What will you do if your cat gets hurt? If you want to know how to handle emergencies, you have to learn first aid. You must also create a cat first aid kit.

You never know when your kitty might get into trouble. That’s why you need a cat first aid kit. You should also know how to perform pet first aid.

This is an important topic that requires research. This article will get you started.

Your cat will still require veterinary care. First aid is only meant to stabilize your pet for the ride to the vet.

What Belongs in a Cat First Aid Kit

• 

If you don’t have the right supplies, you can’t provide first aid treatment. That’s why a first aid kit is so important. 

The kit should have:

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Latex gloves
• Cotton swabs
• Q-tips
• Gauze pads
• Bandages
• Antiseptic lotion
• Hand sanitizer
• Alcohol swabs 

You should also have the following on hand:

• Your cat’s medical records
• Your vet’s contact information
• Your cat’s carrier

The above lists probably don’t include everything you need. But they should get you pointed in the right direction.

For more ideas, check out FirstVet’s checklist.

And if you don’t feel like putting the kit together, just buy one. However, you might still want to supplement the kit with separately purchased items.

 

Basic Pet First Aid Tips  

We can’t teach you everything you need to know about first aid. But we can give you some great tips that will really help you out.

Here they are.

Protect Yourself While Handling an Injured Cat

Your cat may be the most loving feline in the world. But an injury might cause your cat to show aggression. 

To protect yourself, try wrapping a towel around your cat. The towel will keep your kitty from lashing out at you. It may even comfort her.

Stay Calm 

Whatever you do, stay calm. Panicking will only upset your cat even more.  

You should also avoid making any sudden movements. Instead, move slowly and calmly while helping your furry friend.

Be Ready on the Road

If you like to travel with your puss, always bring your cat first aid kit with you. You may even want to have a second kit for the car.

This ensures you will be prepared wherever you go!

Call the Veterinarian ASAP

Remember, your cat will still need to see a veterinarian. Even the best first aid treatment can’t replace professional care. 

That’s why you need to contact your veterinarian immediately. Tell your vet what happened. He or she can advise you on what to do next.

Learn the Basics 

Learning first aid can feel pretty overwhelming. Where do you even start?

We recommend starting with the most common cat emergencies. That includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Blood loss
• Burns
• Eye injuries
• Poisoning
• Choking
• Open wounds

Where to Go from Here

Don’t stop your research here. Learn more about pet first aid!

Check out the AVMA’s (American Veterinary Medical Association) instructions on basic first aid procedures.

Download the ASPCA’s DIY Pet First-Aid Kit checklist.

And sign up for a pet first aid class. The Red Cross has an online class. You can also do a Google search to find in-person classes.

We wish you well as you learn more about pet first aid!