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21 Reasons to Take Your Cat To The Emergency Room

Understanding Important Cat Emergencies

When is it the right time to take your cat to the emergency room? When owners are reluctant to do so it’s typically for a good reason.

Emergency rooms are expensive and visiting one can take up your entire day so you don’t want to make the trek for a minor health problem.

There are many different emergencies that pets can experience. When faced with a possible medical problem, pet owners are often at a loss: do they visit the ER or wait until their regular vet opens? These guidelines will help you determine whether an issue warrants ER attention. If your cat shows any of these 21 symptoms, it’s time to head into the emergency clinic:

1.Labored breathing
2.Open mouth breathing
3.Rapid respiratory rate (over 45 breaths per minute)
4.Pale gums
5.Unable or straining to urinate/crying in the litter box
6.Urinating blood
7.Extreme lethargy
8.Not moving
9.Not eating for more than 2 days
10.Extreme weakness
11.Hiding/not coming out
12.Continued vomiting (more than 3 times)
13.Any type of trauma such as being hit by car
14.Exposure to poisons
15.Bite wounds
16.Lacerations
17.Seizing
18.Ingestion of a indigestible object e.g. string, ribbon, toys
19.Inability to walk
20.Excessive Coughing
21.Excessive drooling

Remember, the sooner a problem is addressed, the sooner and more effectively it can be treated. If in doubt, call your vet or emergency clinic and they can advise you on the best plan.