Cat-proofing your house as much as possible can help prevent emergencies. Store medications and cleaning products out of their reach. If your cat spends time outdoors, be aware of the increased risk of trauma. Also, be mindful of common household hazards such as knives in the sink or open dryers, which can be dangerous if a cat decides to explore. Candles can also be a risk as cats are naturally curious. Try to think like a cat and act accordingly to minimize potential dangers. Cat’s are also more inclined to move vertically than dogs, so you may have certain things out of your dog or child’s reach, but your cat is still exposed to it.

If your cat doesn't resume eating and drinking within a specified time, especially after trauma, this could indicate that we're not managing their pain well or they're not feeling as good as we would like. If your pet had stitches, monitor the incision site. If they were exposed to a toxin, make sure the vomiting is controlled and that they are eating and drinking well. Your veterinarian should provide a timeline of what to expect and when to return for a re-examination. Even if your pet seems better, it's important to keep any scheduled follow-up exams.

This would depend on the type of emergency. For cats, we generally want them eating and drinking soon after most emergencies as this aids in their recovery. You should ask this question before leaving the veterinarian, or it may be included in your written instructions. Depending on the situation, your cat might have to go home on a special diet and then return to their normal diet.

Depending on what the emergency was, if they had trauma, you would want to provide a safe, comfortable area with low stress. This could be a quiet area with minimal traffic from other pets, children, or individuals in the household. Consider relocating their essentials such as a litter box, food, and water into this room to minimize their need to travel throughout the house.

Most likely. Veterinarians typically provide well-written instructions or at least labeled medications with the proper instructions. If instructions are not provided, do not hesitate to ask for them. In emergency situations, it can be hard to remember everything that was discussed due to stress or emotions. Written instructions can be very useful in these situations. Never feel bad about having to call for clarification. It's always important.