Emergency Triage for Cats

Reception teams are your first point of contact when presenting in any emergency hospital setting, and they play a key role in gathering information that supports urgent care. They’ll ask brief, purposeful questions to understand what’s brought you in and pass those details on to the clinical team.

Every cat is taken through on arrival so a nurse can perform a triage assessment. Signs like seizures, collapse, difficulty breathing or problems urinating are treated with urgency, and the most unwell patients are prioritised for immediate veterinary care.

We understand it can feel overwhelming, but if you’re told your cat needs to be taken straight through for emergency care, please know it’s being done in their best interest. At CSS, we balance urgency with compassion. You’ll be kept informed and supported, but our first priority is stabilising your beautiful cat.

If you’re wondering how we tell which cats need to be seen first and which can wait a little longer, it often comes down to observation, refined through training and experience. On arrival, our staff visually assess cats in their carriers without opening them. It’s a non-invasive check that can reveal a lot. A cat who is upright, alert and watching their surroundings, even if nervously curled up, is usually stable enough to wait with you. But if a cat appears dull, spaced out or collapsed, they’ll be taken straight through for immediate treatment.

Certain postures and behaviours can indicate a more serious problem. Cats lying flat on their side or showing any sign of open-mouth breathing are treated as a top priority. Open-mouth breathing in cats is never normal and often signals respiratory distress. Even if it seems mild or comes and goes, it can worsen quickly and requires speedy action.

A cat who appears quiet and unresponsive to movement or sound, especially if their eyes are half-closed or they seem unaware of their surroundings, may be much more unwell than they appear. These subtle signs of altered mental state, known as reduced mentation, are taken seriously. Even if your cat isn’t collapsed, they may still be in critical condition and cannot wait to be seen.

Cats are highly sensitive to their environment, especially in stressful moments. If you stay calm and steady, it can help your cat feel more secure, even when they’re unsure of what’s happening around them. Speak softly, avoid sudden movements, and remember that your emotional state can shape how your cat copes during their time in hospital.

We understand it’s never easy to hand your cat over, especially when all you want to do is stay close and protect them. But in some cases, swift action is essential to get them the care they need. Knowing that early intervention gives critically unwell cats their best chance at recovery can make those difficult moments a little easier to face.

If your cat does need to be separated from you during triage, it’s only for as long as absolutely necessary. Once they’re stable, you’ll be brought back together. The team understands how important that bond is and will do what they can to keep you informed and involved without compromising your cat’s care.

Triage can feel intense in the moment, but it’s a structured process built to protect your cat when they need it most. If your cat experiences an emergency, speak with your regular vet or contact our team at Cat Specialist Services for advice on next steps.

For veterinary reception teams looking to improve their triage skills, this video by our Feline Emergency Veterinarian, Dr Cindy Hung, is a great place to start.

If you’re a veterinarian managing a cat with a complex or chronic condition, you can refer them for specialised care here.

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.