Cat Emergency Symptoms: When to Go to the Vet Right Now
The warning signs that mean your cat needs emergency veterinary care — including urinary blockage in male cats — plus signs that need a same-day call.
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Cats hide illness well, so by the time symptoms are obvious, a problem may already be serious. Knowing which signs are emergencies can save your cat's life. If in doubt, call your vet or emergency clinic — they would always rather hear from you early.
Go to a vet immediately
Straining to urinate — especially in male cats
A male cat who repeatedly goes to the litter box, strains, cries, licks his genitals and passes little or no urine may have a urethral obstruction (a blocked bladder). Urine and toxins build up, potassium rises and the heart can stop — within 24–72 hours. This is one of the most common true emergencies in cats. Owners often mistake it for constipation. Go now.
Breathing problems
- Open-mouth breathing or panting (unless very briefly after intense play)
- Rapid breathing at rest, or breathing with visible belly effort
- Blue, grey or very pale gums or tongue
- Coughing fits or choking
A resting cat normally breathes fewer than about 30 times per minute.
Collapse, weakness or seizures
- Collapse, inability to stand, sudden weakness
- Seizure lasting more than 2–3 minutes, or several in a day
- Sudden paralysis or pain in the back legs — often cold legs and crying, which can be caused by a blood clot (aortic thromboembolism), frequently linked to heart disease
Poisoning or suspected poisoning
- Any contact with lilies (including pollen or vase water)
- Human medicines (especially paracetamol/acetaminophen), antifreeze, dog flea treatment with permethrin, rodent poison
Trauma
- Hit by a car, fall from a height (even if the cat seems fine — internal injuries are common), dog attack
- Heavy bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure within a few minutes
- Suspected broken bones
- Eye injuries
Other emergencies
- Repeated vomiting, especially with lethargy, or vomiting blood
- A swollen, painful belly
- String or thread hanging from the mouth or bottom — don't pull it
- Heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, red gums, weakness in hot conditions
- Difficulty giving birth: more than 30–60 minutes of strong straining without a kitten, or more than 2–4 hours between kittens
- Very young kittens who are cold, weak or not feeding
Call your vet the same day
- Not eating for 24 hours (sooner for kittens or cats with diabetes or other conditions). Cats who stop eating are at risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease)
- Diarrhea lasting more than a day, or with blood
- Vomiting more than two or three times in a day
- Lethargy or hiding that isn't normal for your cat
- Squinting or a cloudy, red or painful eye
- Limping that doesn't improve within a day
- Female cat straining to urinate, or blood in urine
- Sudden change in drinking or urination
- A wound or abscess (often a warm, painful swelling after a fight)
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Book an appointment soon
- Gradual weight loss or gain
- Increased thirst and urination
- Bad breath, reluctance to eat dry food
- Lumps or bumps
- Changes in grooming (matted or greasy coat)
- Changes in litter box habits
- Increased vocalizing, especially at night, in older cats
What to do on the way
- Call ahead so the clinic can prepare.
- Keep your cat calm and contained in a carrier. For injuries, a towel can help you lift them gently; support the body.
- Don't give food, water or medication unless instructed.
- Take any packaging, plant or substance involved.
- For bleeding, apply gentle firm pressure with a clean cloth.
See also how to tell if your cat is in pain and first aid.