Bite Wounds
Clean the wound with large amounts of water. Small puncture wounds
are potentially worse than large cuts because bacteria may be
trapped under the skin. You can clean a wound one time with
hydrogen peroxide, but do not use this repeatedly as it kills
surface cells. Large open wounds should be wrapped to keep them
clean. Apply pressure to profusely bleeding wounds. Bite wounds
often become infected and need professional care.
Bleeding
Apply firm direct pressure over the bleeding area until the
bleeding stops. Avoid bandages or tourniquets that might cut off
circulation.
Breathing (cat stops breathing)
Check to see if the cat is choking on a foreign object (see
Choking). If there is no object in the cat's throat, place the cat
on its right side. Close the cat's mouth and exhale directly into
the nose, not the mouth, until the chest expands. Exhale 12 to 15
times per minute. At the same time, apply heart massage with the
other hand. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest
behind the elbow of the left front leg. Place the hand over the
heart and compress the chest one inch. Apply heart massage 70 - 90
times per minute. Stop heart massage if you can feel the heart
beating.
Breathing (rapid, open-mouthed breathing)
Cats will rarely pant unless they are severely overheated or they
are having difficulty getting air into the lungs. Cats that pant
for more than a few minutes may be having an asthmatic attack, or
they may have fluid in or around their lungs. These cats need
veterinary care right away.
Burns (chemical, electrical and
heat)
Symptoms include singed hair, blistering, swelling or redness of
skin. Flush the burn area immediately with large amounts of cold
water. Apply an ice pack for 15 - 20 minutes. Burns are often more
severe than they first appear, so a veterinarian should be
consulted.
Choking
Symptoms include difficulty breathing, excessive pawing at the
mouth, blue lips and tongue. Look into the mouth to see if a
foreign object in the throat is visible. Clear the airway by
removing the object with pliers or tweezers, being careful not to
push it further down the throat. If the object remains lodged, or
if no object is visible, place your hands on both sides of the
cat's rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Alternatively, place
the cat on its side and strike the rib cage firmly with the palm of
your hand 3 or 4 times. Repeat this procedure until the object is
dislodged. (see Breathing)
Diarrhea
Withhold food for 12 - 24 hours. Kaopectate can be given at a
dosage of .5 ml per lb. of body weight twice daily (there are 5
milliliters in a teaspoon). A very watery diarrhea can quickly
dehydrate a kitten or an old cat. Liquid diarrheas or those that
persist beyond 48 hours should be treated by a
veterinarian.
Fractures
Symptoms include pain, swelling and/or inability to use a leg.
Control bleeding, watch for any sign of shock. Do not try to reset
a fracture. Transport the cat to the veterinarian immediately using
a carrier or a covered box.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms include rapid or difficult breathing, vomiting, high body
temperature (over 104ยบ F) or collapse. Place the cat in a tub of
cold water, gently soak with a garden hose, or wrap in a cold, wet
towel. Watch for any sign of shock.
Insect Bites
Symptoms include sudden onset of swelling, itching and pain within
one hour of bite. Remove the stinger if present. Apply cold packs
to site of sting. If isolated from veterinary care, a topical
cortisone or an anti-inflammatory ointment can be rubbed on the
area of the bite.
Poisoning
Symptoms include vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, salivation,
weakness, depression and pain. Write down what the cat ingested and
how much. Immediately call the veterinarian or poison control
center. Do not induce vomiting or attempt treatment without
direction from the doctor. In the case of poisoning on the fur or
skin from oils, paints or chemicals, wash the cat with mild soap
and rinse well.
Seizures
Symptoms include salivation, loss of control of urine or stool,
violent muscle twitching or loss of consciousness. Move the cat
away from objects or ledges that could be harmful. Use a blanket
for padding and protection. Do not put yourself at risk by trying
to restrain the cat during a seizure. The cat will not choke on its
tongue. Time the seizure; it will rarely last more than 1 - 2
minutes. Afterwards, keep the cat calm, quiet and cool. Call a
veterinarian immediately, as an examination and blood work as close
to the time of seizure as possible are most
diagnostic.
Shock
Symptoms include irregular breathing, dilated pupils, weakness and
low body temperature. Shock may occur with serious injury or fright
as well as with infection or toxins. Keep the cat gently
restrained, quiet and warm. Immediate veterinary care is
needed.
Snakebite (poisonous and
nonpoisonous)
Symptoms include rapid swelling, skin puncture, pain, weakness and
shock. Stop all exercise to prevent spread of venom. Clean the skin
area, as many poisons damage nerves or body tissue on contact. The
use of a snakebite kit is appropriate if available. Antivenom is
available from veterinarians.
Vomiting
Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Give small amounts of water or ice
cubes every hour. After 6 hours without vomiting, start giving
small amounts of food every hour. If vomiting persists for more
than 24 hours, a veterinarian should be seen. Kittens and old cats
can dehydrate rapidly with repeated vomiting.
