What is considered an “emergency situation”?

Do not give Tylenol to Cats!
Tylenol can kill a cat.

Do not use dog flea products on cats,

Any hit by car, even if no visual damage, there could still be internal injuries and the pet should definitely be checked.

Wounds anywhere.

Abscesses. Cats, even neutered cats, can get in arguments or even down right fights! Cat bites and particularly claw wounds may be difficult to find evidence of in their fur, yet they are very serious in their infection potential. What may be noticed would be a slight behavior change, possibly more lethargic (usually due to a fever) or a swelling might be noticed. The swelling could be anywhere on the body including the tail.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Considering a cat scratch or bite wound is usually small and will close up as it attempts to heal, the bacteria that gets trapped inside that wound can create a dangerous infected condition for a human also. If you are ever scratched or bitten by a cat, immediately wash the area well and then seek medical advice.

Accidental ingestion of anything other than their food. Bring in sample or box if possible, make note of where and when. Include ANYTHING that you might think significant. Be very careful if your cat is around any “string” of any kind. Sewing kits (thread) and Christmas ribbon are good examples. They start playing with the string, it goes in the mouth and then it can become a fatal condition when ingested as it can cut off blood supply to the intestine.
What might they have had the opportunity to get into? Antifreeze, a plant, some mouse or slug poison? A Lilly flower is VERY poisonous and it only takes a lick of any part of the plant to compromise the cat. Cats are curious and playful animals. Keep a watchful eye on their activities and what they CAN get into.

Call the Poison hot line number for details: 800-213-6680.

Eye wounds need immediate attention.

Severe seizures, need attention

High temperature. If your cat is not feeling itself, take its temperature rectally with a human thermometer. Leave in for two minutes. Normal temperature range is: 99.9 – 102.5.

Acute swelling

Difficult labor, is more than one hour as female is trying to deliver babies can be an emergency.

Difficulty breathing

Behavior changes: Yowling, extreme licking, squatting with nothing coming out, rolling around more than normal, sudden collapse, difficulty breathing, panting, increased pacing, increased drinking, hiding or behavior more needy. These can be

• Severe vomiting (more than coughing up an occasional hair ball)

• Urinary blockage in a male cat. (can cause cardiac arrest) Signs and symptoms: Abnormal yowling of the male cat, licking furiously , rolling around as in pain. Needs to be dealt with ASAP. Don’t always see these signs. Be aware of what his urinating habits are. If you see any urine tinged red or notice him squatting to urinate and no urine, call immediately!

Other FAQs

• Can I drop my pet off early? Yes, special arrangements can be made for your pet to be dropped off early or picked up late.

• Can I make financial arrangements? See FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.

• Is there insurance that I can buy for my cat? YES. There are several insurance options out there that are listed on our RESOURCES page. If you are considering Pet Insurance, BEFORE you bring your cat into the veterinary clinic (and a diagnosis is made that would go in the cat’s records), they need to be signed up on the policy. Our veterinary clinic makes no proceeds off of any of the insurance programs, but we do encourage pet insurance coverage as it helps makes many veterinary expenses affordable.

You are always welcomed and encouraged to come in and meet our staff, let us introduce ourselves to your kitty if you bring them and also pick up some pet insurance brochures. Insurance policies differ in their coverage, so compare diligently.