1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
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Emergency Triage for Cats
What happens in the first few minutes can make all the difference. Emergency triage for cats is how we ensure the sickest patients get help without delay. Based on an initial assessment, your cat may stay by your side or be taken out the back of the hospital for urgent treatment. Here’s what to expect from the process.
At Cat Specialist Services, we provide expert treatment in a feline-only facility designed entirely for cat comfort. Just like people, cats can face various unexpected health emergencies, and as a devoted owner, it’s natural to feel anxious about what happens next. Rest assured, we’ll always respond quickly, with the experience and focus your cat deserves.
The role of the reception team in identifying emergencies
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.
Subtle signs a cat may be in critical condition
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.
When your cat isn’t critical but still needs urgent care
Not every emergency visit results in a cat being rushed through in critical condition. In many cases, they’re stable enough to wait with you until a vet becomes available.
If symptoms aren’t life-threatening, staff will still monitor them closely and re-triage and escalate care if anything changes. That’s the purpose of triage: to make sure help is given in the best possible order.
Your cat’s comfort, stress levels and safety are important considerations during any emergency assessment. Waiting can be difficult, but knowing your cat is stable and being monitored throughout can offer some reassurance.
Once your cat has been seen by a vet, treatment will move ahead quickly. Whether that involves diagnostics, pain relief, surgery or hospitalisation, the focus is always on helping them recover as efficiently and gently as possible. At CSS, our team works exclusively with feline patients, and everything we do is centred on getting them back on all paws again.
“Our first priority is stabilising the most unwell patients.”
How you can support your cat during triage
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.
Knowing what to expect makes all the difference in an emergency
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.
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
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.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is emergency triage for cats?
Emergency triage is the process used to assess cats as soon as they arrive at the hospital. A veterinary nurse evaluates the cat’s condition to determine how urgently treatment is needed.
What signs indicate a veterinary emergency in cats?
Symptoms such as seizures, collapse, breathing difficulties or inability to urinate require urgent care. These signs indicate that the cat may need immediate stabilisation.
Why are some cats treated before others in emergencies?
Triage ensures the most critically ill patients are treated first. This approach helps prevent life-threatening deterioration.
What happens during the triage assessment?
The nurse asks brief questions about the problem and performs a quick physical evaluation. This information is passed directly to the veterinary team.
Why might my cat be taken straight into treatment?
If a cat is severely ill, immediate stabilisation is necessary before further discussion. This rapid response helps protect the cat’s health and safety
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
Every cat arriving at the hospital undergoes an initial triage assessment by a veterinary nurse.
Cats with the most severe symptoms are prioritised for immediate treatment.
Emergency signs include seizures, collapse, breathing difficulty and urinary obstruction.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
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. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed