Feline Urgent Care - FAQs
What are common cat emergencies you treat?
Common feline emergencies we see at our Auburn Urgent Veterinary Care include:
- Urinary blockage (extremely common in male cats and life threatening)
- Difficulty breathing
- Bite wounds and abscesses (from outdoor fights)
- Toxic ingestion (lilies, antifreeze, essential oils)
- Not eating for more than 24-48 hours
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Hiding or sudden behavior changes indicating pain
- Trauma from falls or accident
- Not urinating or defecating
My male cat is straining to urinate. Is this an emergency?
Yes, this is one of the most critical cat emergencies. Male cats can develop urinary blockages that become life-threatening within 6 – 24 hours. Call us immediately at 315-515-3074 if your cat is straining in the litter box, crying while trying to urinate, or producing little to no urine.
My cat hasn't eaten in two days. Should I be concerned?
Yes, cats who stop eating can have serious conditions and can then develop serious liver problems (hepatic lipidosis) within just a few days, especially if they are overweight. Call us at 315-515-3074 to discuss your cat’s condition.
Can you treat cat bite abscesses?
Yes, cat bite wounds and abscesses are very common, especially in outdoor cats in the Auburn area. These often require draining, cleaning, antibiotics, and pain management. Untreated abscesses can lead to serious infections.
My cat was exposed to lilies. What should I do?
Lily exposure is extremely toxic to cats and can cause fatal kidney failure. Call us immediately at 315-515-3074 if your cat has been exposed to any part of a lily plant (flowers, leaves, pollen, or water from the vase). They usually require several days in the hospital.
Do you treat cats with breathing difficulties?
It’s complicated. Difficulty breathing in cats is always an emergency and we recommend going to the nearest facility. If we are your closest facility, we can usually stabilize, but we do not have long term oxygen care, so we routinely need to transfer to a larger facility for continued care. This can be caused by heart disease, asthma, pneumonia, fluid in the chest, or other serious conditions. Please call 315-515-3074, BEFORE you come so we can be ready to help your cat.
My cat fell from a window/balcony. Can you help?
Yes, we can evaluate and treat cats who have experienced falls. Even if your cat appears okay initially, internal injuries can be present. It’s important to have them evaluated promptly.
Can you help if my cat is having kittens?
It’s complicated. We cannot do c-sections at this time, however, we can provide some urgent obstetric care for cats experiencing complications during labor. Signs of trouble include prolonged labor without producing kittens, excessive straining, green discharge before the first kitten, or obvious distress. Call us at 315-515-3074 if you have concerns.
My cat is hiding and acting differently. Is this urgent?
Cats instinctively hide pain and illness. Sudden behavior changes, hiding, not eating, or appearing lethargic can indicate serious medical problems. Please call to schedule a triage time.
Do you handle cat poisonings?
Yes, we treat various poisonings in cats including toxic plants, rodenticides, antifreeze, medications, and household chemicals. If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, call us immediately. We will also recommend that you call poison control. They are experts in the field and can help us manage your cat’s case. If possible, bring the product packaging or a sample of what your cat ingested.
Contact Us When In Doubt
Call us at 315-515-3074 before coming in.
We’re here to help your pets when they need urgent care in Auburn, NY and throughout Central New York.
Remember: When in doubt, call us. We’re here to help you determine if your pet needs urgent care.

