You’ve likely heard the saying about cats having nine lives. There’s no truth to this, though it’s not hard to draw a line between that old wives’ tail and Fluffy’s natural inclination for mischief. Just like the rest of us, kitties only get one life, and are vulnerable to illness and injury. If your feline friend ever gets sick or hurt, you’ll need to seek out immediate veterinary care. A Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers some advice on this below.
Warning Signs
Cats tend to be quite secretive when they are sick. Your furry friend may not let on that something is wrong until she’s very sick! It’s important to know what to look for. Some red flags include loss of appetite, sudden/unexplained weight gain or loss, vomiting (aside from the occasional hairball), diarrhea, discolored gums, respiratory issues, fever, and lethargy. Fluffy may also walk or sit strangely, and she may tremble or shake. Some kitties stop grooming themselves when they are ill, while others may stop using their litterboxes.
Preparation
If you notice any of the signs above, or any other indication that something isn’t quite right with your feline pal, contact your vet right away. If it’s after hours, you may be able to wait until morning to bring her in. However, if she is severely injured, you may need to go to a 24/7 clinic. If you have to bring Fluffy to an emergency clinic, call ahead so they know you are coming. This allows them to prepare a few things in advance, which can help ensure that your kitty receives the care she needs as quickly as possible.
First Aid
Before bringing Fluffy in, you may need to get her ready for transport. We recommend having a kitty first-aid kit on hand. You can start with one made for people, and then add some pet-specific items. It’s also a good idea to have a pet first-aid brochure or app handy. (Tip: The American Red Cross has a good one here.)
Transport
Cats should always travel in carriers. Keep Fluffy’s travel carrier handy: the last thing you want in an emergency is to have to dig it out of a garage or attic. Add some soft bedding to make it more comfortable.
As your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch veterinary care. Please feel free to contact us anytime.
