Cats are masters at hiding when they’re in pain – they’re much more likely to run away and nurse their wounds in private than come to you for sympathy and comfort. If their wounds are small and superficial, leaving them alone or cleaning the wound at home may be all that’s needed. And with some basic cat first aid knowledge, you can have them up on their paws in no time.

So to cat owners everywhere, here's the basics on cat first aid, plus when and how to safely take an injured cat to the vets for treatment.

Remember, sometimes carrying out first aid can do more harm than good, your cat may be left in pain and the wound open to infection. It’s important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible if the wounds are large and deep or if there are more serious life-threatening injuries.

What You Need for Your Cat First Aid Kit

If you want to be able to carry out first aid at home, then keep a cat first aid kit handy. This can include:

• Sterile absorbent gauze
• Non-stick absorbent dressing
• Bandaging materials
• Surgical tape
• Cotton wool
• Sterile saline solution
• Scissors and sterile gloves
• Thick towel
• Elizabethan collar
• Phone number of veterinary practice/emergency vet
• Cat carrier

How to Treat a Cat with a Cut

If your cat likes to get into fights with other cats, you’ll be used to them appearing with scratches and scrapes. Generally, small superficial wounds can be treated at home with some basic first aid.

The wound should be cleaned with cold, boiled water and kept dry and uncovered. Don’t apply any creams or ointment as cats will often lick off anything applied to their skin.

Ointments and antiseptics (including Dettol, TCP, Savlon, Sudocrem, etc) can be harmful to cats. They could also cause an allergic reaction. Watch out for any redness, swelling or foul smell that will indicate the wound is infected.

How to Treat a Cat with Large, Deep or Infected Wounds

Infected wounds and those that are very dirty or deep should always be treated at the vet practice. These wounds will need cleaning and flushing by your vet or vet nurse, and your cat may need antibiotics to clear up any infection. Large wounds (in general open wounds larger than a coin) may need stitching so are best left for the vet as well.

Puncture wounds (bites) may appear small, but these can be deep and easily become infected. They can lead to a painful abscess (a collection of pus that forms under the skin).

Wounds that continue to bleed can be treated by applying pressure using an absorbent dressing or clean tea towel. A non-stick dressing covered with a bandage secured with tape (don’t use a plaster over the wound) can be used but if the bleeding continues, take your cat to the vet!

Note that a tourniquet should only be used as a last resort to stem blood loss from an injured limb or tail.

Cat Wounds that Need Emergency Treatment?

• Large wounds, burns and eye injuries - cool water can be applied to burns and scalds, but this shouldn’t delay you taking your cat to the vet straight away
• Wounds that bleed profusely and those with embedded foreign objects such as a piece of glass - don’t attempt to remove any foreign objects at home as this could cause more damage
• Road traffic accidents - your cat may have suffered broken bones and/or internal bleeding. Don't apply a splint as this can cause more harm to the cat
• Collapse
• Snake bite
• If your cat's been poisoned
• Seizures - if your cat has a seizure, darken the room and don’t try to hold them or comfort them. Make sure they’re safe and call the vet

Should I Perform Cat CPR?

Some owners may want to know how to perform cat CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation). This should only be attempted if you're an owner that's has already been on a veterinary first aid course. If you don't know what you're doing, leave it to a veterinary professional.

Cat CPR is often unsuccessful and should only be carried out if the cat’s heart has stopped beating.

If your cat has choked on something and stopped breathing, then you can check their airways by gently pulling their tongue forwards to check if anything has caused a blockage that can be easily removed. If in doubt, or you can't retrieve the item contact your vet for advice.

How to Handle an Injured Cat

Remember, a cat that has been injured will be frightened, in pain and distress. They may be unpredictable, aggressive and reluctant for you to examine their wounds. The best way to handle them is to keep calm yourself and don’t panic!

Wrap the cat in a thick towel or blanket to restrain them and stop them from moving and biting you. Hold the cat’s body with one arm and support their weight with your forearm while using your other hand to hold them firmly but gently under the chin.

Place the cat in a padded carrier (a cardboard box lined with towels will do) and gently carry them to the car and vet practice. If possible, call ahead so your vet knows you’re on your way and can be prepared to treat your cat. They can also give you advice to how to keep your cat comfortable before arriving at the surgery.

If your vet practice is closed, you'll need an emergency or out-of-hours vets, an online search can help. It's always recommended to have your nearest out of hours vets number in your pet owners checklist.

All but the most minor of wounds will need veterinary attention. Owners should only carry out cat first aid to save their cat’s life or prevent further injury until the cat can be seen by a vet. However, knowing how to carry out basic first aid for your injured cat can reduce the number of vet visits if your cat is a frequent fighter!

Cat first aid courses are available but ask your vet for advice first before signing up. If you know what to do in an emergency situation, you can be prepared and get your cat to the vet safely and quickly which gives your cat the best chance of a quick and successful recovery.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis - http://www.vetlexicon.com/treat/felis 

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.