Is this an emergency?
This resource is here to help you understand whether the signs you are seeing could indicate a more serious condition that needs attention sooner than your scheduled visit. It is not meant to worry you, it is meant to make sure your Cat gets the right level of care at the right time.
If you are unsure about anything, pleasecall usright away. Even if we cannot get to the phone immediately, or if it is after hours, you will be connected to a licensed Registered Veterinary Technician who can triage your Cat’s situation and guide you on next steps.
This May Be an Emergency. Act Now
Call us or go to an ER immediately if you see any of these.
Breathing with mouth open, gasping, or visibly struggling to breathe at rest
Breathing that looks faster than normal while your Cat is relaxed or sleeping
Collapsed, cannot stand, or unable to walk normally
Seizure or uncontrolled tremors or shaking
Unresponsive, or extremely difficult to rouse
Pale, white, grey, or blue gums
Significant uncontrolled bleeding
Suspected trauma: fell from a height, struck by a car, stepped on, or caught in something
Suspected ingestion of anything toxic: houseplants (especially lilies), human medications, cannabis, cleaning products, or dog flea and tick products
Sudden extreme behavior change, extreme distress, or hiding combined with any physical sign
Sudden vision changes, one pupil larger than the other, or eyes that look different than normal
Back legs suddenly weak, dragging, cold, or not working the way they should
Call us first if it is during clinic hours. We can help you assess the situation and coordinate care before you leave the house. If it is after hours, you will be connected to a licensed RVT when you call.
Your Cat Should Be Seen Today
If your appointment is not today, please call us to move it up.
Not eating today and seems less active or more withdrawn than normal
Hiding significantly more than usual, especially combined with any physical sign
Limping or reluctance to put weight on a limb
Squinting one or both eyes, or eye discharge that appeared suddenly
Sneezing or nasal discharge combined with not eating
Noticeably increased thirst alongside any weight loss
Significant lethargy that has lasted more than 24 hours
A lump or swelling that appeared suddenly or seems painful to the touch
These signs are not a go-now emergency, but waiting several days is not ideal. If your appointment is scheduled for tomorrow or later, please call us so we can try to get your Cat in sooner.
Your Appointment Timing Sounds Right
These signs can wait for your scheduled visit.
Routine wellness visit, vaccines, or bloodwork due
Stable chronic condition, routine recheck or medication refill
Behavioral changes without physical symptoms, eating and drinking normally
Skin, coat, or ear concern without signs of pain or distress
Mild occasional sneezing, no eye involvement, eating and drinking normally
Gradual weight change noticed over weeks to months, otherwise acting normally
New kitten or first visit with no acute concerns
Not sure which category applies? Just call.
You do not have to figure this out alone. If something feels off but you are not sure how serious it is, call us and we will help you sort it out. Our Feline Experience Specialists are available to take your call during clinic hours. If we are unable to answer, or if it is after hours, you will automatically be connected to a licensed RVT who can triage your Cat and guide you, whether that means heading to an ER right now, monitoring at home, or getting your appointment moved up.
