First Aid for Cats
You should keep a first aid kit for your cat in a moisture proof container that is always kept in the same, easy to find place. Include in the box a list of emergency numbers. Ideally you should have two kits exactly the same – one for the house and one for the car.
If you know where your nearest emergency veterinarian is too, you are much more likely to be able to keep a cool head in a emergency situation. The first aid kit should include gauze, surgical tape, an emergency ice pack, gloves, a blanket, a pillow case (for transporting an injured cat), a towel, saline wash, thermometers, scissors, tweezers, flashlight and antihistamine.
Practicing administering first aid will further ensure you don’t panic in an emergency so the more familiar you are with using your first aid kit such as taking temperatures and making bandages the better. If your cat does not want to be part of the rehearsal, a stuffed toy is a good item to practice on. If your cat is injured however, it is best to simply head to the vet straight away rather than providing the medical attention yourself.
If your cat has been in a serious trauma, but is not displaying any outward signs of injury, it is still vital that you get the cat to the vet. If conditions or injuries are left untreated, it can make the problem far more serious that it otherwise would have been.
Cats often lash out when they are in pain or confused, so you must approach slowly and in a crouched position always avoiding eye contact. Keep your voice soft and soothing at all times. If you can, place the blanket over the cat and quickly and firmly pick him, wrapping the blanket around him tightly. Then transport the cat to the nearest veterinarian as quickly as possible.
If you don’t feel confident dealing with an injured cat or the cat is too aggressive to safely get near, call for help instead. Phone a vet or animal shelter or even animal control to talk to someone for advice and assistance.
