Sterile gloves are supplied with all sets. However, only the “Pawly Pet First Aid Kit”, the “Pet First Aid Kit” and the “Höga Animal First Aid Kit” come with two pairs of gloves. First aid for a cat is much easier with two people. A second pair would make it easier.

WHAT TO DO IN A CAT EMERGENCY?

Any sensible cat owner always tries to keep their cat healthy, but accidents can always happen. Your cat may suddenly become ill or injured by other cats. If that happened, would you know what to do?

First aid is taking care of a sick or injured animal until there is professional help from a veterinarian. First aid does not replace good veterinary treatment. But when used properly, it can make all the difference for you and your cat.

It is important to be prepared for an emergency. And before he enters. Do you know this first aid guide inside and out? Do you have a cat first aid kit and important phone numbers handy?

Learn how your vet can help with an urgent emergency, especially outside office hours. At the animal hospital, some vets are present if you call after closing time. Others go straight to a local veterinary clinic. It is always smart to know the name and location of your local 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. Always call ahead before taking your sick or injured cat to the vet. This way, the employees can prepare you if necessary or instruct you further on what you can do best. With a good plan, you and your cat can get the help you need.

You can find a list of 24-hour veterinary clinics worldwide in the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) online directory.

Below are common cat emergencies and first aid instructions:

cat wounds

Wounds come in all shapes and sizes. A deep wound penetrates completely into the cat’s skin and can expose the underlying muscles, fats and bones. It requires emergency treatment by a veterinarian. A superficial wound will not fully penetrate the cat’s skin and home care may be sufficient.

Cat bites should always be treated by a veterinarian, no matter how superficial they seem. There is often more damage under the cat’s skin than meets the eye. Bite wounds in cats easily form large abscesses. Rabies exposure is a serious problem when the bite comes from an unvaccinated (or wild) animal.

What to do with a deep wound in the cat’s fur?

Protect yourself from being bitten!
Stop the bleeding with direct pressure (see Bleeding).
Do not probe, clean, rinse, or apply anything to a deep wound.
If you see something sticking out of a deep wound, don’t try to remove it.
Cover the wound with gauze or a clean cloth.
Keep your cat as still as possible and try to calm her with your words.
Go to the nearest vet immediately.
Transport your cat injured side up.

What to do with a superficial cat wound?

Wear gloves if the wound was caused by a bite from an unvaccinated animal (risk of rabies).
Gently clean the wound of blood and dirt with mild soap and plenty of water.
Pat the wound dry.
A plastic collar or bandage may be necessary to prevent your cat from licking the wound.
Small wounds on the limbs can be bandaged (if your cat allows):

Apply a triple antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin®.
Apply a sterile non-stick dressing such as a Telfa® dressing* to the wound.

Apply several layers of rolled gauze over the wound. Extend the wrap several inches above and below the wound (if there is enough space) to minimize slipping.
Apply an outer self-adhesive film such as Vetrap®*.

A secure bandage is snug, but not tight enough to stop circulation. If you can’t slide under the bandage with 2 fingers, it’s too tight…
Keep the dressing clean and dry.
Change the dressing every 1 to 2 days.
If redness, swelling, odor, or discharge develops, seek veterinary help immediately.

bleeding in cats

Bleeding is often associated with injury, so identifying and managing blood loss is an important part of first aid. The bleeding can be external (through a cut or wound on the body surface) or internal (hidden in the chest or abdomen). Severe or prolonged blood loss can lead to shock, collapse, and even death if not treated promptly.

What to do if there is external bleeding on the cat’s body?

Approach the injured cat carefully to avoid hurting yourself.

First apply direct pressure to the wound with a cotton ball, tissue or clean cloth as a compress. If nothing else is available, you have to do it with your bare hand or your finger.
Apply pressure to the wound for 10 minutes (or as long as your cat allows).
Do not lift the cat to check that the bleeding has stopped.
If the compress leaks, put more fresh stuffing on top.
If the wound is on an extremity, the compress can be wrapped with a cloth.
Keep your cat as still as possible. Try to calm your cat.
If you can lay your cat on its side and lift a bleeding limb, it can slow blood flow.
If the bleeding persists or is severe, see a veterinarian immediately.
Internal bleeding is a life-threatening emergency. But it’s not always obvious because you may not be able to see blood. Internal bleeding can occur from blunt trauma, such as a serious fall or car accident.

Don’t get hurt!

Even the softest cats go wild with injuries and pain and can scratch. Approach an injured cat with extreme caution to avoid injuring yourself.

Signs of internal bleeding may include:
pale gums
cool limbs
fast breathing
Blood is being coughed up
extreme lethargy
to collapse
What to do if you have internal bleeding
Keep your cat calm.
Keep them as warm and comfortable as possible.
Contact the vet immediately.

Bee sting in cats
Any bee sting or insect sting can cause problems ranging from a minor local reaction (pain, swelling or itching) to a more serious one (hives, facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing and in rare cases collapse). If you suspect your cat has been stung or bitten by an insect, here’s what you should do:

If the spike can be found, scrape the corner of a credit card or fingernail against the entry point to pull the spike out. Note: If you are allergic to bees, have someone else remove the stinger.
If possible, apply ice or a cool compress to the wound for 2-3 minutes.
A paste made of water and baking soda is non-toxic and can neutralize the sting.
Check your cat for facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse. If these occur, seek veterinary help immediately.

What not to do if the cat has a bee sting:
Do not use tweezers to grab and pull out the stinger, as this will allow more venom to enter the wound.
Do not administer drugs such as painkillers or anti-inflammatories. Most are poisonous to cats.

Vomiting in cats – when the cat is vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom in cats. Repeated vomiting, especially in combination with diarrhea, can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in very young, old or vulnerable cats.

What to do if the cat is vomiting:
Remove all food and water
If there is no vomiting for 6 hours, offer very small amounts (1-2 teaspoons) of easily digestible food, such as chicken puree, every 2-3 hours. If that stays in the stomach, you can start with small amounts of their normal food.
If vomiting and/or diarrhea persists, if your cat refuses food or becomes very lethargic, take your cat to the vet.
Cat vomit or diarrhea with large amounts of blood is an emergency. Seek veterinary help immediately!

What not to do if the cat is vomiting:
Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink until the vomiting has stopped for at least 6 hours.
Do not give your vomiting cat any over-the-counter medications unless specifically directed by your vet.

heat stroke in cats
Heatstroke is a condition in which a cat’s body overheats. Cats are generally smart and will seek shade when the weather is too hot.

A cat left in a poorly ventilated area, such as a car or attic, can be exposed to dangerously high temperatures, even for a short time.

Signs of heat stroke include heavy breathing, drooling and restlessness, leading to weakness, confusion and collapse.

What to do if the cat is overheated?
Take your cat and take her somewhere that is not too hot.
If possible, take the cat’s rectal temperature (see fever described above).
The same cooling measures are suitable as with a fever.
Seek veterinary help immediately, even if your cat appears to be recovering with treatment. The ill effects of overheating can occur hours later.

What not to do in case of a blow to a cat:
As with treating a fever, do not use cold water or ice.
Never leave your cat unattended in a poorly ventilated area on a hot day.

respiratory problems in cats
Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) is characterized by increased breathing effort, noisy rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing in and out. Panting, while normal in dogs, is a sign of shortness of breath in cats. When the oxygen level in the blood gets too low, the gums and lips can turn blue. Dyspnea is a medical emergency and such feline patients can be extremely distressed.

What to do if cats have breathing problems?:
Check if your cat is choking.
Check if your cat is suffering from heat stroke.
Keep your cat as calm as possible while taking her straight to the vet.
If your cat loses consciousness and stops breathing, perform emergency rescue breathing.

This is how you perform ventilation
Ventilation is performed on a cat that has stopped breathing and has become unconscious. It’s the same as “mouth-to-mouth resuscitation” in humans. Do not attempt to ventilate the cat while your cat is still conscious.

Squeeze your lips over your cat’s mouth and nose.
Exhale with enough force to expand the cat’s chest, just like a normal breath. Be careful not to inflate your lungs too much.
Take three to five breaths.
Pause to see if your cat has started breathing on its own again.
Repeat as necessary until you get help from the vet.

burns in cats
Burns can be caused by heat, flame, electricity or harsh chemicals and can occur anywhere on the cat’s body, including the mouth (electric shock, ingestion of chemicals). Burns are extremely painful, often get worse before they get better, and are very prone to infection. Severe burns may require intensive care and reconstructive surgery.

How to help your burned cat:
Extinguish all flames.
If possible, turn off a power source or unplug the power cord.
Approach the injured cat with extreme caution.
Cold water compresses should be used for thermal or electrical burns.
For chemical burns, rinse the infected area liberally with lukewarm running water for at least 15 minutes.
If a corrosive chemical gets into your eyes, flush them with saline or running water for at least 15 minutes. Contact lens saline can also be used, although anything labeled “multipurpose” or “disinfectant” should be avoided.

Request veterinary care immediately!

What not to do if your cat gets burned:
Do not apply ice.
Do not use ointment or butter.
Blisters on the skin should not burst and burnt fur or cat skin should not be removed.

Choking hazard for cats
Choking occurs when a foreign object is near the windpipe and blocks the airflow to the lungs. Fortunately, choking in cats is quite rare. Choking and coughing can be difficult to distinguish. The important difference is that a coughing cat can inhale relatively normally, but a choking cat cannot. A choking cat may appear sad and the lips and tongue will begin to turn blue. This can lead to unconsciousness if the blockage is not cleared.

What to do if your cat is conscious?
If your cat is partially breathing, it may be best to keep her calm and take her to the vet immediately. Your vet can safely remove the foreign body with special instruments and anesthesia.
You may be able to remove the foreign object with your finger, tweezers, or pliers. Do not do this if you think your cat will bite you.

What to do if your cat is unconscious?
Run your finger along the back of the cat’s throat to push the debris aside.
If this doesn’t work, perform the cat’s “Heimlich maneuver” by placing your hands on either side of the cat’s chest. Squeeze firmly three to four times. The goal is to shoot the foreign body from the inside of the cat’s mouth with the rest of the breathing air left in the lungs. Repeat this process until the foreign object is dislodged.

Once the obstruction is cleared, you will need to provide a rescue breath (see Difficulty breathing).

cat fever
If your cat is sick and her face and ears are warm to the touch, she may have a fever. Take your cat’s rectal temperature with an electric fever thermometer. A cat’s normal resting temperature is between 100.5° and 102.5°F. A temperature of 103°F or higher represents cat fever. A fever of 105°F or higher is a potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.

What to do if the cat has a fever?
If the fever is 105°F or higher, implement cooling measures by wetting the cat’s fur with cool water and cooling it with a fan.
Contact the vet immediately!

What Not To Do If You Have Cat Fever:
Do not use cold water or ice. Cold tap water is better for fever.
Don’t “exceed”! Cats have small bodies and can lose heat quickly. Once your cat’s temperature has dropped to 103°F, stop chilling.

Do not give fever medication such as aspirin, Tylenol® or ibuprofen. They are poisonous to cats.

broken bones in cats
Symptoms of a fracture (cat bone) include pain, an inability to use a limb, or a limb bent at an odd angle. An open fracture is a fracture associated with an open and bleeding flesh wound. In a closed fracture, the surface skin remains intact.

What to do if the cat has broken something?
Approach the injured cat carefully.
Check for bleeding if present and possibly without serious injury (see Bleeding).
If possible, cover an open fracture with a sterile gauze bandage or other clean cloth.
Keep the cat calm and calm it down if possible.
Immediately transport the cat to the vet and support the injured body part as much as possible. A plastic carrier with the lid off or a sturdy container (lined with towels) are good options for transporting a seriously injured cat.

What not to do with a broken cat leg:
Never try to splint, bandage, or break yourself. You will likely be bitten, making the cat’s injury worse.
Do not attempt to clean the wound unless instructed to do so by your vet.
Never give your cat human painkillers.

cat paralysis
Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move parts of the cat’s body, such as the legs or tail. This can be caused by a traumatic injury (such as a serious fall or car accident) or by a specific serious heart problem that causes blood clots in the extremities.

What to do if the cat is paralyzed?
Approach the injured cat carefully. Just because she can’t move doesn’t mean she isn’t in pain.
Keep the cat as still as possible.
Transport your cat as if it were a break.
Contact the vet immediately. This is a cat emergency!

poisoning in cats
Call the poison control center and ask what to do:

• call 111

This is a reliable resource in any animal poison emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is staffed by a dedicated team of poison specialists.

Poisoning can result from ingestion, inhalation, or contact with a toxic substance. Examples include household chemicals or cleaning products, prescription drugs, antifreeze, poisonous plants, or even poisonous foods.

What to do if the cat is poisoned?

Contact your vet and the poison control center.
Keep all product labels and containers.
Do your best to quantify how much poison your pet ingested/inhaled/contacted and at what time.
Do not attempt to make your cat vomit unless instructed to do so by your vet. Traditional home remedies can be very dangerous for cats.

Cat has an attack
A seizure is a burst of uncontrollable body movements caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can be as dramatic as a violent whole-body tremor, or as subtle as a repetitive facial twitch or a brief period of disorientation (a partial seizure). There are many causes of seizures, some benign, some serious.

What to do if the cat has a seizure?
Protect your cat from injury as the attack progresses. Make sure she can’t fall and above all keep her out of the water.
Be careful not to get bitten.
If possible, note the start and end times of the attack.
If your cat only has one seizure that lasts less than 3 minutes, it’s usually not an emergency. Contact your vet for further instructions.
If a seizure lasts longer than 3-5 minutes, or if your cat has two or more seizures per day, seek veterinary help immediately.
If your cat has diabetes, give sugar syrup (if you can do it without endangering yourself) and seek veterinary help immediately.

Snake bite in cats
If your cat has been bitten by a snake, it is always safest to assume that the snake was venomous. This determination depends in part on which hoses are common in your area. Snake venom treatment may be necessary.

What to do if your cat is bitten by a snake?
Be careful not to get bitten yourself. Snake bites are extremely painful.
Try to identify the snake if possible (and only if it is safe).
Avoid touching or manipulating the bitten area.
Contact the vet immediately.

What not to do if you get a cat snake bite:
Try not to cut and drain the wound.
Do not apply ice or a tourniquet to the area.

With a bit of luck, you won’t have to give your pet first aid. But if an emergency arises, you’ll be prepared.