Is your cat in the middle of a crisis, leaving you unsure of what to do next? Or are you just trying to do some research to help you better understand how to care for your feline friend if anything unexpected should happen? As a cat owner, you don’t want to think about having to rush your pet to the emergency vet. However, this is sometimes an unfortunate necessity, and it’s good to know which conditions and situations might require a trip to the emergency vet in the middle of the night.

Check out the information below to educate yourself on cat emergencies. Understand that this list is not a comprehensive one, but it does cover most of the basics and should give you an idea of how to respond if something is going wrong with your cat.

Remember, VEG ER for Pets animal hospitals are open 24/7 to care for your cat's emergencies.

Signs you need to take a cat to the emergency vet

Below are signs that it’s time to take your cat to the emergency vet immediately:

Cat needs an emergency vet if...

Cat has eaten something toxic 

Certain plants and flowers can make your cat vomit or cause severe abdominal pain. Some flowers like lilies can even cause kidney disease and be fatal if not treated right away, so don’t wait - if you know your cat has eaten something toxic, take them to the emergency vet immediately.

If you are unsure if it is poisonous, you can contact a VEG emergency vet or a poison control hotline like ASPCA Poison Control.

Cat can’t pee

Cats who try to urinate and can’t, or cry in pain when they go to the litterbox need to get to the vet quickly, as this can be a life threatening emergency.

Cat has trouble breathing

If your cat is struggling to breathe in any way, head to the emergency vet. Particularly look for a changes in tongue color (pale or blue tinged) or gum color (pale or blue tinged).

Long-lasting abdominal discomfort in cats

Cats may develop abdominal pain for many reasons. If your cat shows signs such as arching his or her back constantly or breathing heavily even when the temperature is not too warm, he or she may have abdominal pain. If this lasts longer than thirty minutes, you should see an emergency vet.

Cat has frequent vomiting or diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are not necessarily emergency conditions in cats, but many episodes within a couple of hours or days can be. Vomiting and diarrhea have many different underlying causes and can result in dehydration if left untreated. If you are concerned about the amount or frequency of vomiting and diarrhea, call and speak with your primary care vet or a VEG vet if after hours. 

Cat not eating? It could be a sign of an emergency. VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours every day to offer prompt, compassionate care for your cat.

Cat collapsed or is unable to wake up

If your cat suddenly collapses, or if he/she has gone to sleep and you can’t get him to wake up, then they need to see an emergency vet immediately.

Cat is having a seizure

Seizures are quite dangerous in cats and should be considered an emergency. Take your cat to the nearest VEG emergency veterinary hospital.

Cat is crying when touched or petted

Cats in pain will usually cry when they’re touched. A sudden onset of this type of behavior may mean you should take your cat to the emergency vet, especially if it is paired with anything else from this list.

Cat had an accident

Similarly, contact our 24-hour emergency vet if you know your cat has suffered an accident or trauma of some kind that is severe enough not to wait until morning. If in doubt, don’t wait to see an after-hours vet!

Cat with signs of heatstroke

Cats generally breathe through their noses, so if they are breathing with their mouths open or panting this is a concern of possible heatstroke and they should be assessed quickly.

Cat with paralysis in one or more limbs

If your cat suddenly shows signs of paralysis in one or more limbs, it’s time to go to the emergency vet. This could indicate a problem with that limb, or it could mean your cat is having heart problems or clotting issues.

Symptoms that can wait for the cat's primary care vet

These "wait and see" symptoms are less dangerous but can still be cause for a visit to your family veterinarian. If symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea persist, bring your cat in to any VEG animal hospital.

Cat needs a primary care vet if...

Cat's red and watery eyes

This could be a sign of allergies. However, it could also be a sign of an eye infection.

Give it a day and see if it starts to clear up, but schedule an appointment with the vet if it isn’t showing signs of improvement (or has gotten worse) by then. If your cat is squinting they should be seen and should not wait. 

Frequent sneezing in cats

Sneezing is another symptom that is most likely related to allergies. Once again, however, it could be a bacterial or viral infection, and your vet may need to check your cat to be sure.

Wait to see if it gets better in a day or two before going to the vet. You can always call VEG for vet advice. If a lack of appetite accompanies these symptoms, however, get to the vet immediately.

Cat with intermittent vomiting

Cats tend to vomit more often than dogs (or humans). If your cat spits up hairballs now and then, this is normal. However, if you notice an increase in the number of times your cat vomits on a weekly or monthly basis, then it’s probably time to get to the vet.

Cat has diarrhea

If your cat has one episode of diarrhea you can wait and see if they improve. If it doesn’t or it becomes worse, head to the vet, or your cat may become dehydrated.

Sudden changes in behavior in cat

Any sudden and unexplained changes in your cat’s behavior may warrant a vet trip, but they can also be monitored before rushing to an emergency vet. Consider, too, whether or not there are reasons for this behavior change. For example, if you have recently brought home a new pet, your cat may stop eating for a day as they adjust.

If any strange behavior persists over several days, you should see a primary care veterinarian. 

Concerned about your cat? Call VEG emergency vets

If you do feel like your cat is having a crisis that cannot wait until your regular vet is available, then call a VEG emergency vet right away. They will give you instructions for bringing your cat in or let you know if it can wait for your primary care vet.

If your cat is displaying any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, call VEG right away. We're open 24/7, with after-hours emergency care for cats.