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Cats + Emergencies

  • Pets with temperatures above 104°F (40.0°C) or below 99°F (37.2°C) need immediate veterinary care. Temperature can be taken rectally or aurally. If taking your pet's temperature is too difficult, take your pet to your veterinarian. If your pet's temperature remains high or low, take them to your veterinarian.

  • Telehealth is a broad term that refers to the use of telecommunications to provide health-related services. Telehealth services can be delivered by a variety of methods including telephone, text messaging, internet chat, and videoconferencing. Telehealth, including teletriage and telemedicine, can supplement in-person care and can provide a safe and practical method of receiving some veterinary care during times of physical or social distancing.

  • Pets can develop THC or CBD poisoning after inhaling or ingesting cannabis plants or cannabis-containing products. THC can cause serious effects even at low doses, while CBD has a wider margin of safety but can still cause illness. Some CBD products may also contain enough THC to cause THC poisoning.

  • Toad poisoning occurs when a cat is exposed to toxins secreted by certain species of toads, most commonly the cane toad and the Colorado River or Sonoran desert toad. Licking or ingesting one of these toads can cause life-threatening signs and immediate treatment is required.

  • Cats, with their curious nature, may fall victim to poisoning within the home. Cats' small size, lack of ability to metabolize certain drugs, and their tendency to hide symptoms when ill, make their poisoning less obvious compared to dogs and may also delay treatment.

  • Too much vitamin A can lead to poisoning. Vitamin A poisoning most commonly occurs when pets are fed raw liver, cod liver oil, or other supplements rich in vitamin A over several weeks to months. It takes a long time for signs of vitamin A poisoning to develop. If a cat ingests a large dose, they may quickly develop vomiting, drowsiness, irritability, and peeling skin.

  • Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. Common sources of vitamin D poisoning include rodenticides that contain vitamin D3 and certain human medications. The effects of vitamin D poisoning can last many weeks to months.

  • Zinc is an essential mineral needed for DNA production, growth, wound healing, and immune function. Since zinc is not made in the body, it must be consumed in the diet. The body requires very small amounts of zinc and ingesting too much can cause poisoning.