When cats are sick or injured, they tend to mask their pain, an instinct held over from their days in the wild. Though they no longer have to worry about being attacked when they’re vulnerable, they still avoid showing outward symptoms when they’re not well. If your cat is sick or hurt and you’re not sure if it’s serious or if they can wait to see a vet, look for these 7 signs that your cat needs emergency vet care.

1. Hiding more than usual. It’s normal for cats to seek out hiding places for napping and playing in, but if your cat has been exceptionally elusive, they might be feeling sick or in pain.

2. Refusing to eat. It’s not unusual for cats to be picky or for their appetite to fluctuate from day to day. But it’s not safe or healthy for your cat to refuse to eat for extended periods of time. Cats are prone to hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver syndrome, which can happen when they aren’t eating enough and their body is burning fat for fuel. This life-threatening condition can be triggered if your cat is eating little to no food for more than three days, and it’s more common in overweight cats.

3.Urinary issues. Straining to urinate, crying out in pain, blood in urine, and decreased urination or failing to urinate are all warning signs of a urinary tract blockage. A urinary tract blockage is a medical emergency that can quickly become fatal. A blockage can form when there are stones, crystals, or inflammation from recurring urinary tract infections preventing your cat from urinating.

4. Eye problems. Eye issues in cats are painful and can lead to permanent loss of vision. Bulging, swelling, redness, tearing, bleeding, cloudiness, and yellow or green discharge can be signs of anything from a sudden onset of glaucoma, a corneal ulcer or scratch, or an infection.

5. Pale gums. If you suspect your cat is sick or injured, checking their gums can help you determine if it’s an emergency. Pale gums indicate a lack of blood circulation, or shock, which may be a result of heavy bleeding, severe dehydration, heart failure, or sepsis.

6. Deep wounds and heavy bleeding. Small cuts and scrapes are easy to treat at home with a first aid kit for your cat. But deep scratches, bites from other animals, and large wounds need to be treated by a veterinarian, who can clean the wound and prescribe antibiotics to ensure that your cat does not suffer excessive blood loss or an infection. Serious traumatic events like getting hit by a car or getting into a fight with another animal can also cause unseen damage like internal bleeding, broken bones, and even dental injuries.

7. Vomiting and diarrhea. Acute gastric upset is not uncommon in cats, and it’s not unusual for healthy cats to hack up a hairball every few months or so. But repeated bouts of diarrhea and vomiting may be a result of a medical emergency like poisoning or toxicity, kidney or liver failure, or a gastric blockage. An inability to keep food down can lead to dehydration, which can become fatal, especially in kittens and seniors. Seek emergency care if your cat has severe, repeated episodes or if symptoms last more than 24-48 hours, or immediately if you notice other signs like lethargy or pale gums.

Emergency Vet Care For Cats
If your usual vet’s office is open, you can call and see if they can see your cat. Some vets can take same-day urgent care appointments. When your regular vet is not open or if they can’t squeeze you in, you’ll need to bring your cat to your nearest 24/7 emergency vet hospital.