• Any problem that persists longer than 24 hours
• Any problem that worsens over several hours
• Any systemic problems such as lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness or fever
• Body temperatures less than 100ºF or greater than 104ºF
• Any indication that more than one body system (GI, urinary, neurological) is affected

• Bleeding from nose, mouth, or anus
• Bleeding accompanied by bruising of the skin, especially on the abdomen
• Bleeding that cannot be stopped by applying pressure
• If blood loss is excessive
• Weakness, difficulty breathing, or reluctance to move after a bleeding episode

• Frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhea resulting in a loss of large volumes of fluid
• Inability to drink or keep water down
• Blood or black material (digested blood) in the vomit or stool
• More than three (3) to four (4) episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a kitten or a cat older than 8 years
• Vomiting followed by suspected ingestion of foreign material (toys, garbage, string, plants, etc..)
• Suspected poisoning

• Obvious fracture of a limb
• Non-weightbearing lameness persisting more than 12 hours
• Swollen, painful joints or a gait that appears as is "walking on eggshells."
• Paralysis of one or more limbs
• Lameness that initially improves but does not resolve in 24-48 hours

• Draining, cloudy, or red eyes
• Traumatic injury to eye(s)

• Trauma
• Ingestion of antifreeze

Vomiting or Diarrhea (once or twice):
Remove all food. Give pet only water or ice cubes for hydration. Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit if it persists.

Vomiting or Diarrhea (more than 2 times)
Check for signs of dehydration such as sticky mucous membranes and dull eyes. Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit.

Straining to urinate:
Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit

Bleeding from the nose or paw pad (not excessive):
Apply pressure to the affected area to stop bleeding. Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit if it persists.

Difficulty breathing:
Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit

Lameness:
Call the Nashville Cat Clinic if not resolved in 24 hours.

Suspected broken bone(s):
Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit

Trauma; auto accident, dog bite, falls:
Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit

Choking:
Immediately initiate first aid to remove object. Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit.

Seizures:
Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit unless pet is known epileptic.

Rubbing eyes, swollen eyes:
Call the Nashville Cat Clinic for an immediate visit

1. Inappropriate Elimination Behavior or Litter Box Use

Inappropriate and annoying elimination behaviors by your cat can often indicate an underlying medical condition and do not mean your cat is trying to "get back at you" These behaviors can include urinating or defecating outside litter boxes or other problems. A cat with these behaviors may have any number of conditions, including lower urinary tract disease, kidney disease, a urinary tract infection or diabetes mellitus.

2. Changes in Interaction

Cats are social animals and enjoy interactions with their human family, and often with other pets. Changes in those interactions may signal problems such as disease, fear, and anxiety. It may also signal pain, which can cause aggression.

3. Changes in Activity

A decrease or increase in activity can be a sign of a number of conditions. Discomfort from joint disease or systemic illnesses can also lead to a decrease in activity. Increased activity is often seen with hyperthyroidism. it's important to understand cats don't usually slow down just because they are old.

4. Changes in Sleeping Habits

The average adult cat may spend 16 to 18 hours per day sleeping. The key to differentiating abnormal lethargy from normal napping is knowing your cat's sleeping patterns and noting any changes.

5. Changes in Food & Water Consumption

Most cats are not "finicky" eaters. Look for changes, such as a decrease or increase in consumption and how the cat chews its food. Increased water consumption can be an early indicator of thyroid problems, kidney disease, diabetes, or other illnesses.

6. Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain

Weight changes often go unnoticed because of a cat's thick coat. A change in weight does not necessarily correlate with a change in appetite. If your cat goes to the food dish and then backs away from it without eating, nausea may be the source. On the other hand, obesity has become a serious health concern in cats, with increased risk of diabetes mellitus, joint disease, and other problems.

7. Changes in Grooming

Cats are typically fastidious groomers. A decrease in grooming behavior can indicate a number of conditions, including fear, anxiety, obesity or other illnesses. An increase in grooming may be a sign of a skin problem.

8. Signs of Stress

Your cat can feel stress despite having an "easy" life. Boredom and sudden changes are common causes of stress in cats. Stressed cats may demonstrate decreased grooming and social interaction, spend more time awake and scanning their environment, hide more, withdraw and exhibit signs of depression, and have an increased or decreased appetite.

9. Changes in Vocalization

Increased vocalization or howling is more common in older cats and is often seen with some underlying issue. Many cats also have increased vocalization if they are in pain or are anxious.

10. Bad Breath

Since dental disease is considered a silent disease, it is important to have you cat's teeth checked to help prevent it. One early indicator of an oral problem is bad breath. Regular home teeth brushing and veterinary dental care prevent bad breath, pain, tooth decay and loss, and the spread of infection to other organs.