When To Seek Emergency Medical Care For Your Siamese Cat


Just like us humans, cats have their off days too. Unless you speak feline, it can be pretty hard to pinpoint the exact reason they’re feeling off. Due to this, it can be difficult for us to know if they’re feeling a little sick or their illness is something more serious. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to take them to the vets when you have the time. 

When your Siamese cat collapses and is unresponsive, they need immediate medical care and it’s best to take them to the vets right away. There are also some illnesses that can’t wait and require emergency treatment. These emergencies can seem small at first, but quickly become obvious and often suddenly. 

Always ensure you never miss your frequent checkups, as Siamese kitties are prone to certain diseases more than other felines.

If your cat suddenly falls ill at 2 am, a trip to the emergency room may not only be incredibly expensive, but sometimes impossible. Therefore, it’s handy to know whether or not their sickness isn’t an emergency and if they can wait till the morning. 


What are the signs I need to take my cat to the emergency vet?

If your Siamese is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as you can. 

Bathroom Problems

Bathroom problems can occur in both female and male cats, but especially for males, urinary issues can quickly become a huge problem. An obstruction within their urinary tract can be fatal if not treated. 

If your Siamese has a hard time or is unable to urinate, cries when they go to the bathroom, and grooms their genital area excessively, this is a sign you need to take a trip to the vets as soon as possible. 

Not only can it be extremely painful, but it can quickly progress to kidney failure. Other issues include high potassium levels in their blood as well as bladder rupture. This in turn can lead to cardiac arrest. 

A Change In Eating Habits

If you haven’t changed the food they were eating, nor is there a change in their environment, if your Siamese suddenly stops eating, this could be a warning sign. 

It’s not normal for a cat to go without eating. Even if it’s only for a day. Refusal to eat could be a sign of kidney failure, diabetes, an obstruction in their intestines, upon other issues. 

If your Siamese refuses to eat, contact a veterinarian ASAP.

Breathing Issues

Breathing issues are a huge red flag and should never be ignored. It only takes minutes for a pet to die without proper oxygen flow. 

If your Siamese is having trouble breathing you must get them to the emergency room right away, as their symptoms could worsen within seconds. 

Symptoms of breathing trouble include open mouth breathing, coughing, wheezing, and blue or pale-colored gums and/or tongue. 

Collapsing And Lethargy

If your Siamese collapses it is important you take them to the vets right away. This also goes for lethargic and unresponsive felines.

For example, if your Siamese is laying on the floor and shows no reaction to people, dogs, toys, and the sound of opening food. There are a number of reasons your Siamese may collapse, so get them checked out immediately.

Vomiting 

Cats vomit all the time, so vomiting itself is not an emergency. However, if they have frequent vomiting episodes or you find blood with their vomit, this is definitely something that should be checked out as soon as possible.

There are a number of reasons your Siamese may be vomiting, and it can quickly lead to dehydration. 

Crying When Being Touched

For some felines, it can be very difficult to know if they’re in pain since they never let it show. In fact, showing pain is thought of as a weakness, even in front of their human parents. 

Some cats, however, will cry or show signs of pain when you touch them in certain areas. You know your cat the best, so if you believe they are feeling unwell, then you should take them to get checked out as soon as you can. 

Paralysis

If your Siamese’s back legs, or any other limbs, suddenly become paralyzed, it is vital you get them to the vets. Paralysis can be caused by blood clots or heart disease. 

Cats suffering from this will also show other signs such as vocalizing, panting, or extreme stress. 

Poisoning 

If you know that your Siamese has ingested any toxic substances, whether that be the form of chemicals or toxic plants, they need to be seen right away. 

The faster you get your feline into the vets to be treated for poisoning, the higher their chances of making a full recovery. 


Can the vets wait?

Sometimes, if your Siamese isn’t experiencing any extreme or serious symptoms, you can wait and see if their condition improves before taking a trip to the vets.

Of course, you know your fur baby better than anyone, so if you believe they are in pain despite their symptoms, take them for a check-up. 

Watering Eyes 

If your Siamese has red eyes or they are constantly watering, this could be a sign of allergies. It also, however, could be a sign of an eye infection.

It’s best to give it a day to ensure it doesn’t just clear up on its own. If their eye is showing no signs of improvement, have it checked out by a vet. 

If your Siamese is squinting, then you should see a vet as soon as possible.

Vomiting

Furballs and eating their food too quickly are some of the reasons your cat may vomit. This is normal for felines, they vomit more than dogs and humans. 

However, if your Siamese is vomiting frequently, you should get them checked out by a vet. 

Diarrhea

Felines get upset stomachs just like us humans. If your Siamese has an episode of diarrhea, you can wait and see if they improve by the next day. Unless they are showing signs of pain, if diarrhea doesn’t persist, there usually isn’t anything to worry about.

However, if it persists, your Siamese can quickly become dehydrated. 

Sudden Behavioral Changes 

If your Siamese has a sudden and unexplainable behavioral change, this could be a sign something more serious is going on. 

If they show no symptoms or can’t pinpoint the pain, you can keep an eye on them to see if their behavior improves. 

It’s important to take into consideration their surroundings, for example, if you have moved house, or welcomed a new pet into your home, it is very common for them to go off their food for a few days. 

If this behavior continues without explanation, take them for a check-up.

Should I take my Siamese to the emergency room?

Unfortunately, our kitties can’t vocally tell us when something is wrong. That’s why it is our job to keep an eye on them and understand the warning signs. 

Unless your Siamese is showing serious signs of pain, you may be able to wait a day or two until you take them for a checkup. 

However, always trust your gut feeling. If you believe there is something seriously wrong, it is best to take them to the emergency vet to make sure. 

We gathered all the health tips tailored towards maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide

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Katerina Gasset

Katerina Gasset is a seasoned Siamese cat breeder with a passion that spans over 18 years. Her love for these distinctive felines has not only led her to breed them, but also to dedicate herself to the rescue and wellbeing of the Siamese breed. Currently, she is the proud owner of two charismatic Siamese cats named Batman and Robyn, whose antics and unique personalities often inspire her work. As a well-established author and blogger, Katerina leverages her extensive knowledge of Siamese cats in her writings. She is the sole creator and owner of SiameseKittyKat.com, a comprehensive online platform that serves as a repository of practical advice and fascinating insights into the world of Siamese cats. Through her enlightening articles, she assists countless cat owners in better understanding and taking care of their Siamese companions. More than a breeder, Katerina is an advocate for the breed. Her commitment goes beyond mere appreciation; she is dedicated to educating others on the complexities and joys of living with Siamese cats, sharing her wisdom with a community of fellow Siamese cat lovers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned Siamese cat owner or just beginning your journey, Katerina's informative and engaging content is a valuable resource.

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