Cat First Aid

The average life expectancy of cats was about ten years just a few decades ago. Currently many live for close to 20 years through improved nutrition, vaccination and with improved standards of care. A large number of people keep their cats vaccinated by visiting veterinary services while maintaining regular treatment programs against parasites, for example, fleas, and worms. However, a huge challenge is faced when deciding when a cat needs veterinary care for varying conditions and what conditions are termed as emergencies. Before deciding if and when your cat needs veterinary care, it is important to undertake some few first aid measures. Table of Contents: FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN ADMINISTERING FIRST AID FOR YOUR CAT 6 What to do in a catastrophe 6 FIRST AID- THE BASICS 8 Restrain 8 Respiration 9 Heart Rate and Pulse 9 Mucous Membrane Color and Capillary Refill Time 10 ORDER OF IMPORTANCE 11 Shock 11 Artificial Respiration and Heart Massage 12 Wounds 14 Bandaging 16 Transporting an Injured Cat 17 SITUATIONS THAT REQUIRE VETERINARY SERVICES AND ATTENTION 19 1. Body Temperature 19 2. Behavior 20 3. Breathing 20 4. Mobility and General Appearance 21 5. Odors 21 6. Dehydration 22 7. Eye Conditions 22 8. Ear conditions 23 EXAMINATION OF BODY PARTS 25 Examination of The Head and Neck 25 Examination of The Chest, Abdomen and Legs 25 Examination of Tail, Anus and Genitals 25 The Skin and Fur 26 The Alimentary System 27 The Bladder 27 COPING IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS 28 Problems with Kittening 28 Burns 30 Constipation 30 Convulsions/Seizures 31 Coughing 32 Diabetes Emergencies 32 Diarrhea 33 Drowning 35 Electric Shock 35 Ear Injuries 36 Eye Injuries 36 Fainting 37 Fractures 38 Frostbite and Hypothermia 39 Heart Failure 40 Heatstroke 40 Injury to Skin 41 Lameness 44 Losing Balance 45 Mouth Conditions 45 Nasal Problems 46 Poisoning and Forms of Poisons 47 Skin Contact 47 Inhaled 48 Swallowed 48 Acid poisons 49 Alkaline poisons 49 Rodent Poison 50 Slug and Snail Bait-Metaldehyde 51 Antifreeze-Ethylene Glycol 51 Aspirin 51 Illegal Drugs, For Example, Cannabis and Ecstasy 52 Sedatives, Antidepressants and Anti Anxiety Drugs 52 Porcupine Quills 54 Puncture Wounds 54 Scratching 56 Bites 57 Snake Bite 57 Spider Bites 58 Swallowed Objects 59 Swollen Paws 59 Urinary Problems 60 Vomiting 60 OBSERVATION CHECKLIST FOR YOUR CAT 63 ITEMS NEEDED IN A FIRST AID KIT 64 Medication 64 List of information 65