Cats generally do a good job of masking when they don’t feel well, so determining if your cat is under the weather will require diligent observation of their daily activity and appetite levels. When trying to determine what constitutes a medical emergency, a good rule of thumb is any situation in which you would call 911 for a person.
Here are some specific symptoms that could indicate an emergency:
- Not breathing or labored breathing
- Symptoms of parvovirus: bloody diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, high fever (above 103.5 degrees)
- Signs of extreme dehydration: dry mucous membranes, weakness, vomiting, tenting of the skin (when the skin is pulled up, it stays there)
- Abnormal lethargy or unable to stand
- Unconsciousness or unable to wake up
- Cold to the touch
- Broken bones
- Any trauma: hit by a car, dropped, stepped on
- A large wound or profuse bleeding that doesn’t stop when pressure is applied
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
If your cat displays any of these symptoms, call your vet or go directly to the nearest animal hospital. If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea, but is still active, eating and drinking, you can most likely wait 24 hours before seeking help. If your cat's symptoms don't improve, call your vet.