Curiosity - undeniably one of the cat's most charming traits - can occasionally land your feline chum in a pickle. And when the "pickle" is a serious one, such as a collision with a moving vehicle, an owner's quick response can be a lifesaver. In a crisis, owners who are prepared for what they hoped would never happen are better able to give their cat a fighting chance. First aid, as its name suggests, is the first but not the only step in dealing with an emergency situation such as an injury or sudden onset of severe illness. If an owner is first on the scene, the effective administration of first aid can be vital in keeping the cat alive, alleviating suffering, and preventing further harm when the cat travels to the animal hospital. In less catastrophic situations, timely and appropriate first aid can contribute to a speedy recovery.
Your goal should be to get the sick or injured animal to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible, except in the most straightforward situations. Although after an accident it may seem that nothing is wrong, certain problems such as internal bleeding are not always immediately apparent. Likewise, other problems, such as fluid buildup in the lungs after electric shock, may have a delayed onset.
Even the most loving cat, when sick, in pain, or frightened, is likely either to run and hide or if immobilized lash out at anyone, including its owner. In fact, immediately following an accident, your cat may not even recognize you. Before administering first aid, you must first restrain your cat. Quietly approach your cat. Call it by name; talk to it in a calm voice. Let it smell the back of your hand. If you can move the cat without causing harm, wrap it in a towel or small blanket to restrict its limbs and prevent it from scratching and biting you. For the trip to the animal hospital, place your cat in a cat carrier or ease it into a cat bag. A pillowcase will serve admirably. If, in the rush of the moment, you can only find a box, place the cat in the box and cover the box with a blanket or heavy towel. The cat will calm down if it can't see out. Never allow the cat to roam unrestricted around your car as you drive. Ideally have someone else drive while you comfort the cat or, if you must drive, drive calmly within the speed limit.
Car injuries are the single greatest hazard for the outdoor cat. In the case of trauma, first aid means making an assessment. Because you should phone the veterinarian to alert the animal hospital prior to transporting your cat, it's important to have information so the veterinarian can advise you about what to do.
First assess whether your cat is breathing. Is its chest moving up and down? Can you feel air exhaled from its nostrils? Check for a heartbeat by feeling your cat's chest just behind the point of its elbow. If your cat has stopped breathing, begin artificial respiration. Hold the cat's mouth closed, cover its nose and mouth with a piece of gauze or handkerchief for hygienic reasons, and put your mouth over its nose and mouth. Blow into the nostrils for 1 to 2 seconds until the chest expands. Blow only as much as needed to inflate the lungs. Repeat after a 2-second pause. Do not stop until spontaneous breathing is restored.
If the cat has stopped breathing and its heart has stopped beating, begin cardiac massage by placing your thumb on the cat's chest behind the elbow with your fingers on the other side of its chest. Squeeze gently - two compressions per second - until heartbeat is restored or you reach the animal hospital where trained emergency personnel can begin advanced life-support techniques. Do not administer artificial respiration or cardiac massage if the cat is breathing and has a heartbeat.
Make sure to note whether the cat is bleeding from orifices such as its mouth or rectum. This could be an indication of internal injury. If it is bleeding from an external wound, cover the wound with a clean cloth and apply pressure to stop the blood flow.
If you suspect broken bones, do not pick up the animal, especially if it can't move its hind legs. This could be a sign of a broken back. Slide a board or towel under the animal so you can move it with as little motion and manipulation as possible.
Shock can follow several hours after trauma such as a road accident, fall, electrocution, or any injury that causes internal or external bleeding. During shock, the cat's circulatory system collapses, causing blood pressure to drop. The typical signs of shock are increased heart rate (over 200 beats per minute), rapid shallow breathing, cold extremities, and pale mucous membranes (rather than pink membranes). Check the cat's tongue for telltale paleness. A fast feeble pulse is also an indication of a shock-related circulatory problem. Check for an increased heart rate by cupping your hand around your cat's chest just behind its elbow. The heart rate of an unstressed healthy cat is around 120 beats per minute. Shock is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency treatment. On the way to the hospital with a cat in shock, keep the cat warm and lower its head slightly to help keep the blood flowing to the brain.
Remember that the key to administering effective first aid is being prepared and remaining calm. Make sure the telephone numbers of your veterinarian and the nearest 24-hour animal emergency service are by your phone. You may also want to list the National Animal Poison Control Center phone number which is (888) 426-4435.
But sometimes, in spite of your best efforts, you can't save your cat. You give your cat the best possible chance, though, by being able to assess the situation and prevent further harm, then seeking professional help as soon as possible.