Page 78 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

Wounds and burns

Many skin wounds can be treated at home, although you will need to
discuss them with your vet if there are complications. Burns are an
emergency and need immediate veterinary care.

Minor wounds or shock (see p.75). Small wounds bleeding does not stop after two
Small cuts and scrapes can be can also become infected, so look minutes, cover the wound with a
treated at home. Look for bleeding, for signs of abscess formation, clean, dry pad (or cloth) and
moist fur, or a scab, or the cat such as swelling and pus. bandage in place. For an eye
licking an area intensely. Gently wound, cover the eye with a gauze
wipe away blood and dirt using a More serious wounds pad and tape in place. For very
cotton ball moistened in saline Wounds that are bleeding profusely heavy bleeding or a severe wound,
solution—a teaspoon of salt stirred need prompt veterinary attention, apply first aid (see pp.74–5).
into 1 pint (500 ml) of clean, warm as do bites and scratches from other
water. Cut away hair around the animals (because these could Burns
76 wound using blunt-ended scissors. become infected). Eye injuries also Cats may suffer burns from fires,
Small skin wounds can sometimes need urgent care. hot surfaces, scalding liquids,
Call the vet before setting out. To
occur with more extensive internal stop bleeding, press on the wound electrical appliances, or chemicals.
These injuries can be very serious,
damage. Check for heat, swelling,
Feline emergencies wound, and watch for signs of pain soaked in clean, cold water. If the need urgent veterinary attention.
with damage to deep tissues, and
or discolored skin around the
with a gauze pad or clean cloth
For a burn or scald, remove the
cat from the heat source without
endangering yourself. Flood the
affected area with clean, cold water
for at least 10 minutes, then cover
it with a moist sterile dressing.
Keep the cat warm during the
journey to the vet.
If your cat has been electrocuted
(for example, by chewing through
a power cord), turn off the power
first, or use a wooden broom
handle to move the power source
away from the cat. Carry out first
aid (see pp.74–5) and take the cat
to the vet immediately.
For chemical burns, call the vet
at once and say which chemical
is responsible. If the vet advises
rinsing, put on rubber gloves to
avoid contaminating yourself, and
flush the area carefully with water.

◁ Protective wrap
A bandage will protect a wound until a vet can
treat it. Make sure the bandage is not too tight;
the skin around it should feel warm.

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