Being a responsible cat owner means more than just providing food and shelter. Sometimes unforeseen things happen, and your cat is in need of immediate medical attention. The definition of "First Aid" is the emergency treatment administered to injured or ill individuals (animals) before professional medical (veterinary) care is available. The principle objective to first aid, is to preserve the life of your cat, reduce pain and discomfort, and to lessen the likelihood of the injury resulting in some permanent disability or disfigurement by preventing further damage to already injured tissues. The information provided here is NOT meant to save a trip to the vet, but only to act as a guideline to help you determine what to do in case of a feline medical emergency.

Any responsible cat owner gets to know their cat's normal behaviour, and any deviations may be possible cause for concern. A sudden change in behaviour, such as eating patterns, lack of energy, drinking less/more water than normal, and urinating/defecating outside the litter box, warrant a call to the vet. Your cat is unable to tell you they are hurting, or that something has happened, so it is very important that, you the owner, are observant of your cat.

In the event your cat has been hit by a car (even if there are no obvious injuries), has suddenly gone lame, or has been in a fight with another cat, please seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.

Also, should your cat be exhibiting signs of ANY of the following, please seek IMMEDIATE medical attention:

• breathing difficulties

• loss of consciousness

• shock

• coughing

• lumps on your cat's skin

• severe diarrhea

• cardiac failure

• severe allergic reactions

• seizures

• difficulty walking

• burns or scalds

• poisoning

• urination problems (unable to urinate, blood in urine, cries when urinating)

• massive hemorrhage

• dehydration (such as from heat stroke)

• uncontrollable bleeding

• throwing up food or clear liquid over a period of 24 hours

• has been hit by a car (even though no injuries are apparent)

FIRST AID KIT

Below is a list of items that should be included in your feline first aid kit. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these items. You should also practice different procedures, so that, in the event of an emergency, you will feel confident administering first aid.

• latex gloves

• sterile gauze pads (2"x 2" and 4" x 4" - non-stick)

• gauze rolls (2 rolls - sterile)

• hypo-allergenic surgical tape

• small scissors with rounded ends

• rectal thermometer

• an empty syringe

• styptic powder or pencil

• antihistamine

• thermal blanket

• tweezers/plastic forceps

• baking soda

• magnifying glass

• rescue sheet

• a towel and sticks (to make a splint)

• hydrogen peroxide (1%)

• antibacterial topical ointment

• instant cold pack

• hypo-allergenic surgical tape (1" wide)

• antiseptic towlettes

• elastic cling bandage

• cotton swabs

• flashlight

• syringe without needle

• absorbent cotton

• saline eye wash

As well as the above, include a list of emergency telephone numbers. Store your feline first aid kit in waterproof container (it wouldn't hurt to have a second kit for your car).

One thing to remember, is that a sick or injured cat (even your own), may be afraid and in pain, and could possibly lash out at you - approach with caution.

References:
The Cat Care Question and Answer Book Barry Bush BVSc PhD FRCVS
The Well Cat Book Terri McGinnis, DVM
Practical Guide to Cat Care - Sheldon Rubin, DVM