If your cat is exhibiting any of these signs, please contact your nearest emergency vet immediately or as soon as possible. We are unable to provide veterinary advice in the comments, but you are more than welcome to share your thoughts and experiences here. Visit Dr. Wooten's site: drsarahwooten.com

i really hope all my fellow cat dads and moms never have to go through these scares

I remember as a kid, my tom cat had gotten into a fight and had a wound with pus near one of his ears.. My parents were raised in rural Italy during WWII and had the mentality that you're crazy spending money on an animal, the animal is supposed to earn it's keep (if that makes sense). I was so upset but as a kid in primary school, I didn't have the means! I nursed him as well as I could, cleaning the wound, keeping it as clean as possible, using diluted antiseptic. Thankfully, he pulled through like a champ - unfortunately, it made my dad think he was right all along because, look, the cat's fine now!🤦🏻‍♀️

My cat has had 5 of these emergencies in his lifetime. And he's only 8 years old. Fortunately I caught/noticed them all early and got him treatment but my gosh it's not been an easy journey with him. The scariest one was probably when he spiked a super high fever and I had no idea why...turned out the entire inside of his mouth was starting to necrotize from ulcers. He's always had mouth/teeth issues. Last month we just had 4 more extracted :( poor guy. Also the time he had a urinary blockage... that was terrifying. Anyway I can't with good confidence say he's healthy, but I can say he's happy and well cared for, and I have learned to be super vigilant about his health. Never take their health for granted! Even every day things like eating, sleeping, potty... those things are a blessing!

I had a cat that went blind in a day, suddenly, at age 18. Her eyes were fully dilated and didn’t respond to light. She displayed no distress at all. She bumped into things a lot at first, but soon found her way around quite well. The vet had no idea what caused the blindness and at her age, it was not something he was eager to try correcting. A month or so later, she regained her sight, at least partially, but within a week lost it again. She went on to live about 2 more years and even moved with me to a new home, which she also learned her way around. Cats are amazing creatures.

I’m probably a panicker when it comes to my kitties. I’ll take them to the vet at the first sign of any little thing out of the ordinary. I’ve made some silly trips to the vet, but we’ve discovered some pretty big things, too (chronic triaditis and polycystic kidney disease). My cats are my whole world.

You did not mention that if your cat is HIDING, there is something wrong. My cat was always at my side. Then one day he did not come out to come sit by me. He was under the bed so I brought him out but he jumped down and went under the bed again. Knowing this was not normal, I called the vet but could not get an appt two days later. When I took him in his blood glucose was above 800 when it should have been under 115. I had to put him down. I cried for 3 weeks! When they hide they are hiding from "predators" like in the wild. DON'T WAIT, PLEASE!

Another thing is open mouth breathing. Cats are obligatory nose breathers. My 7 cats had nearly everyone one of these though with a twist. I even went back to school for vet nurse training so I could be less panicked when I saw symptoms. It helped a lot. All my emergencies happened after hours and our town had no emergency vets. We had to drive 1 hour away. It is one thing when your cat has the symptoms above. Another when you have no emergency vet care available.

I took Nova, 3 years old, with sudden rapid breathing, not eating, hiding, dilated pupils and there were no warning signs. She had feline ProBNP SNAP test and they wanted to do other tests. She was on the verge of heart attack from the oxygen tank and being very scared. I feel torn because I put her down while at ER due to her suffering. Her numbers went high fast in the ProBNP, so I cannot handle the suffering. I feel so sad and still shocked due to her excellent health up until that night. She was a healthy cat.

Omg, my friend's cat, Puffy, loves plastic bags! Once she found a long shred of plastic bag in the litter box. It was a miracle that he was able to pass it. It would have been a surgical situation, for sure. Now, she is resolute about any plastic bags entering her home, and rightly so, as he will start chewing on a plastic bag immediately upon discovering it. He just LOVES her, he lays down with her, putting his head next to hers and reaches over with his paw on her face, he is just a loverboy! I just call him the black and brown bear.

I live a hour and a half from the nearest emergency vet. She started severe seizures so I took her to a local vet. He took a few minutes to look at her but couldn't find anything obvious, so he sent us home. I was the weekend and my cat was having 5 to 6 seizures a day. The emergency vet wanted well over a thousand dollars worth of tests. My local vet kept saying take her to the ER vet. Vets seem to be more motivated by money than the desire to help our pets. What a racket.

I really appreciate videos like this because it lets me know as a cat owner when to panic and when to not worry about my cat and her wild tendencies

Dr. Wooten, I love watching and learning from you in how to be a good cat guardian. Always glad when you pop up in my KZfaq feed.

So glad I found this channel

Whew glad my cat doesn't have any of those 10 things! Thanks Dr Wooten

Dr. Wooten can you please create a video sharing examples of the visual and audible signs cats will show? I’ve found that I miss signs thinking that it’s a one time thing. My cat is indoor 90% of the time but I do let him out on the patio with me. I’ve noticed small bumps and cuts (approx 1cm across) above his eyes and around the ears and neck. I can never find a pest there like a tick but the size of the wound is about the size of a tick. He has two that recently drained. I appreciate this information so much! Thank you from me and my little boy cat Reuben 🥰🥹

Thank you Dr Wooten. This is invaluable information. One of my cats had been vomiting but with 4 in the house I didn't know who. Finally I saw Sassy vomit and this time it was tinged with blood. I immediately called and took her to the vet. She was given an injection for Cerenia to follow up with. She's much better but I'm watching her closely for signs of triaditis. Sassy is also my FIP Warrior...would love it if you could do a video about FIP.

I am enjoying your information, as we are new parents to a 5 year old cat, and she is a great joy to us. We are new parents, and Fiona is our first pet.

*VERY VERY* IMPORTANT video! Thank you so much. 😻😻😻

You’re getting really good at these videos Dr. Wooten!

A reminder for all pet owners to get insurance! It's especially affordable if you get it right after getting your pet, but even if you didn't buy insurance immediately, still shop for a plan and get your pet insured. That will make the vet bills so much more affordable and you won't have to hesitate to take your kitty to the vet because of cost.

Very helpful

It's overwhelming to me of so many, many things that can go wrong when you have a cat. I wouldn't feel so horrible about adopting if I had a great feline vet in my immediate area near my home. Where I live, I have gone to 2 vets. Both are still quite a distance away--about 20 miles and neither one really is good with cats. One vet I had religiously taken to get my cat's teeth cleaned once a year. I did that for a number of years but beyond cleanings, this vet didn't have a clue when I told him my cat had chronic vomiting going on. He told me that beyond a blood test, which he did but detected nothing, I would have to drive 187 miles one way to UC Davis for more testing!! WTF. About 1 year later, after Tigger wouldn't eat, & was restless, I packed him up, took him to a 24 hour hospital & the vet said Tigger had numerous small tumors in his abdomen!! I put him to sleep but wondered why 2 different vets within the past year saw Tigger, examined him, was informed of his vomiting problem but never caught or did anything about it!! I am scared to death it could happen again. And I dread my cat having to suffer any pain. I don't trust vets in Reno.

Thank you for taking the time to put this info out 🙏❤

Thank you for this important video

Great information 👍.

So very informative thank you very much

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is very very helpful.

Thank you so much.

Thank you for this valuable information!

Thank you for your informative video😸💓

Thanks so much. This video is VERY helpful!!

❤ thank you Dr. Very helpful

Thank you

Many thanks for this informative and helpful video!

I shared this on my Facebook and this is so helpful to watch out fort

Abscesses also can be found under mats on rescues.

Very helpful and informative! Wish you were my vet!!! Thank you!

Thank you for such important information. This is a must see for us cat guardians.

AWESOME BEAUTIFUL GREAT ANIMAL LOVER BEST OF ALL U SAVE LIVES N GIVE VERY IMPORTANT LIFE SAVING INFORMATION

Thank you for your advice. Elize, South Africa

My cat's vet gave up on treating my hcm/ckd cat. It was beyond frustrating. She had a saddle thrombus and he wanted to treat for arthritis. Many vets are clueless for treating hcm,ckd disease processes!!!

Thanks!

this is so great, and i appreciate your expertise. I think this would be even more helpful if there were videos of some of these symptoms

Thanks

Oh I love Dr. Wooten's Videos... sooo helpfull, she is great :)

Hi Dr. Sarah. Thank you for the very helpful uploads, found the one with cat breathing very helpful. Pls can you do a video on chronic inflammation and what happens in the body, organs, blood flow and cells over a long period. Appreciate all the help. 😻🤗

I'm not a vet but our boy seems as though (now that it's probably too late) he has respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and bloody pressure/heart disease. I'm sure they could all be symptoms of one problem but now I wonder, cancer? Seems whatever it is it's systemic. Now affecting everything. Hoping vet will have an opening immediately this morning

What about a cat that's losing it's hair in a strip down it's back?

Hello Cat Dr.👋 ❤️🐈‍⬛❤️🐈‍⬛🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Okay! The garlic thing is so confusing, cause this brewers yeast that’s supposed to be a good supplement for cats and dogs is “garlic flavored” and that I just thought was so weird! What are your thoughts on brewers yeast for cats???

My 4 yr old baby boy, Eli Alexander Green Aka Elijah Wood-Wood aka Beetledooce aka Doobeedoo, died August 2022 from Saddle Thrombosis. It was a horrific experience and there was nothing we could do, we had to say goodbye to my soul-baby in a matter of 3 hours. He was a Fawn coloured Oriental and never grew bigger than a 6month -1 yr old kitten and even his mentality until the day he died was kitten like, so I always suspected something was not right with him. But I'd never lost anyone I love like I loved Eli and its been the hardest thing I have ever gone through and for me that is honestly saying something. I've been through stuff that tends to make peoples heads spin and by far, without doubt, losing him has been the worst thing. He was my world and I am still so, so, so inlove with him. Its so unfair, its so painful and it changes your life forever when you have to say goodbye to someone you love like that 💔💚

I just wanted you to know that your KZfaq video today ( Fri. 16 Sept. 2022) about the Pet Trade Show had No Comments Section/ Choice > Love & Appreciate your work!!

1. Unproductive vomiting. 2. Being unable to pee. 3. Difficulty to breath. 4. Blue gums.

I love you🥰

Oh the number 1, my cat must have done it 5,6 times now over a year. people told me the cat coughing fur ball. Though I never saw anything coming out.

Thanks Dr Sarah, my domestic grey girl is about 4 we thought she was a Pica kitty for a while because she would eat string then ate a super long ribbon. We literally had to pull it out like a magic trick from the other end .Shes been better lately.

Dr Sarah Wooten I totally agree about taking the cats to the vet. however most of the vets around here in Alabama where I live and it might be that way everywhere or most places,, want money right then and there at the visit.. I may not have it right then and there.. but I am great at making payments.. a lot of veterinarian s don't want to allow for payments. they would rather see the cat die or euthanized.!!!!!! To Me, that's An OUTRAGE!!!!! they shouldn't say how much they love animals what they love is the money. animals are definitely second or third or more down the list .... if they would just treat the cat or dog and let me pay down what I can then I will pay the balance either in one payment or more. and they will have helped saved cat or dogs, puppy or kittens life lives.... I have been so distressed about this because I've lost at least three male cats due to blockage. please get the message out to the veterinarians that they need to put the animals first.. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😭

Another would be if a cat goes into hiding for a day or more? (can be hard to track eating patterns in a multi-cat kibble grazing home) We were cat-sitting and one of the cats suddenly went into hiding for only about 24 hours and died shortly after being taken to the vet from IIRC sudden onset of an autoimmune problem. Body temperature was too low by then. One of our own cats also became lethargic and did not come out to greet for just a day due to severe constipation that required an emergency enema.

It was good to hear your recommendations, but my cat doesn't have any of those situations. I think she's in heat, but I don't know what to do about it.

Hi

Please do a video on hairballs. I've had different cats over the years and never experienced what my most recent cat does regarding hairballs. She suddenly starts wrenching and then throws up a long cylindrical mass of hair along with yellowish foul smelling liquid. Is there anything I can do to help her stop? Do the OTC remedies help pass them through the intestines like they claim? Thank you. I've learned so much from you!

My boy had a seizure once, I thought something on the screen (he was sitting on my lap while I played a game) freaked him out (it's happened before) so I turned around and let him go as I normally would only he just sort of flopped onto the floor... I felt so bad for just dropping him but he's never had a seizure before or since.

Hello Dr. Wooten! I love watching your videos!! I recently adopted a feral cat who I had fed for 7months. I was wondering if you could make a video on how to pet a feral cat. Right now the cat will eat a treat from my hand but for some reason would lick then bite my finger. I want to gain her trust and be able to pet her. Thank you!!

Cats so cute

One of my cats ran from my husband when he tried to bring her inside. We haven’t seen her for 2weeks now. She seemed to be eating less before then….

❤️

What commonly causes these issues? What can be done to help prevent these health issues. Does it mostly come down to proper nutrition? I heard that dry food, because it’s not a species appropriate diet and high in cards that it can lead to diabetes and kidney/liver issues.

To Dr Sarah Wooten, you seem very caring genuinely caring about cats and dogs!! can you tell me where your office is what town so that if I near there or traveling I could stop in and see you??.... or if you are not nearby, or too far for me to get to you, do you have any associates that you would genuinely recommend in Alabama where I currently live??+? thank you thank you thank you. I would appreciate your reply when you get a chance.

Thank you for the info👍People should notice if their cats are eatting my God I open cans daily soak their different bowls daily in water to clean out easier plus let them have dry food too. Or if they have injuries like a something broken olease dont encorage peoole to th8nk cats can heal thats rediculous to me sounds more like a myth there should be no reason to be too lazy not to care of your beloved pets after all they are family too!

Im gonna call you out on the vomiting issue. My cat throws up all the time. Hes had x-rays, every test you can think of, changes in diet. Nothing is wrong. All tests are normal/above normal. Hes done this all his life and he is now 15 y/o and his last check up, the vet said he is healthy and playful!!

I wish one of my vets knew at least couple of things from this video. She kept gaslightning me while my cat was at emergency situation..... I've noticed that while he was sleeping/resting (without any previous activity) he started breathing faster. 50-55 breaths per minute. It kept going away and then back so I called her but she said it is not urgent.. I've noticed, he started sleeping on washing machine, where he never used to sleep in his 9 years of life. Once I started petting him, he started purring and after a while he started making coughing sounds. That is why I decided to come to the vet, no matter what. I called my vet that he probably has water in his lungs and that is why he has those problems. When I came there, she said that he is breathing faster maybe only because he had nightmares.. I just shook my head. Then I told her about that cough, she gaslighted me that it is probably only hairball. I said it is not possible. I know my cats, he pukes fur only 2 times per year and the body movement and sound is different. It was choking and he kept his neck stretched facing his face to the ceiling. She checked his x ray and said he has only some infection. Bloodwork was without any issue (I saw results first cuz at that time she was smoking outside...) She said that he will need to see cardiologist at the morning and she only gave him steroids and atb. Around 3 hours after, my cat's situation got worse, he started breathing faster and louder (wheezing) and after couple of minutes he started coughing out water from his lungs.. like a lot of water. Vets weren't picking up my phone, I didn't know what to do, so I just stood there and watched him coughing out water everywhere.. till he died. I wrote my friend who happens to be vet (but not in my country) what happened. I also sent her x ray. She told me that if he had heart issue, he wasn''t supposed to give him steroids. And she was supposed to give him diuretics that would help him get rid of the excess water.. Also, her boss said his heart was enlarged and there was actually visible spot where water was collecting in his lungs.. so due to being gaslighted by dumb vet, my cat died.. Should I mention, that it was just 17 days after my 12 years old senior cat died cuz he reached final stage of CKD and his kidneys weren't working properly..

4:15 My 4 yr. old cat had saddle thrombus and had to be euthanized that day. It was awful to see him in that kind of pain.

I’m just venting but I sure wish I could get my cat to the vet in 1-2 days. They stay booked.

Our cat does not use litter box at all. Only the garden. So should we follow him? How do we know.

My name is Rosemarie Green. My cat is 13/years old. A senior cat.Is it normal for my cat not to purr? She is on medication.My cat name is Stinky.

Dr. Wooten, would like to hear you speak more about Saddle Thrombus. My boy who was not even 2 years old suffered one not long ago. I was told that prognosis for surviving treatment was not good and that survival after successful treatment was also not favorable. My vet recommended euthanasia, which is sadly what we ended up doing. He had other issues going on. Are you saying that this is a treatable condition? Now it seems like we may have made the wrong decision. Thanks for your response.

I have watched several of your videos, and they are very informative. What I would like to know is vomiting with fur balls normal? My cat always has both. I do groom her and this doesn't help. She is now 16 years old and has kidney disease. With that she is always hungry, eats constantly but is loosing a lot of weight. I have had her to the vet's several times but they won't say the weight loss is do to the kidney disease. I worry I am not doing everything I can for her. 😢 I would like to know if an ultrasound test would help her or give me peace of mine if I have to put her to sleep. Thank you

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✨

Hi! At the risk of asking a dopey question, Dr. Wooten, can you help me differentiate between a kitty sleeping (as they do) and a kitty who is unconscious? I know an unconscious cat would be unresponsive, but at first glance it'd be hard to tell, i would think. What would tip me off to seeing if my kitty is sleeping or unconscious? Thank you for this really important, accessible information!!!! What a wonderful resource you are!!!!! ❤

Do you know of any lower cost emergency veterinarians in Pittsburgh? What can you do if you can't get credit and have no funds at the time? My vet is in my neighborhood, but booked months in advance and emergency veterinarians start at 175 dollars in my city. Any help or advice is appreciated. Thank goodness our pets are in good health. Super message. Al

I would like to point out one very sad reality. Vets have made it too expensive to give pets the proper treatment for many people. They have been left to let their pet suffer or have them put to sleep instead, because its cheaper. It is most normal peoples whole food money for a week or a month, just to have the animal looked at. $100 to just walk in the door. What about that seems right? I do not think this is right at all. Animals should have access to the same care people do and fees should be based on income. There are also so many special animals in shelters, that are just being put to sleep, because people can't afford to pay out their rent money for a to adopt an animal. Yet these animals would get very loving homes. Instead because of the charges they have do not know that love and be put to sleep, then the shelters recoop no money. Some is better than none. That makes zero sense. I recently had a bad experience with a vet over my rabbit. I told them i had not much money, but i was concerned he had stopped pooping. That only had a limit of a certain amount and i could spend no more than that, as i needed what i had left I went without eating propper for 2 months to bebale to save to go rescue my senior mom, who was dumped like garbage in a hospital across the country by other family. When i opened his carrier at the vet, he had pooped, so not need for any meds. They tacked on meds anyway and stunned me with a bill twice the amount they said it should come to and gave me things i did not need. I was not a happy customer. I thought that completely greedy and selfish that 5 mins with a rabbit who turned out to be ok would cost $400. Just to look at him and say hes ok now. You are needlessly forcing animals to suffer, because not everyone can afford a sudden spend of that much money these days. Vets should not be a luxury but necessity.

I’m watching this after one of my cats died 💔

If your cat stays in one place and if you try to move them they go back to that space there could be a problem. I had a cat in July 2020 that started hanging out by the toilet in the main bathroom and even if I brought him out he'd go back 5 minutes later. He was only about a year and a half and a week after starting this he died from deformed kidneys.

What about coughing, asthma or worms?

Strong teacher 78

I’ve taken my cat to the vet 3 times and still not eating. They thought it was upper respiratory infection but I don’t know. What do they do if the swallowed something can it be taken out without surgery ?

Calm soldier 45

Commented (wrote a book) on video about breathing. With I'd seen this Friday. Pretty sure Charlie is dying and probably has been sick since we adopted him from the shelter....

My cat (f, 8, spayed) has very recently been hesitant to jump up on the sofa/bed etc. I’ve not noticed any difference in how she walks about other than not jumping up as smoothly as she used to. I don’t know if I’m being paranoid. She’s not off her food and she’s still using the litter box should I be concerned?

Help!!! I’ve been wanting to give my cat a multi-vitamin lately because she has trouble finishing her food. Any recommendations pleaseee 😭

Chlamydia in a cat, have heard of, but not real sure about it !?

#5, if cats are nervous or under pressure such as enter a new household they can refuse to eat for 3-4 days even 5 days. I think they are ok if they are drinking. Am I right?

Somebody please make a list If there’s an emergency, I can’t really sit and go through a 10min video

Wondering duck 64

What causes your cat to start hissing at you? She wrote once you detouch her. You don't want to eat you wanna do nothing what happens

Wondering designer 46

Fast mechanic 92

Most people can't afford a 200-400$ cat dog bill.