Dec 27,2024 | puaintapets
Cats are curious and adventurous creatures, and sometimes their explorations can lead to minor injuries. Knowing how to treat cat wounds at home can be a valuable skill for any cat owner. In this article, we will guide you through the process of treating your cat's wounds safely and effectively.
Cats may fight with other cats for territory when outdoors. For example, a fight may occur when an unfamiliar cat enters what it believes to be its territorial boundaries. During the fight, the cat may be scratched or bitten.
Conflicts with other wildlife may also occur, such as encounters with dogs, squirrels, or birds. Dogs may chase cats, causing them to be injured in the process of escaping, while cats may be injured in the process of chasing or fighting back if they try to catch birds or squirrels.
In an outdoor environment, cats may be involved in traffic accidents. For example, being hit by a car while running down the road is a very dangerous situation that can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones and internal injuries.
It may also accidentally fall into a ditch, pothole or be trapped in a small space, causing body abrasions, scratches or sprains during the struggle.
Cats like to weave and jump between furniture. They may accidentally bump into sharp edge parts such as table corners and chair legs, resulting in bruises or scratches on the body.
Some cats will get into curtains or get entangled in curtain cords, risking strangulation; or get caught in suddenly closing cabinet doors or drawers while exploring wardrobes and drawers.
Sometimes humans can inadvertently cause injuries to cats. For example, not noticing the cat's position when closing doors or opening windows may pinch the cat; accidentally stepping on the cat while walking around, especially at night or when the line of sight is poor.
When cats suffer from certain diseases, such as arthritis and vision loss, it will affect their mobility. Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the cat's joints, making it easy for them to fall or sprain when moving around; cats with reduced vision may be injured by bumping into objects because they can't see their surroundings.
Cats with claws that are too long and not trimmed in time may get their claws hooked on things during daily activities, resulting in claw injuries or even breakage. Similarly, teeth that have problems such as cavities and gum disease may affect the cat's eating, and the cat may cause further damage to the teeth or injuries to the mouth when chewing hard.
Firstly, calm down and observe the overall state of the cat. See if it can stand and walk normally, and whether there are obvious traumas, such as bleeding, wounds and swelling.
Also note the cat's mental state, whether it is depressed, fuzzy or over-excited, which may be a sign of serious injury.
Carefully inspect the cat's body, starting from the head and checking the ears, eyes, mouth, neck, limbs, torso and tail in turn. If the cat won't allow a certain part to be touched, it is likely that that is where the injury is.
Cleaning the wound: Clean the wound with saline or a mild pet-specific cleaning solution to remove the dirt and stray hairs around the wound. Cotton balls or gauze can be used to gently wipe the wound to avoid stimulating the wound with excessive force.
Disinfection: After cleaning, disinfect the wound using a mild disinfectant such as iodophor. Be careful not to use alcohol as it can irritate the cat's wound and cause pain.
Dressing (if necessary): If the wound is small and in a part that is easily licked by the cat, it can be simply dressed with a breathable gauze. However, be careful not to bandage too tightly so as not to affect blood circulation.
Stop bleeding: If the wound is bleeding heavily, use clean gauze or towel to press on the wound to stop bleeding. Maintain a certain degree of strength when pressing, but do not press too hard to avoid secondary injuries. Keep pressing for a few minutes until the bleeding stops.
Wound treatment: After stopping the bleeding, clean and disinfect the wound in the same way as for minor trauma. If the wound is deep or large, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Reduce activities: Let the cat stay as quiet as possible and avoid moving the injured part. You can find a comfortable, warm and quiet place for the cat to rest, such as a cat's nest or a soft cardboard box.
Contact a veterinarian: Contact a nearby veterinary clinic or pet hospital as soon as possible, describe the cat's condition and follow the veterinarian's recommendations for follow-up treatment.
Don't use medication arbitrarily: If you suspect that your cat has internal injuries (e.g. abdominal pain after being hit, difficulty in breathing, etc.) or poisoning (e.g. accidentally ingesting poisonous plants, chemicals, etc.), don't use medication on your cat by yourself.
Observe closely and contact the veterinarian: closely observe the cat's symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, convulsions, etc. Contact the veterinarian in time, inform them of the cat's symptoms, the possible cause of the injuries, etc., and treat the cat according to the veterinarian's instructions.
Cats may be in a state of stress and uneasiness after being injured, and the stimulation to the cat should be minimised when treating wounds. Avoid sudden loud noises or strenuous movements, which may cause a stress reaction in the cat, resulting in it struggling or attacking.
Small snacks or toys that the cat likes can be prepared in advance to calm the cat at the right time during the wound treatment.
Even a normally docile cat may become aggressive when it is in pain from an injury. Before treating the wound, you can wear thick gloves to prevent being scratched or bitten by the cat.
Saline should be used to clean the wound, avoiding the use of ordinary tap water, which may contain bacteria and impurities that can easily cause wound infection.
For the hair around the wound, if the hair is long and affects wound cleaning, you can trim it carefully.
When disinfecting, choose a suitable disinfectant, such as iodophor, do not use iodine (iodine is more irritating) or alcohol (alcohol will cause pain and greater irritation to the cat's skin).
During disinfection, use a clean cotton ball or gauze dipped in disinfectant and gently wipe from the centre of the wound outwards to avoid bringing the surrounding bacteria inside the wound.
If it is necessary to bandage the wound, the bandage should not be too tight and should ensure normal blood circulation in the cat's limbs. This can be judged by checking the temperature and colour of the bandage site and the cat's reaction. If the bandage site is found to be cold, white or the cat shows pain or discomfort, the tightness of the bandage should be adjusted in time.
Choose breathable medical gauze and tape for the bandaging material, avoiding overly sticky or non-breathable materials that may affect wound healing.
Cats have an instinct to lick wounds, but this can lead to infection or delay healing. If you use an Elizabethan collar (collar of shame) to prevent your cat from licking the wound, choose the right size and make sure it is comfortable for the cat to wear and will not interfere with its normal eating, drinking and activities.
You can also try wrapping the wound area with a breathable medical bandage to make it difficult for the cat to lick at it, but again, pay attention to the tightness of the bandage.
Closely observe the healing of the wound within 24 - 48 hours after treatment. Check whether there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, oozing, odour or pus in the wound, if any abnormalities are found, the cat should be taken to the vet promptly.
Also observe whether the wound is open, especially after the cat has been active, if the wound is open, it may need to be re-cleaned and bandaged.
In addition to the wound itself, keep an eye on the cat's overall health. Note the cat's mental state, appetite, water intake and elimination. If the cat shows symptoms such as loss of spirit, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea, it may be related to a wound infection or other health problem and requires medical attention as soon as possible.
Treating cat wounds at home can be a straightforward process for minor injuries. However, it is essential to know when to seek professional veterinary care. By following these guidelines and monitoring your cat's condition closely, you can help ensure a speedy recovery and keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
