Kittens are some of the most common patients we treat in our Palm Coast mobile emergency unit. Their small size and rapid development mean they can go from playful to critical in just a few hours. On National Kitten Day this July 10, we want to highlight the most common kitten emergencies we see and how you can help prevent them.

1. Swallowed Objects

Kittens love to play—and sometimes, they swallow their toys. The most common foreign objects we’ve removed include:

• Ribbon or yarn
• Plastic wrappers
• Hair ties and string
• Foam toy pieces
• Rubber bands
  

These objects can cause intestinal blockages or internal damage.

Tip: Never allow unsupervised play with anything that could fit in a kitten’s mouth. Provide safe toys, especially developed for kittens.

2. Fleas and Worms

What seems like a minor issue in an adult cat can quickly become an emergency in a kitten. Flea infestations and internal parasites can cause:

• Blood loss
• Weakness and lethargy
• Digestive upset
• Collapse
  

Because kittens have less body mass, these problems can become life-threatening very quickly.

Tip: Have all kittens evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early treatment is critical.

3. Respiratory and Eye Infections

Upper respiratory infections and eye infections are extremely common, especially in kittens from shelters or crowded environments. Signs that require prompt care include:

• Sneezing or wheezing
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Loss of appetite
  

Kittens who cannot breathe well or smell their food often stop eating, which leads to rapid decline.

Tip: Seek care early. Waiting too long can mean hospitalization and intensive treatment.

4. Traumatic Injury

From falls to rough play, injuries are a top reason kittens visit our mobile unit. Common injuries include:

• Fractured limbs
• Jaw injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Head trauma
  

Even gentle interactions with larger animals can cause harm to a kitten.

Tip: Limit access to climbing spots and keep interactions with other pets supervised.

5. Fading Kitten Syndrome

Fading kitten syndrome happens suddenly and often without any obvious cause. We’ve seen otherwise healthy kittens become weak, cold, and unresponsive in a matter of hours. Signs include:

• Cold ears and paws
• Inability to stand
• Crying excessively
• Not nursing or eating
  

This is an emergency and must be treated immediately.

Tip: Monitor young kittens closely, especially under eight weeks of age. If you notice any sudden behavior changes, call for help right away.

Here When You Need Us

Our Palm Coast mobile emergency unit is available Thursday through Sunday evenings and based at 124 Flagler Plaza Drive. Emergencies do not follow a schedule, and we’re here when you need us. If your kitten is in distress, don’t wait – we’re ready to help.