How to Provide Emergency Care for a Cat

A pet is often considered one of the family. When illness or tragedy strikes a beloved, furry family member, action should be taken immediately. To help provide the best emergency care for the feline in your life, it's best to be prepared. Here's how to provide emergency care for a dying cat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Multiple sterile compresses
• Blanket
• Firm support (such as a folded cardboard box or piece of plywood)

1. Stabilize the cat. Take the cat away from any potential danger such as a roadway. Examine eyes, mouth, ears, nose, chest, abdomen and extremities for any injury.
2. Determine the cause of the ailment quickly. If the cat is choking, check its airway for obstructions. If the cat is writhing in pain, try to determine the cause of pain, such as a wounded leg. Remove any obstructions or foreign objects.
3. Control massive bleeding. Press a sterile compress over the wound gently. If blood soaks through, apply additional compresses over the soaked ones. Use a finger or palm if a compress is not available.
4. Check for internal bleeding. If you suspect severe trauma, internal bleeding may be occurring. The animal may look pale, subdued, cool to the touch or unusually excited. Take the cat to a veterinarian immediately.
5. Transport properly. Handle the cat as little as possible and minimize movement. Slide a firm support, such as a piece of cardboard or plywood, under the cat if a spinal injury may have occurred. Keep the kitty warm with a blanket or other covering.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your veterinarian number handy and be familiar with the locations of 24-hour emergency animal clinics.
• Rush the cat to an emergency veterinarian clinic for any massive trauma or blood loss.
• Do not add any creams or ointments to injuries unless directed by a veterinarian.
• Do not disturb compresses if blood clots have formed.