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Sick Cat Symptoms Requiring Immediate Veterinary Attention

Cats > Emergency Care > Sick Cat Symptoms Requiring Immediate Veterinary Attention

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Cats that appear perfectly normal can suddenly show symptoms of illness which might indicate that you have a sick cat.Certain symptoms are signs of dangerous underlying illnesses and if treated in time, prevent serious damage. If you find your pet exhibiting the following symptoms it's advisable to contact your vet.

Some Sick Cat Symptoms

Convulsions or seizures
Gasping or panting for breath
Pet is vomiting or coughing blood
Fainting or collapsing
Cat has been in an accident or is bleeding profusely
Suspected fractures
Blood in feces
Cat is choking on an object
Cat shows signs of extreme pain
Pet doesn't urinate or defecate

If your cat's regular veterinary doctor is unavailable, you must call a 24 hour vet emergency hospital. Make sure you inform the vet hospital of any unusual behavior changes that you noticed before the cat showed symptoms of sickness.

What to Do in Emergency Siutations

Call your cat's vet, or a 24 hour emergency service. Always keep their telephone numbers on hand.
Keep in mind a distressed cat may bite you (regardless of how loving he usually may be).
After careful consideration, decide if your pet needs to be transported to a hospital.
If you are trained to perform CPR on your pet, you may help save your cat from a life-threatening situation.
You must minimize movement if you suspect a fracture. Transport the cat on a stretcher.
If your cat is choking, very gently approach your pet and try to remove the object with your fingers. Perform the Heimlich maneuver only if you are thoroughly trained with the method.
If your cat has swallowed a poisonous substance, call the vet emergency care to identify the correct course of action. They might ask you to induce vomiting based on the toxicity of the substance.
If the cat is suffering from an injury and is bleeding profusely you can reduce the bleeding by applying steady pressure to the area with a clean cloth. You may bandage open wounds with clean towels or cloths to prevent further infection.
Emergency situations are challenging and if you can't handle it alone, call a friend or a neighbor for help.
If your cat has just come out of a seizure, make sure you note down the duration of the seizure and the physical symptoms involved. Keep track of any recurring seizures and their severity.
Talk to your cat in a calm and reassuring manner so that she doesn't harm you while suffering in pain.

Don't panic. An emergency situation requires you to think clearly and act appropriately so that you save your cat without causing her further pain or discomfort. 24 hour vet emergency services and animal officers have the required tools to transport your pet safely to the hospital, or perform life-saving procedures.

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