Cat Health Concerns and Emergency Protocol

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1. Information collected before boarding

Each owner must provide:

• Their contact details and an alternate emergency contact.

• Their cat’s regular veterinary clinic and telephone number.

• Details of existing health conditions, medications and relevant medical history.

• Written authorization for veterinary assessment and emergency care if they cannot be reached, including an agreed spending limit and payment arrangements.

Comfy Cat Kennel will maintain current contact details for an emergency veterinary clinic and a designated backup transport person.

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2. Identify and record the concern

If a cat shows a change in appetite, drinking, litter-box habits, behaviour, movement or general condition, Comfy Cat Kennel will record the symptoms and when they began.

Comfy Cat Kennel will keep the cat comfortable and monitor its condition. If infectious illness is suspected, the cat will be separated from other boarders, with separate equipment and appropriate hygiene precautions.

Emergency signs include difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, significant trauma and inability to urinate; these require immediate veterinary attention.

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3. Decide who to contact first

For a concern that appears non-urgent: Comfy Cat Kennel will contact the owner promptly to explain the observations and discuss veterinary advice. If the owner cannot be reached, Comfy Cat Kennel will contact the alternate emergency contact and seek veterinary guidance.

For an emergency or rapidly worsening condition: Comfy Cat Kennel will contact an available emergency veterinarian immediately and arrange care. The owner will be notified at the same time where possible, or as soon as the cat’s care is underway. Emergency assessment and transport will not be delayed while waiting for the owner to respond. Comfy Cat will contact Fantastic Beasts clinic in Parksville. If they are unable to help, transportation will switch to Nanaimo Urgent Pet Care Centre in north Nanaimo.  If there is uncertainty about urgency, Comfy Cat Kennel will call the veterinary clinic for advice.

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4. Arrange the veterinary visit

Comfy Cat Kennel will organize the appointment and provide the clinic with the cat’s symptoms, medical history and owner’s contact details.

The cat’s regular veterinarian will be used where practical and within the time frame advised. If unavailable, Comfy Cat Kennel will use the Lighthouse Veterinary Clinic or an emergency hospital. The owner is not expected to arrange the appointment while away.

 

5. Arrange safe transportation

Comfy Cat Kennel will arrange and normally provide transportation in a secure cat carrier.

Comfy Cat Kennel will ensure that the remaining boarders continue to receive appropriate care.

 

6. Veterinary decisions and owner updates

The veterinarian will assess the cat and recommend treatment. Where possible, the owner will speak directly with the veterinarian about treatment options, consent and costs.

If the owner cannot be reached, Comfy Cat Kennel will follow the written veterinary authorization provided at admission, supply that authorization to the clinic, and continue attempts to contact the owner or alternate contact.

Comfy Cat Kennel will not administer new medication or home remedies without veterinary direction.

 

7. Follow-up and documentation

Comfy Cat Kennel will:

• Update the owner following the assessment and whenever the cat’s condition changes significantly.

• Follow the veterinarian’s written medication, monitoring and isolation instructions.

• Confirm whether the cat can safely return to boarding or requires hospitalization or alternative care.

• Keep a record of symptoms, calls, advice, transport, treatment and expenses.

• Provide the owner with veterinary discharge instructions and relevant records.

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