Illness Visit Guide
When something seems wrong, here is how to prepare.
You know your Cat. When something is off, trust that instinct and call us. Before your visit, here is what to observe and document to help us get to answers faster.
Go to an Emergency Vet Immediately If You See
Open-mouth or labored breathing
Collapse or inability to stand
Seizure
Suspected toxin ingestion
Straining in the litter box with no urine output
Unresponsiveness
Severe trauma
Significant bleeding
Sudden profound behavior change
Pale, white, or blue gums
(303) 622-0068
What to Observe Before Your Visit
Your observations are the first diagnostic tool we use.
Should Your Cat Fast Before the Visit?
For a general illness exam, light fasting (2 to 3 hours) can reduce nausea if vomiting is a concern, but complete fasting is not typically required unless anesthesia is planned. If your Cat is already not eating, do not attempt to fast them further. When in doubt, call our Feline Experience Specialists before the visit.
01
Appetite & Water Intake
When did you last see your Cat eat normally? Eat partially? Refuse food entirely? Any change in water intake? Note what was offered, how much consumed, and whether interest seemed normal.
02
Litter Box Observations
Frequency? Normal urine output, reduced, or none? Straining, vocalizing, or blood? Normal stool, diarrhea, or constipation? Any accidents outside the box? Among the most clinically valuable details you can provide.
03
Energy, Behavior & Mobility
More hiding than usual? Reluctance to jump or move normally? Changes in grooming? Interactions with you or other household animals different? Vocalizing more, or quieter?
04
Vomiting & GI Signs
How many times? What did it look like, food, liquid, foam, or blood? Any retching without producing vomit? Diarrhea? How long? A photo is genuinely clinically useful.
05
Dermatology & Skin
Any changes in coat, skin, or grooming habits? Excessive scratching, licking, or hair loss? Any visible lesions, scabs, or redness? Is it worsening, stable, or improving?
06
Respiratory & Ocular Signs
Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing? Eye discharge, clear, cloudy, or colored? One eye or both? Open sores or squinting? Noisy breathing?
What to Expect
How CatsOnly approaches an illness visit.
01
We start with listening
Before touching your Cat, we ask you to walk us through what you have observed. Written-down observations make this conversation more thorough and efficient.
02
We observe before we examine
Our clinical team notes your Cat’s gait, posture, breathing pattern, and demeanor before making any physical contact. Cats often reveal significant clinical information in these first moments.
03
We explain before we act
You will know what we are doing and why before every clinical step. If we want bloodwork, urinalysis, or radiographs, we explain the rationale and get your input before proceeding.
You Stay With Your Cat
For illness visits, your presence is especially important. Cats regulate their emotional state in part through proximity to their bonded human. You staying in the room measurably affects exam quality.
After-Hours Concerns
If something worsens after clinic hours, you are automatically connected to our licensed RVT triage team when you call our number, or you can go directly to VEG. Call us first thing the next business day and our Feline Experience Specialists will follow up immediately.
Questions before your visit?
Our Feline Experience Specialists are available to take your calls during clinic hours.
