How to Give First Aid to a Cat

Cats are highly independent beings that can take care of themselves pretty good. However, there are situations that demand our immediate attention and prompt action, especially when it comes to kittens. In emergency situations, quick and effective action can save the life of our cat or kitten before we manage to go to a vet. Because of that, it is important to know what and how to give a cat First Aid. Kittens are especially prone to injuries, accidents, choking, etc. Another endangered category is older cats that can be affected by serious diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, heat stroke, etc. Experts suggest staying calm in those life-threatening situations and give a cat First Aid as soon as possible. After that, we should quickly move it into a carrier and bring to a closest veterinary ambulance. It is even better to call the ambulance before bringing the cat that will give a staff enough time to prepare for the urgent patient. The First Aid we give the cat can be decisive in terms of its survival. To act effectively and properly, the article “The Basics of Cat First Aid” gives us the basic information on how to give First Aid to a cat.

1. Remove your cat’s collar.
2. Clear her airways to ensure that she can breathe.
3. Clear her nose and throat of any foreign material, blood, or fluids.
4. Give artificial respiration if she is not breathing.
5. Use pressure points or tourniquets to stop or control bleeding.
6. Perform CPR if your cat is in cardiac arrest. Often, a firm blow on the side of the chest, just behind the shoulder, will work. Continue CPR until the
cat’s heart is pumping on its own and the cat is breathing. This may require that someone drive you to the vet while you continue to administer CPR. (CPR
is not administered just for resuscitation, but to keep the heart pumping blood to the brain until your cat gets to the vet, so don’t give up after a few
minutes if she is not revived.)
7. Apply clean, dry dressings to her wounds.
8. Keep her warm to avoid shock. Wrap her in a blanket and put her in a box or carrier.
9. Move your cat as little as possible to keep from doing additional harm. Cats will naturally assume a position that causes them the least pain.
10. If your cat is unconscious, lift her body to a position in which her head is slightly lower than the rest of the body. Never give anything to an
unconscious cat by mouth.
11. Transport the cat to a vet or pet ER.
12. If a friend or family member is available, have him phone the vet or pet ER to alert the staff (and ensure they are open).

It is also worth considering how to manipulate an injured pet when taking it into the carrier. Injured cats are frightened and deeply disturbed, and can easily attack its owner. Therefore, veterinarians recommend taking gloves when handling the injured pet. The cat should behold from the back of its neck with one hand, and its hind legs should be supported by another. In this way, we can ensure that the cat will smoothly and easily be placed in a carrier. All of this should be done quickly and confidently. Although, there are many life-threatening situations that need to be dealt differently, these steps are the basic ones and are very simple to apply. We are not supposed to act like an expert, but knowing the basics can help our little pet to live many happy years.