When to Call the Vet for a Cat?

Sick cats can mask their symptoms, so you need to monitor changes in their behavior or eating habits. Contact your veterinarian at the first sign of a problem to prevent a hereditary condition, disease or injury from worsening.

  1. Emergency Situations

    • When your cat has trouble breathing, seek immediate attention from your veterinarian, as this could indicate a heart condition, asthma or lung disease. Take cats that experience a seizure, bleeding from any area or a change in the color of their gums to the vet, as these symptoms indicate serious health issues.

    Warning Symptoms

    • Contact your veterinarian about cats that experience a loss of appetite, a condition caused by gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, pancreatic disease or liver or kidney problems. Not eating can lead to hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening condition, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

    Considerations

    • Cats with symptoms of medical issues, such as trouble eliminating, blood in their stool or feces, inability to walk, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, coughing or sneezing, require medical examination by your veterinarian. Follow your instincts with your cat; if something seems different about its behavior, contact your veterinarian.