Go to a vet today if you see
- Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing in a cat, or blue/pale gums
- Repeated vomiting or bloody diarrhoea
- Not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours (12 hours for kittens and puppies)
- Collapse, seizures, wobbling or a tilted head
- A male cat straining in the litter box or unable to pee — this can be fatal within a day
- Swollen belly, severe lethargy or yellow eyes and gums
See a vet within a day or two
- Sneezing, runny eyes or nose
- Hair loss, crusty skin or intense scratching
- Mild diarrhoea without blood, limping, weight loss
- Protect yourself and your petsUse gloves or a towel, keep the animal separate from your pets, and wash your hands and any towels afterwards. Some illnesses (like ringworm or mange) can spread.
- Keep it comfortableA quiet, warm and dry space, fresh water, and a little bland food if it wants to eat.
- Write down what you seeWhen the symptoms started, eating and drinking, vomit or diarrhoea, and photos or a short video. This helps the vet a lot.
- Never give human medicineMany common medicines for people are poisonous to cats and dogs.
- Ask us for helpIf you cannot afford the vet, send us a help request. We prioritise urgent and life-threatening cases.