Cat Emergencies: What Every Cat Parent Needs to Know

At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we know how scary it can be when your cat is suddenly sick or injured. Being able to recognize the signs of a medical emergency—and knowing what to do—can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know about cat emergencies and how to respond.

Signs Your Cat May Be Having a Medical Emergency

Seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice any of these signs:

  • Difficulty breathing (open-mouth breathing, rapid breathing, wheezing)
  • Collapse or inability to stand
  • Seizures
  • Sudden paralysis or inability to walk
  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
  • Straining to urinate, or crying in the litter box without producing urine
  • Severe pain (crying, hiding, aggression when touched)
  • Swollen or injured eyes
  • Exposure to toxins or poisonous substances

How Can I Tell if My Cat Is in Pain?

Cats are masters at hiding pain, but these behaviors can be clues:

  • Hiding or avoiding interaction
  • Growling, hissing, or biting when touched
  • Limping or reluctance to jump
  • Loss of appetite
  • Overgrooming or licking one area excessively

What Should I Do if My Cat Is Choking?

If your cat is pawing at their mouth, gagging, or struggling to breathe:

  • Look inside the mouth if it’s safe—do NOT get bitten.
  • If you see a visible object and can safely remove it, do so carefully.
  • Do NOT attempt a Heimlich maneuver unless directed by a vet.
  • Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

How to Safely Transport Your Cat to the Emergency Vet

  • Place your cat in a secure carrier lined with a towel or blanket.
  • If injured, gently place your cat on a firm surface (like a baking sheet or stiff board) to minimize movement.
  • Cover your cat with a light blanket to reduce stress.
  • Drive calmly and call us on the way if possible.

Seizures in Cats: Symptoms & What to Do

Signs of a seizure include:

  • Drooling, chomping, or foaming at the mouth
  • Paddling legs, muscle twitching
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Involuntary urination or defecation
  • Do not touch your cat’s mouth or try to restrain them during a seizure. Move objects away to prevent injury. After the seizure ends, keep your cat quiet and call us immediately.

Poisoning: What to Watch For & What to Do

Signs your cat may have been poisoned:

  • Drooling or foaming
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Lethargy or collapse
  • Pale or yellow gums

If you suspect poisoning:

  • Remove the toxin if possible.
  • Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies without veterinary guidance.
  • Call us or an animal poison control center immediately.

Heatstroke in Cats: Signs & Prevention

Watch for:

  • Rapid breathing or panting
  • Bright red gums
  • Drooling
  • Weakness or collapse

Prevent heatstroke by keeping your cat indoors during extreme heat, providing fresh water, and ensuring shade and ventilation. If you suspect heatstroke, move your cat to a cool area, apply cool (not cold) water to their fur, and seek veterinary care immediately.

If Your Cat Has Been Hit by a Car

Even if there are no visible injuries, internal injuries are common.

  • Approach calmly and cover with a towel to reduce stress.
  • Gently place in a carrier or on a board to immobilize.
  • Transport to a veterinarian immediately—do not wait for symptoms.

How to Stop Bleeding

If your cat has a cut or wound:

  • Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
  • If bleeding doesn’t stop in 5-10 minutes, seek emergency care.
  • Do not apply tourniquets without veterinary guidance.

Urinary Blockage in Male Cats: Warning Signs

A urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency. Look for:

  • Straining in the litter box with little or no urine
  • Crying or vocalizing in pain
  • Frequent trips to the litter box
  • Lethargy, vomiting, or collapse

Seek immediate veterinary attention if you see these signs.

Breathing Problems in Cats

Difficulty breathing is always an emergency. Warning signs include:

  • Open-mouth breathing or panting
  • Blue or pale gums
  • Rapid, shallow breaths
  • Stretching neck or elbows outward to breathe
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea Lasting More Than 24 Hours
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and serious illness. Contact us if symptoms last longer than 24 hours or if accompanied by lethargy, blood, or refusal to eat.

Transport your cat immediately to an emergency vet while minimizing stress.


Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction

Seek emergency care if you notice:

  • Swelling of the face or paws
  • Hives or itchy skin
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing

First Aid Kit for Cats

Include these essentials:

  • Gauze and non-stick bandages
  • Tweezers
  • Digital thermometer (rectal)
  • Saline eye wash
  • Hydrogen peroxide (only if directed by a vet)
  • Antiseptic wipes or solution
  • Scissors
  • Emergency vet phone numbers

Performing CPR on a Cat

If your cat stops breathing or has no heartbeat:

  • Lay your cat on their right side.
  • Compress the chest just behind the front legs, 100-120 compressions per minute.
  • After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths (close mouth, breathe into nose).

Continue until veterinary care is reached or breathing resumes.

Causes of Sudden Collapse

Sudden collapse can be caused by heart disease, bleeding, trauma, low blood sugar, or neurological issues. Immediate veterinary evaluation is critical.

Eye Injuries or Swelling

Signs of an eye injury include squinting, pawing at the eye, discharge, swelling, or a visible object. Keep your cat from rubbing the eye and seek veterinary care immediately.


Suspected Broken Bone

If your cat is limping, holding up a limb, or the limb is at an abnormal angle:

  • Do not try to realign the bone.
  • Gently place your cat in a carrier or padded box to minimize movement.
  • Seek veterinary care immediately.

Monitoring Your Cat After an Emergency

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely. Watch for changes in eating, drinking, bathroom habits, breathing, or behavior. Keep your cat calm and confined if recommended, and call us if you have any concerns during recovery.

We’re Here for You! 

If you believe your cat is experiencing a medical emergency, contact Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital immediately at (503) 968-2911. Your cat’s health and safety are always our top priority.