Easy red-flag list in plain language
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Health & Safety Hub
Signs and Symptoms
You know your pet best. If behavior changes suddenly, trust that signal and act early.
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Signs that need same-day help
You do not need to know the diagnosis before calling. Early calls are always better than waiting too long.
- Stomach signs: repeated vomiting, bloated belly, blood in stool, or severe diarrhea with weakness.
- Brain/nerve signs: seizure, collapse, sudden trouble walking, or sudden vision changes.
- Breathing signs: open-mouth breathing, blue gums, or obvious trouble getting air.
- Urine signs: straining with little or no urine, especially in male cats.
- Possible poison exposure with any symptoms should be treated urgently.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, diabetic, allergic, cardiac, or post-operative patients tolerate compromise poorly — bias toward outreach.
Highlights
Focus on changes from your pet's normal behavior
Links to poison and emergency resources
Deep Dive
This page uses everyday language so you can explain symptoms clearly when you call your clinic.
General symptoms
Watch for changes from your pet's normal day-to-day behavior.
- Lethargy (more tired, reluctance to do normal activities)
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden behavior change
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Digestive signs can change quickly, so early calls help.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gagging
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive licking
Urinary symptoms
Urinary signs can become urgent fast, especially with straining.
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent small urinations
- Blood in urine
- Licking penis/vulva
Skin and Coat Symptoms
Skin changes may signal infection, allergy, pain, or injury.
- Hot spots
- Hair loss
- Scratching
- Wound - bite, laceration
Musculo-skeletal Symptoms
Mobility and pain signs should be checked early to prevent worsening.
- Limping
- Painful with touching leg or foot
- Difficulty rising from laying down
Questions your vet team may ask
When did it start, what changed today, eating and drinking changes, bathroom changes, cough, possible toxin access, and any current medicines.
What this page does not do
This page does not diagnose. It helps you decide when to call and how to describe what you are seeing.
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