CATS: WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

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Category: emergency room

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Emergencies and accidents are (unfortunately) not rare events for those who have a cat that is free to leave the house. Our little cats are very skilled in getting in trouble and in danger being very independent, curious and instinctive.

If unfortunately we find ourselves facing an emergency situation, it is essential not to panic and seek the correct way to help our cat while waiting to take him, as soon as possible, to the vet, to whom we will have to provide DETAILED all the information. useful information regarding the accident: accident modalities, symptoms manifested and any medications administered to him ...

It is essential to be equipped with a FIRST AID CABINET containing basic pharmacy medicines essential in emergencies and waiting to go to the vet. Furthermore, it is necessary to know the vital parameters of the cat to be able to control them.

Rectal temperature: 38-39 ° C (how to take a cat's temperature)
Respiratory rate: 20-40 breaths per minute
Heart rate: 140-240

WHEN WE AID A CAT WHICH HAS BEEN ACCIDENTED OR WHICH HAS SUFFERED A TRAUMA, IT IS FUNDAMENTAL:

1) Do not touch the animal to avoid trauma to the spine that could aggravate its already precarious condition. If it is necessary to move it we must use:

a) A blanket that has the function of a stretcher (all four ends must be raised at the same time), taking care to slide it under the animal's body
b) A wooden board (or another rigid support) on which we can place the cat (in the same way as the blanket).

2) Determine the severity of the injuries reported, checking the activity and respiratory and heart rate and the possible presence of bleeding. If necessary, we revive the subject by learning to practice ARTIFICIAL BREATHING AND CARDIAC MASSAGE;
3) Immobilize the cat by wrapping it in a blanket in which it will also be transported (see point 1a);
4) In the case of bleeding, stop the flow of blood with a hemostatic swab or with a handkerchief to keep pressed on the wound;
5) To avoid heat dispersion of the animal, wrap it in a warm blanket;
6) Keep it as far as possible from sources of noise;
7) Reassure him by staying close to him and talking to him in a low and calm voice;
8) Keep the situation under control, avoiding panic attacks that only transmit agitation to the animal.

We hope to never find ourselves in critical situations, but it can happen and if it happens knowing how to intervene can save the life of our beloved cat.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNALS OF SHOCK IN OUR CAT

▪ rapid breathing, sometimes wheezing;
▪ faster than normal, pulsating heartbeat;
▪ pale gums;
▪ anxiety or restlessness;
▪ lethargy and weakness;
▪ normal or subnormal rectal temperature;
▪ slow filling of the capillaries in the gums (over two seconds).

If you find this article helpful, you can share it. It may be helpful to disseminate these main feline first aid rules.

This article does not replace a veterinarian. This article can be indicative in case of emergencies, but you should contact your vet immediately and do nothing if you are not sure that you are taking the right action.