First Aid

Of course, anytime your pet has an injury or illness that you can’t take care of yourself, you will want to see the attention of your veterinarian. It’s important to find one that you can build a relationship with and your cat feels comfortable with, in order to make the visit as stress free as possible. Here is some cat first aid you will need to know.

Treating An Unconscious Cat

If you find an unconscious cat, your first priority should be to move it out of harms way and take it to the vet. Using a blanket as a stretcher, lay it out flat and carefully lift the cat onto it. Carefully lift the blanket up and place it on a flat steady surface. If the cat is having a hard time breathing, turn it onto its side with its head tilted downward, and open its mouth, pulling the tongue forward. Gently clean the mouth of mucus with a cotton swab. Don’t let the cat lie on one side for more than five to ten minutes or give it anything by mouth. To take the cat to the vet, lower the blanket into a secure container, such as a card board box.

How To Lift A Injured Cat

If you try to help a cat with a broken limb, you must handle it very carefully. Do not apply a splint yourself since this may distress the cat further. Pick the cat up and place it on a blanket, keeping the broken limb on the upper side. Try to prevent the limb from being moved in any way. Place the cat in a cat carrier, and take it to the vet.

Fight Wounds

A cat that is allowed outside may come home with scratches and cuts that it has received in fights with other cats. It may look disheveled, have patches of missing fur, and scratches on its eye lids and ears. Usually, these wounds are superficial and do not require veterinary attention. You can clean minor scratches with a mild antiseptic. If an abscess develops, take the cat to the vet. Heavy bleeding should be treated immediately.

Action For Poison

If a cat swallows a poisonous substance, it will usually vomit. Occasionally, however, the cat will actually digest the poison. Act promptly if your cat shows signs of poisoning. If a cat’s coat is contaminated, it may lick itself only to ingest it. Wash off the poison with diluted shampoo. If this does not work, take the cat and a sample of the poison to the vet. Do not induce vomiting.

Treating A Sting

A cat stung by a bee or wasp may suffer discomfort; the stung area will swell and the cat may appear unsteady. Look closely for a red, swollen area that resembles a splinter wound. If it is a bee sting try to remove it with tweezers. If you are unsuccessful, seek veterinary advice.

Frostbite Or Hypothermia

When the weather is cold, a cat may suffer from frostbite or hypothermia. Veterinary attention is essential since your cat could come into shock. The cat will be cold and stiff with what appears to be “burns” at the extremities.

Cat With Frostbite

If a cat is suffering from frostbite, bathe the affected area in warm water. Then keep the cat warm and take it to the vet.

Cat With Hypothermia

This can result in death. Wrap the cat in a blanket to warm it. Call a vet for their advice.