Cat Symptoms: When to Call the Vet
Emergency Signs, Same-Day Signs and What You Can Watch at Home

Go to an Emergency Vet Now

Do not wait for an appointment if you see any of these:

• Open-mouth breathing, panting at rest or very fast, labored breathing
• Straining to urinate with little or no urine, especially in a male cat
• Collapse, unresponsiveness, seizures that last more than a few minutes or repeat
• Sudden loss of use of the back legs, crying out, cold paws
• Pale, white or blue gums
• Suspected poisoning (see the list below)
• Major injury, a fall from height, or a car accident, even if the cat looks fine
• Repeated vomiting with weakness or a swollen belly

Call ahead if you can. Our emergency vet guide explains how to find the nearest 24 hour hospital.

Call Your Vet Today

• Not eating for 24 hours or more. Cats that stop eating can develop a serious liver problem.
• Vomiting more than once, or vomiting with lethargy
• Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, or any blood in the stool
• Squinting, a closed eye or heavy discharge from an eye
• A new limp, or a cat that cries when touched
• Peeing outside the box or in small amounts often. See litter box problems.
• Drinking and urinating much more than usual

Reasonable to Watch, With a Plan

• A single hairball or one episode of vomiting in a cat that is otherwise bright and eating
• Occasional sneezing without other signs
• Mild, short-lived changes after a vaccine or a stressful event

Common Household Toxins for Cats

• Lilies: true lilies and daylilies can cause kidney failure. All parts are dangerous, including pollen and vase water.
• Human pain medicine: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen can be deadly. Never give them to a cat.
• Dog flea and tick products with permethrin: toxic to cats. Use only products labeled for cats.
• Antifreeze: sweet taste, very toxic.
• Others: some houseplants, certain essential oils, and many cleaning products.

In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is (888) 426-4435 and the Pet Poison Helpline is (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.

What to Tell the Vet

• What changed, when it began, and how it has progressed
• Appetite, thirst, litter box habits and any vomiting or diarrhea
• Any plant, medicine, product or object your cat could have eaten or touched
• Current medicines and supplements, and vaccine and flea history
• A short phone video of a cough, limp or breathing pattern

You can also try our symptom checker for general guidance. It cannot diagnose a cat.

Why Cats Hide Illness

In the wild, a sick animal is a target. Domestic cats still carry that instinct, so they tend to hide pain, eat less quietly and keep up a normal routine for as long as they can. By the time signs are obvious, the illness may be advanced. That is why small changes deserve attention.

• Less grooming, or a greasy, matted coat
• Sleeping in new places, or hiding more than usual
• Eating or drinking differently
• Reduced jumping or slower movement
• Changes in voice, such as more crying or silence
• Changes in how your cat interacts with you

Check the Breathing Rate

A resting respiratory rate is one of the simplest things to measure at home. Count breaths while your cat is asleep or fully relaxed. Count either chest rise or fall for 30 seconds and double it. Most healthy cats breathe well under about 30 breaths a minute at rest. A rate that is consistently higher, or breathing that looks like effort, is a reason to call your vet. Open-mouth breathing is an emergency.

Signs in Older Cats

Senior cats get kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, arthritis, dental disease and cognitive changes. Many of these start quietly.

• Drinking and urinating more
• Weight loss, especially with a good or increased appetite
• Bad breath, drooling, or dropping food
• Stiffness, trouble jumping, or missing the litter box
• Night yowling, getting lost in the house, or staring at walls

Regular checkups and bloodwork help catch problems earlier. See Senior Cat Health and Pet Wellness Plans.

Kittens Can Worsen Quickly

Kittens have little reserve. Diarrhea, vomiting, not eating or lethargy in a young kitten should be seen the same day. Cold, weak kittens need urgent care. Ask your vet about parasite testing and vaccines. See Kitten Care 101 and the vaccination schedule.

Sources and Further Reading

• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP): cat owner resources and feline guidelines
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
• AVMA pet owner resources