Cat Urgent Care Services
Knowing where to turn is crucial when your cat experiences an unexpected health issue. At Island Cats Veterinary Hospital, we provide urgent care services for a variety of non-life-threatening medical concerns. If your cat requires immediate attention, please call us right away so we can assess the situation and guide you on the next steps.
Cat Urgent Care in Mercer Island, WA
Cats can develop sudden health concerns, injuries, or infections that require prompt veterinary attention. While some conditions may require an emergency vet, our clinic can evaluate and treat many urgent medical issues. If you’re unsure whether your cat needs emergency care, call us, and we will help determine the best course of action.
Common reasons for urgent care visits include:
✔ Vomiting and diarrhea
✔ Ear or eye infections
✔ Minor wounds and lacerations
✔ Urinary tract infections
If your cat is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as difficulty breathing, severe trauma, or collapse, please seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to Expect During an Urgent Care Visit
If your cat is brought in for an urgent care visit, our veterinary team will:
✔ Perform a thorough examination to assess their condition
✔ Run diagnostic tests if needed to determine the cause of illness or discomfort
✔ Provide immediate treatment or recommend additional care as necessary
✔ Offer guidance on at-home care to support recovery
We understand that urgent health concerns can be stressful, and our team is committed to providing calm, compassionate, and efficient care for your cat.
Common Urgent Care Conditions We Treat
Vomiting & Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by illness, dietary indiscretion, or underlying medical conditions. If symptoms persist, dehydration and further complications can develop, requiring veterinary evaluation.
Ear Infections
Ear infections can be painful and irritating for cats and may be caused by bacteria, yeast, parasites, or allergies. Signs of an ear infection include:
✔ Frequent head shaking or scratching at the ears
✔ Redness, swelling, or odor in the ear canal
✔ Discharge or wax buildup
Prompt treatment helps prevent worsening infections or damage to the eardrum.
Eye Infections & Irritation
Urgent care may be needed if your cat displays eye discomfort or unusual symptoms.
Signs to watch for include:
✔ Swollen, red, or inflamed eyelids
✔ Watery discharge or excessive blinking
✔ Squinting or pawing at the eye
✔ Cloudy or irritated-looking eyes
Eye conditions can worsen quickly, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Wounds & Minor Lacerations
If your cat has a small wound, torn nail, or minor laceration, we can clean and treat the injury to prevent infection. Signs that your cat may need veterinary attention include:
✔ Bleeding that doesn’t stop within a few minutes
✔ Signs of pain, swelling, or limping
✔ Excessive licking or irritation at the wound site
For deeper wounds or severe trauma, emergency veterinary care may be required.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) & Urinary Concerns
UTIs and urinary issues can be painful and may indicate infection, inflammation, or bladder stones. If your cat is displaying symptoms such as:
✔ Straining to urinate or urinating outside the litter box
✔ Pink or bloody urine stains
✔ Frequent urination or discomfort
✔ Excessive licking of the genital area
It’s important to seek veterinary care promptly, as urinary blockages can become life-threatening.
When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
While we provide urgent care for many conditions, some situations require immediate emergency veterinary attention.
Please seek emergency care right away if your cat is experiencing:
✔ Difficulty breathing or choking
✔ Seizures or collapse
✔ Severe trauma or broken bones
✔ Profuse bleeding or deep wounds
✔ Inability to urinate (especially in male cats)
If you’re unsure whether your cat needs urgent or emergency care, call us, and our team will help you determine the best course of action.
Urgent Care for Your Cat
For non-emergency urgent care needs, Island Cats Veterinary Hospital is here to help. We proudly serve Mercer Island, Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Issaquah, Kirkland, and Bothell with prompt, focused care for your cat’s medical needs. Our team understands the unique needs of felines and strives to provide efficient, stress-reducing treatment in a calm environment.