Cat First Aid

Even with the best effort, for your loved pet not to get hurt, accidents happen and it’s best to be prepared when they do. It is important to stay calm, act quickly and take the cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Treating a Very Hurt Cat
If you find a cat that was run over by a car or suffered a bad fall, the first thing you must do is take it away from any further danger. This has to be done carefully because it may have broken bones or internal injuries. For example, the cat can have the bladder and diaphragm broken, in this case the organs that should be in the abdomen rise to the chest cavity.

Preparing a Stretcher
Use a carpet, coat or whatever is handy to make a “stretcher” and slide it softly under the cat, holding the body carefully at all times. Be careful and don’t turn the body. Hold the head a little bit lower than the rest of the body, so that blood flow can reach the brain and keep the cat warm until it arrives at the veterinarian.

Handling an Injured Cat
If the cat is injured, but conscious, it will be scared, in pain and may get out of control. Approach slowly and talk to it softly to inspire trust. If possible, use gloves to protect you hands and avoid getting your face close to the cat. Hold it from the back of the neck while you wrap it in a towel or sheet to prevent it from fighting back and to keep it warm. If it is possible, ask somebody to call the veterinarian to inform your arrival.

Life Saving Techniques
A hurt cat can require emergency help to stop bleeding, treat shock or start breathing again. Follow the instruction, then take the cat to a veterinarian immediately.