How to Make Splint for a Cat

Splinting a cat's leg is a temporary first aid treatment. The purpose of the splint is to immobilize the injured leg until the cat can be transported to a veterinarian. A splint would only be used in the case of an obvious or suspected fracture of the front leg below the elbow. Splints should never be applied to a cat's back legs. The splint on the cat's leg should help to prevent further injury to the leg, minimize pain, and provide some support for the wounded limb.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Towel, blanket, scarf or other fabric
• Rubber band, string, masking tape or similar device
• Rolled up newspaper, paper towel roll or rolled up cardboard, or popsicle stick

1. Fold the towel or other material in half. It may need to be folded in quarters if the material is large.

2. Slide the material under the cat's injured leg.

3. Wrap the material loosely around the cat's leg. The material does not have to cover the entire width of the leg.

4. Wrap the rolled up newspaper or cardboard loosely around the towel.

5. Place a rubber band, string, masking tape or other similar device around the cardboard, newspaper or magazine to hold the splint in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution in handling an injured cat. Even a normally friendly, docile animal may become aggressive if she is frightened or in pain. You must be careful that you do not get injured in the attempt to help your cat. In most situations, simply supporting the leg by holding it in the towel will be as effective as applying a splint until you can get the animal to a veterinarian or emergency clinic. If you feel you must apply a splint, it may be helpful to have one person hold the cat while the other person applies the splint. If the cat is aggressive because of pain or fear, it is best to simply place or lure the pet into a carrier or box and then transport the cat to the veterinarian immediately.
• Ensure that you do not attach the splint so tightly that it cuts off the flow of circulation to the cat's leg.

References

• Feline First Aid
• Bandaging Your Cat
• First Aid for Cats

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