What Constitutes Cat Urgent or Emergency Care?
When you own a cat, you need to be prepared for any eventuality concerning his care. Emergencies can occur at any time, and at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Las Vegas, we’re fully prepared to handle veterinary emergencies that befall kittens and cats during our business hours. There are several Las Vegas emergency hospitals listed on our website available for after-hours care. If you’re not sure what constitutes urgent or emergency cat care, the following information can help.
Emergency Cat Care
By nature, cats are a “survival species” meaning they don’t often show signs of illness or pain. This makes it difficult for cat owners to tell if their cat is injured or sick. Changes in your pet’s behavior, eating or sleeping habits could indicate something is amiss with your feline’s health. If your cat shows any of the following signs, seek emergency pet services right away.
Respiratory distress: Kittens and cats that are having trouble breathing need emergency veterinary care. Stretched neck, heavy breathing, an open mouth while breathing and blue colored gums are signs of respiratory distress.
Excessive vomiting: Occasional vomiting isn't caused for alarm, especially if your cat shows no other symptoms of illness. If vomiting continues for several days, call your Las Vegas veterinarian. Your pet may have ingested a foreign object or toxic chemical and be in need of immediate care. If your cat shows signs of abdominal pain – restlessness and the inability to get comfortable in his normal resting positions – have him evaluated right away.
Seizures: If your pet starts having seizures for no apparent reason, contact your veterinary specialist for urgent care. Multiple seizures, one after another, require emergency care.
Severe pain: Any time kittens or cats show signs of severe pain they should be taken to our clinic for emergency care. Your pet may have suffered an injury due to severe trauma, auto accident or fight with another animal. Injured cats may hide for hours, cry when touched or be unable to walk if they’re in pain. The sooner you seek emergency care for injuries caused by trauma, the sooner your pet can receive pain relief.
Inability to urinate/excessive urination: Urinary issues can become emergencies, especially if your cat is male. Symptoms include straining to urinate, frequently urinating, blood in your cat’s urine or pain when urinating. For male cats are at greater risk of urinary obstruction because of their anatomy. If these issues continue, seek urgent pet services as soon as you can, especially in male cats.
Heatstroke: Hot climates increase the risk of heatstroke in outdoor cats. If your pet is having trouble breathing, is panting or drooling excessively, or feels warm to the touch, see your Las Vegas veterinarian immediately for urgent care.
Consult with Your Las Vegas Vet
For all your urgent or emergency pet care needs, contact All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Las Vegas at 702-257-3222.