If you own a cat, you probably know that cats can get very physical. If something bothers them, they easily lash out — and cats often fight other cats to protect their territory.
It's easy for cats to injure each other during these fights. Sometimes, those injuries can be serious, requiring you to step in and help your cat heal. One way you can treat bite wounds is by making a compress with an Epsom salt solution. Epsom salt is a chemical compound also known as magnesium sulfate. It can help remove acid through the cat's skin. This alleviates pain, prevents infection, and helps the wound heal more quickly.
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Is Epsom salt bad for pets?
If your pet consumes Epsom salt, it can be dangerous. Drinking an Epsom salt solution upsets your cat or dog's GI system, often causing diarrhea. Magnesium sulfate can also cause dangerous symptoms, such as circulatory collapse or respiratory paralysis. Do not let your pet ingest water with Epsom salt in it.
However, using an Epsom salt solution to clean your pet's wound should be perfectly safe. Just don't let your pet lick the solution off the skin. A cone that doesn't allow your cat or dog to turn his head and lick himself can be helpful.
Epsom salt for cat wounds
If your cat has gotten into a fight, assess the severity of her wounds. If the wounds are extensive and deep, take your cat to the vet for medical attention. Otherwise, you may be able to treat the wounds at home using Epsom salt for cats.
Always make sure to check with your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, medication, or physical activity routines. Once your vet has given you the green light to treat wounds using Epsom salt, you can make the Epsom salt solution for your cat.
You can also use an Epsom salt solution in other situations if your cat has an injury. Epsom salt can be helpful for allergies, swelling, or even a simple nail bed problem. Your vet can advise you on how often to do an Epsom salt treatment for your cat.
How to make and apply an Epsom salt solution
Step 1: Make the solution
Prepare the Epsom solution by adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt to a cup of warm water. You can purchase Epsom salt at your local pharmacy, drug store, or grocery store.
Step 2: Prepare for application
Gather everything you'll need (the Epsom solution and some gauze sponges) to clean your cat's wounds. It works best to do this procedure over a sink, standing up and holding your cat at waist level. Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty. If your cat isn't too sure about this process, you may want to enlist a friend or family member to help hold the cat while you clean the wounds.
Step 3: Gently apply the solution
Dampen a soft cloth or a short stack of gauze sponges with the Epsom solution. Apply it and hold it onto the wound. Surface debris from the wound may stick to the cloth as you pull it away. Rinse the cloth thoroughly with water to keep it clean.
Step 4: Repeat for 10 minutes
Reapply the solution for a total of 10 minutes between intervals of rinsing the cloth with tap water. When you're finished, thoroughly rinse the area on your cat's skin so none of the Epsom salt will remain to be licked off.