Cat First Aid

Stuff happens! It doesn’t matter how cautious cat owners are, there will be times when your cat may injure themselves and need some help. Knowing first aid for your cat is vitally important. It doesn’t matter if your cat is suffering from Cat Heatstroke, gets a cut or meets an unfriendly foe and suffers a Bite Wounds on Cats.

There are things that need to be done. It is important to be prepared before an emergency strikes.

1. Cuts and scratches may seem minor but if not treated properly can lead to infections or worse. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Do not apply a tourniquet. A tourniquet that is used improperly can cause injury or loss of limb, especially in smaller cats. Do not rinse the wound with water. If there is a blood clot in place, you want to keep it there to prevent further bleeding. If the cut is too severe, you need to call your veterinarian.

2. Cat Diarrhea and Cat Vomiting if it occurs frequently will cause your cat to have Cat Dehydration. This is especially true of toy cat breeds. Check to see if there is blood in the stool. Consider the possibility that your cat has gotten into some type of poison. If vomiting occurs alone, try withholding food and water for about six hours. If it subsides, the event may be over. If it does not subside, you should get them to a vet.

3. The risk of heat stroke is present during hot weather. If your cat begins to have Cat Difficulty Breathing or making loud breathing noises, be on alert. If vomiting, bloody diarrhea or collapse takes place, common sense prevails. Get your cat out of the heat. Place wet towels over the entire cat and place a fan directly on your cat. Do not bathe your cat in ice water; this can cause the superficial blood vessels to constrict and actually cause the “core” internal temperature to increase, worsening the condition. Call your vet and take your cat in. It is possible that fluids will have to be administered intravenously if the cat is dehydrated.

4. Household toxins are in all homes. Simple foods like Cat Chocolate Toxicity, raisins, grapes and some plants, as well as household cleaning fluids, such as Cat Bleach Poisoning, can be lethal to your cat. Cat Aspirin Poisoning and Cat Ibuprofen Poisoning are also toxic to cats and can be fatal. The poison control center for cats is (888)426-4435 Take your cat to a hospital immediately. Do not under any circumstances induce vomiting.

5. Automobile injuries are unfortunately too common in cats. If your cat gets injured by an automobile and has a Cat Broken Bones, their treatment is much the same as for a human. If the animal is unable to move, place it on a board or other immovable object. A piece of plywood or other type board will do nicely. Strap them down to prevent further injury to neck or spinal cord. Remember also that an injured cat can lash out if in pain. It may be best to put a towel over the cats head or create a muzzle with stockings or pantyhose.

First aid courses are available through the American Red Cross. It is important to be familiar with the Heimlich maneuver, and this is taught at these classes. The Red Cross teaches this course in many locations, and a visit to their website will let you know if your local chapter is offering them.