How to Treat Broken Bones in Cats at Home

Cats may have nine lives, but some of their adventures leave them worse for wear. A fall from a tree or an encounter with a car may leave kitty with broken bones that could be a life-threatening injury if not treated. Bones need to be set by a professional, but you will need to comfort, soothe and secure your cat before subjecting it to a journey to the vet.

In the case of trauma, check for shock, as this can develop quickly and end fatally. Rapid breathing or heartbeat and very pale gums may indicate shock, the condition in which vital organs are not getting sufficient amount of oxygenated blood. immediately wrap it warmly and secure your cat and take it for medical treatment. If shock is not an imminent issue, proceed as follows.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Warm water
• Clean wash cloth
• Sterile dressing
• Blanket or towel
• Pet carrier

1. Observe the cat carefully to see if it is limping, holding a limb at a peculiar angle or whining. Cats have a high tolerance for pain, so check your cat carefully for discolored skin, cracking sounds as it walks or an inability to stand if you press its hindquarters. Those symptoms could indicate a fracture.

2. Calm your cat as much as possible. Lift and move it slowly and gently, supporting the whole length of the body with the goal of keeping limbs immobile.

3. Clean any visible wounds. After flushing the affected areas with clean, warm water, cover with sterile pads. Even a sanitary napkin will work.

4. Wrap your cat securely but not too tightly in a clean blanket or towel with any injured limb close to the body.

5. Place the cat gently in a pet carrier with plenty of padding so that it does not try to move en route to the vet.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent your cat from biting and licking the injured area after treatment. If necessary, put on an Elizabethan collar sohe can't reach the affected area. Some fractures are preventable. Vitamin and mineral supplements will minimize your cat's vulnerability to calcium deficiency and bone disease.
• Do not try to splint broken bones yourself. This could cause more damage and infection.

References

• Petsmart: Cats: Broken Bones
• First Aid for Cats with Broken Bones

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