Common Cat Emergencies: Recognizing the Signs
Featured in Houston Pet Talk, July 2023 issue
By Dr. Noaker
If you have a feline pet, then you have probably had a cat-astrophy or two somewhere along the way. Let's face it, cats like to snoop around and often get into things that they shouldn't. Here are four common issues that can help you recognize an emergency situation when it occurs.
Accidents
Some accidents constitute medical emergencies, depending on the type and extent of their wounds. If your cat was hit by a vehicle and you believe they have a broken bone, put them into a carrier or a box to support the affected area.
Any penetrating wound to the chest or abdomen and virtually any injury involving the eye should be regarded as a medical emergency. Injuries to the head or those causing difficulty breathing should also be treated as immediate emergencies.
Bites, Fights & Breathing Problems
Cats are territorial and will protect their turf. This also means they will get into fights. You need to clean the wounds immediately with warm water and cover them to protect further contamination, then based on the severity, seek veterinary attention.
However, if your cat is having difficulty breathing, especially "open mouth breathing," you need to get to the emergency hospital immediately since this could be the initial signs of anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. This is a severe allergic reaction characterized by sudden collapse and severe breathing difficulties. The first clinical signs are often swelling around the face or muzzle, the appearance of hives on the skin, vomiting, diarrhea, and restlessness. These signs can quickly progress to collapse and breathing difficulty. There are many causes for anaphylaxis that vary from insect stings, contact allergies to injection reactions.
Convulsions or Seizures
A seizure or series of violent, uncontrolled spasms typically last for less than two minutes. If a seizure lasts more than five minutes or if several seizures occur in rapid succession, your cat requires immediate emergency treatment to prevent permanent damage.
During the seizure, DO NOT put your hand in your cat's mouth; they WILL NOT swallow their tongue. You should protect your cat from injuring itself or prevent it from falling, but otherwise, do not attempt to interrupt the seizure.
Diarrhea or Vomiting Could Be from Poison
Repeated or continuous vomiting or diarrhea, with or without blood, could be a sign of poisoning, an intestinal obstruction, or acute gastrointestinal infection.
Dehydration is a major concern. Common causes of poisoning include eating mice that have been killed by poison, eating slug or snail bait, or ingesting a poisonous plant. Other symptoms of poisoning to look for are salivation, skin irritation from caustic irritants, collapse, or seizures. If you suspect your feline friend has come in contact with a poisonous substance, contact an emergency veterinarian.
Do not force your cat to eat or drink—you may inadvertently worsen the condition. NEVER administer a human medication to your cat unless specifically advised to do so by your veterinarian. Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) are toxic to cats. If possible, bring a sample of the suspected poison with its container to the emergency hospital.
At VERGI, we see all kinds of cat-astrophies, and the more you understand about them, the better chance you have to protect them and allow them a long, healthy, happy life.
