Is it an emergency?
Take a breath. Pick what you’re seeing below and we’ll help you decide what to do next — clearly, and without the panic.
Guidance, not a diagnosis. This tool can’t see your pet. When in doubt, call us or your nearest 24/7 ER. The “Is it an emergency?” triage guide offers general guidance only .
Emergency
Labored breathing, blue/pale gums, choking, or collapse is a true emergency. Go to the nearest ER immediately.
Open-mouth breathing in a cat is always urgent.
Where to go when we’re closed.
Cedarsong is open during posted hours and holds same-day urgent slots. When we’re closed or it’s life-threatening, head straight to the 24/7 ER.
A true emergency? Don’t wait.
If your pet may be in danger — trouble breathing, collapse, a possible toxin, heavy bleeding, or a male cat who can’t pee — go straight to the ER. They’re open 24/7.
Three simple answers.
Emergency
This can be life-threatening. Go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital right away — don’t wait for a callback.
- · Trouble breathing or collapsed
- · Bloated, retching, can’t vomit
- · Ate something toxic
- · Male cat straining to pee
Should be seen
Call Cedarsong during open hours for a same-day or next-day visit. If we’re closed, call our urgent line.
- · Repeated vomiting / diarrhea
- · Limping or sore
- · Squinting or a sore eye
- · Itchy ears or skin
Likely OK to watch
Keep an eye on it and call us during open hours if it doesn’t improve or gets worse.
- · A small cut or scrape
- · One soft stool, otherwise fine
- · Occasional scratching
The “Is it an emergency?” triage guide offers general guidance only — it is NOT a diagnosis, not a substitute for an in-person exam, and cannot account for everything happening with your pet. When in doubt, call us or your nearest 24/7 emergency hospital. If your pet may be in a life-threatening situation, seek emergency care immediately.