Our Vets are Available 🟢
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.
Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet Clinic
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial Guidelines
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
Resources
Lorem ipsum dolor
PricingHow it WorksContact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

My cat died at the vet last week, searching for some clarity...

everyone... I’m struggling to make sense of what happened and could really use some perspectives or similar experiences from fellow pet lovers. Last week, my world got turned upside-down when my dear cat, Whiskers, didn’t come back home from a vet visit. He seemed to have a little cough, and I thought it would be just a quick check-up, but I never imagined I’d be returning home without him. The vet said it was a complication, something about an allergic reaction to the sedative they used. But Whiskers was always healthy, never had issues before, and I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around this. Is this common? Have any of you faced something similar? I can’t shake the feeling that I should’ve done something differently, and it’s just tearing me apart. I’m just desperate for some clarity or comfort, if you can offer any. Thanks.

Answer:

I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved cat. It’s a painful situation, and it's understandable to seek more clarity during such a difficult time.



Cats can develop health issues quite suddenly due to their nature of hiding discomfort, which is often a survival instinct. Common causes can include heart disease, hidden injuries, or poisoning, especially in outdoor cats. A sudden collapse or breathing issues might indicate an underlying cardiac problem or trauma that went unnoticed. Sometimes, even when it seems unexpected, underlying chronic conditions like kidney disease or diabetes may have been silently progressing.



If you noticed any behavioral changes leading up to the event, such as lethargy, changes in appetite, or breathing difficulties, these could have been subtle signs of an underlying problem. At home, making sure your other pets are in good health is important by feeding them a balanced diet and observing them for any unusual behaviors.



Going forward, some signs in cats that require immediate attention include difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or seizure activity. Trust your instincts if something doesn’t seem right.



I’m here for you—consider booking a video consult with a Dial A Vet professional to talk more about your cat’s history and get the support you need through this process.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 19, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Idiopathic chylothorax, fluid every 2-3 days. How many chest taps?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sudden concerning symptoms in dog w/ CHF starting furosemide
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cats & steroids (the M E O W edition)
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat in her last 24 hours of life - ok to stop some meds?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support—anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicFree Teachers lesson plansGasTexts: Free Gas Prices TextedCheersVC
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links