies occur suddenly, there are those that are easy to miss.

As a cat owner, you need to learn how to recognize signs that your pet may not be doing well. You need to know the symptoms that warrant an immediate visit to the vet. Recognizing some subtle signs early enough can help to save your cat’s life. The following are some common cat emergencies to watch out for.

Signs of Pain or Distress

If your cat is exhibiting obvious signs of pain or distress, you need to make an emergency trip to the vet. There are different reasons why your cat may be in pain, and the pain itself needs immediate attention. Some signs that your cat may be in distress include panting, howling, avoiding contact, and hiding. Your cat may be suffering from different conditions, including urinary obstruction or aortic thromboembolism.

Urethral Obstruction

This is a condition that affects male cats, where a blockage in the urethra makes them unable to urinate. If your cat seems restless and keeps making frequent trips to the litter box, it can be an indication of serious problems. You may notice that the cat is straining to urinate, and when he does, he only produces a drop. Another worrying sign is urine that contains blood. These may be symptoms of urethral blockage, and an emergency trip to the vet is necessary.

Poisoning/Toxicities

Cats are curious animals, and they are constantly trying to consume anything. Curiosity, combined with their peculiar metabolism, makes them vulnerable to poisoning. There are many objects in and around the home that can be poisonous to cats. These are products like antifreeze, rat poison, and Tylenol which are feline toxins. Symptoms of poisoning will differ depending on the poison consumed, but they all need emergency care.

Breathing Problems

Cats often conceal signs of breathing difficulties by reducing their activities. In most cases, cat owners only notice the problem late into a cat’s lung disease. There are several reasons why your cat may be experiencing breathing difficulty. Some common issues are heart disease, asthma, and lung disorders. An emergency trip to the vet can help to save your pet’s life.

Other Emergencies

Other emergency signs to look out for include ingesting foreign objects, bite wounds, and inability to use the hind legs. You should also look out for injuries caused by being hit by vehicles and increased urination and thirst. Upper respiratory infections and sudden blindness are emergencies that call for a visit to the veterinarian.

The color of the gums is often a useful indicator of the cat’s health. A healthy cat should have pink and moist gums. If the gums are grey, pale, bright red, or blue, your cat may be in trouble. It is important to have your cat evaluated by a vet.

If you want to know more about cat emergencies, visit The Little Cat Clinic at our offices in La Mesa, California. You can also call 619-547-0900 to book an appointment today.