Pet Emergency & Referral Center
At Pet Emergency & Referral Center (PERC), our experienced emergency team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help cats in distress—no appointment needed. Below are some of the most common cat emergencies and the warning signs to watch for.
1. Difficulty Breathing
Trouble breathing in cats is always a medical emergency. Signs may include open-mouth breathing, rapid or labored breaths, wheezing, or blue-tinged gums. Breathing issues can stem from asthma, heart disease, fluid in the lungs, or airway obstruction, which require immediate care.
➡️If your cat is struggling to breathe, head to the nearest emergency vet right away.
2. Not Eating or Drinking
A cat not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Cats are prone to developing fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) if they stop eating, especially overweight cats. Loss of appetite can indicate dental disease, infection, or internal illness.
3. Vomiting or Diarrhea
Occasional hairballs are normal, but repeated vomiting or diarrhea can signal something more serious, such as intestinal obstruction, toxin ingestion, or infection. Persistent vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for cats. Bring a sample if possible to help your vet identify the cause.
4. Straining to Urinate
If your cat is straining in the litter box or producing little to no urine, especially if they’re male, this may indicate a urinary blockage, a life-threatening emergency. Cats with urinary obstructions can deteriorate rapidly as toxins build up in the body. Seek emergency care immediately.
5. Trauma or Injury
Whether your cat has fallen from a height, been hit by a car, or attacked by another animal, even seemingly minor injuries can cause internal bleeding or organ damage. Because cats often hide pain, it’s best to have any trauma evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
6. Toxin Ingestion
Cats are sensitive to many common household items, including lilies, human medications, certain essential oils, and antifreeze. If you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic, do not wait for symptoms. Bring your cat (and, if possible, the substance or packaging) to an emergency vet immediately.
📞 You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) for guidance.
7. Seizures or Collapse
Seizures, fainting, or sudden collapse are always serious. These symptoms can result from neurologic disorders, heart disease, low blood sugar, or toxin exposure. Keep your cat safe during a seizure, but don’t try to restrain them, then seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible.
8. Pale Gums or Weakness
Pale, white, or bluish gums, weakness, or lethargy can signal anemia, shock, internal bleeding, or heart disease. These are critical emergencies that require immediate evaluation and stabilization.
What to Do in a Cat Emergency
Stay calm and handle your cat gently.
Keep your cat warm and secure during transport.
Call your emergency veterinary hospital to let them know you’re on the way.
At Pet Emergency & Referral Center, our 24/7 emergency and critical care team is always ready to help your cat when every minute counts.
Visit or Contact Us Anytime
📍 Pet Emergency & Referral Center 3579 Northlake Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
🌐www.petemergencyandreferralcenter.com
Our hospital provides 24-hour emergency and critical care services for cats and dogs. If you’re ever unsure whether your cat’s symptoms are an emergency, it’s always safest to call or come in, we’re here to help when your pet needs us most.
