There is no alternative option for saving lives in an emergency without first aid. As like humans, first aid is very important to a cat for saving their life. Even minor injuries can heal very quickly without any complications due to first aid.
In emergency situations, every minute makes a difference between life and death. Primary treatment before becoming a professional doctor is known as first aid. First aid can help to limit the risk and damage of injury. Such as first aid can stop the excessive blood flow in an accidental case and save the life of your favorite cattish friend.
In the case of normal injury like small-depth scratches occur for friendly fighting, small wounds can be healed by first aid only. There is no required vet. But if the case is serious or major damage is found then a vet must be needed. If any medication is needed for serious health problems like asthma, seizures, etc. then you should consult with a vet immediately.
Essential First Aid Supplies for Cats:
To provide first aid, you have to maintain a first-aid box with proper equipment. The first aid box must have enough sterile gauze, bandages, and adhesive tape. Besides antiseptic wipes and saline solution are needed for cleaning the wounded place. They also have scissors, tweezers, needles and gloves for minor operation or other purposes. A digital thermometer is needed to examine the body temperature of the patient or feline friends. Nebanol Ointment and viodine also have to be inside the first aid box to treat the wounded place. The splint must be inside the first aid box to support the broken bones.
Common emergencies:
Wounds and bleeding: If your cat becomes wounded then first measure the size of the wound area and depth and the level of bleeding. For minor cuts, clean the wound area very well with a saline solution and Viodine. Use Nebanol Ointment for healing first. And cover the area with gauze to save from dust and stop bleeding. If the cut is deep and the rate of bleeding is high, then stitches are needed badly. Sufficient pressure is needed to prevent bleeding which may be applied with gauze or bandages or stitches.
If wounds are so deep that can not be handled by first aid providers then seek veterinary help. For damages in blood vein or vessels vet is compulsory. And for complex fractures, you have to take your cat to a veterinary hospital immediately otherwise it may be the cause of death.
Choking or breathing difficulties:
Breathing difficulties can be understood by following signs:
- Distress is a sign of choking. When cats can not inhale enough air, they may appear distressed.
- Cats may paw at their mouth for breathing problems. And they can rub their face on the ground from irritation.
- The cat’s gum or tongue turning into blue or purple is a serious sign of lacking oxygen which occurs due to breathing difficulties.
- There are other signs like coughing, salivation, gagging or retching which are related to choking.
- If the cat’s airways become fully blocked, the cat is not able to make any sound. In severe cases, your catfish friend may collapse down.
To relieve your cat from choking, you can follow the procedure:
First, hold your cat’s body with their back against your chest. Then support their body with one hand under their abdomen and apply gentle, upward pressure just below their ribcage with your other hand.
In any case, the cat did not get back his regular breathing after the procedure, it can lose its pulse. Then CPR is urgently needed. In CPR, about 120 chest compressions per minute have to be maintained. And immediately take your cat to an animal hospital.
Poisoning:
Poisoning is a common problem for household cats. Some decoration plants, cleaning products, and human medication are the main sources of household toxins. Vomiting, diarrhea, diarrhea, weakness or lethargy, loss of appetite, blood secreting with saliva, vomit and stools, breathing difficulties, changes in gums color and turned into pale, seizures and so on are the signs of poisoning. Some commodities such as diet pills, vitamins, pain reliever medicine, other supplements, chocolates especially dark chocolates, essential oils such as tea tree oil, and corrosive substances act as poisons for cats.
If your cat has been poisoned, it is an emergency to take your cat to veterinary care. A long-time supportive care is needed for fully fit.
Burns:
For minor burning, it can be treated at home with pain reliever medications, cold water, and sterile dressing.
First, cool the burn area with cold water or apply an ice pack to relieve pain and prevent damage. Use anti-microbial gel or spray such as Barnol to heal the wounded place. After that, cover the burn site with a sterile dressing and warp it with soft material. But don’t use cotton.
Fractures:
Pain and swelling are the major signs of broken bones. Due to fractures, cats can not move properly. Other signs of fractures are bruising, reluctance to move, changes in behavior, high vocalization such as meowing, moaning, or crying and misalignment of the limb.
In the treatment of simple broken bones. At first, bones are set in the right position. To keep them in position, splint can be used. And tie the splint with the broken part not too tight or not too loose. Pain relief medicine can be used for relief of the pain. In most cases, broken bones of cats are healed in 8-12 weeks with the right treatment. After healing physical therapy is required to gain full movement.
Heatstroke:
The signs of heatstroke are breathing problems, restlessness, increased heart rate, red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, blindness, seizures, and unconsciousness.
For saving your cat, cool them with a wet towel or soak them in cold water. Trim their hair to keep them cool. Provide saline and fresh water to survive heat stroke. Try to maintain the room environment keeping cool, where they live.
How can you handle an injured or stressed cat?
To handle an injured or stressed cat, you have to use a towel or blanket to restrain it gently. And try to avoid bites or scratches. For reassuring the injured cat, keep yourself calm and quiet.
Transporting an injured cat:
It is a very important question, how to move an injured cat with minimal stress?
Movement can be possible if you follow these:
- Use a comfortable container where your cat feels safe and never feels any stress during transportation.
- Cover your cat with a blanket or thick towel to feel a comfortable environment which helps them to reduce stress.
- Don’t try to push them through the small entrance of the carrier.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care:
If your cat shows unresponsiveness, severe bleeding, or labored breathing, there is no option for depending on only first aid. You have to take your cat immediately to veterinary care.
If your cat faces any serious injuries then you must need professional care. Without professional care a cat has a life risk. Professional vets can easily understand what type of treatment is needed for your pet. In serious cases, a professional vet is always better than you about what to do or not.