1. Common Conditions that require immediate care in cats

1. Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea)

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Respiratory distress in cats is a serious medical emergency. If your cat is struggling to breathe, has rapid or labored breathing, is panting excessively, or is breathing with its mouth open, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately. Difficulty breathing could be a sign of numerous underlying conditions, including asthma, heart failure, pneumonia, or a foreign object lodged in the airway.

 

Signs to watch for:

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●  Labored breathing

●  Gasping or open-mouth breathing

●  Cyanosis (blue or purple gums/tongue)

●  Wheezing or coughing

 

 

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2. Inability to Urinate

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A cat that is unable to urinate is facing a serious medical issue which can become a fatal condition in a matter of hours. In male cats, urinary blockages are particularly dangerous and can quickly become life-threatening in less than 24 hours. These blockages prevent the cat from urinating, leading to toxins building up in the body, which can result in kidney damage and abnormal heart rhythms which can lead to sudden death.

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Signs to watch for:

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●  Straining to urinate

●  Crying out in pain when trying to urinate

●  Frequenting going in and out of the litterbox

●  Posturing to urinate in front out you, outside of the box

●  Blood in urine

●  Walking as if painful in the hindlimbs

●  Vomiting

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3. Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea

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While occasional vomiting or diarrhea can be common in cats, frequent, severe, or prolonged episodes require immediate attention. Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by lethargy, blood in the vomit or stool, or dehydration is a serious concern. These symptoms may indicate poisoning, infections, gastrointestinal blockages, or even organ failure.

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Signs to watch for:

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●  Repeated vomiting or diarrhea

●  Blood in vomit or stool

●  Dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums)

●  Lethargy or weakness

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4. Trauma or Injury

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Cats are known for their agility, but accidents can still happen, particularly with outdoor or adventurous felines. Whether it’s a car accident, a fall, or a bite from another animal, trauma can lead to broken bones, internal injuries, or shock. Even if your cat seems to be walking normally, internal bleeding or fractures may not be immediately visible.

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Signs to watch for:

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●  Limping or inability to walk

●  Swelling, bruising, or visible wounds

●  Excessive crying or vocalizing

●  Rapid breathing or signs of shock (weak pulse, pale gums)

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5. Seizures

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Seizures are alarming and require immediate veterinary intervention. They may be caused by various factors, including epilepsy, poisoning, brain trauma, or metabolic imbalances. If your cat experiences a seizure, it is crucial to protect them from injury and get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures occurring in a short time are considered emergencies.

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Signs to watch for:

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●  Uncontrolled jerking or twitching

●  Drooling or foaming at the mouth

●  Loss of consciousness or disorientation

●  Inability to stand after a seizure

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6. Heatstroke

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Heatstroke in cats is an emergency condition that can occur when a cat is exposed to extreme heat, particularly in the summer months in Las Vegas. Cats with long fur or those living in hot, poorly ventilated environments are at a higher risk. Heatstroke causes a rise in body temperature, leading to potential organ failure. Immediate cooling and veterinary care are necessary to prevent severe damage.

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Signs to watch for:

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●  Rapid breathing or panting

●  Excessive drooling

●  Vomiting or diarrhea

●  Red or pale gums

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7. Toxin or Poisoning Exposure

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Cats are often curious creatures, and unfortunately, this curiosity can lead them to ingest dangerous substances. Common household items such as certain plants, foods, chemicals, and medications are toxic to cats. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic substance, it’s important to get them to the vet immediately. Some toxins, like antifreeze and lillies can cause severe organ damage and even death.

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Signs to watch for:

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●  Drooling or foaming at the mouth

●  Vomiting or diarrhea

●  Lethargy or disorientation

●  Seizures or tremors

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8. Sudden Behavioral Changes or Lethargy

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If your cat suddenly becomes lethargic, withdrawn, or displays signs of confusion, this could indicate a serious underlying health issue. Conditions such as infections, organ failure, or neurological problems can cause rapid deterioration in a cat’s behavior and physical health. If your cat refuses to eat, drink, or groom itself, immediate veterinary attention is needed to diagnose the cause.

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Signs to watch for:

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●  Sudden lethargy or reluctance to move

●  Loss of appetite

●  Changes in behavior (aggression, hiding)

●  Difficulty walking or coordination issues