First aid for cats

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Has your cat been injured? Has it been cut or scratched? Maybe it got stung by a bee? Or maybe it is more serious than that, and you want to treat your cat before you rush it to the vet? Here is how to put together your own first aid kit for your cat. I have also included a couple of links of where to get a commercially available feline first aid kit, and a book on feline first aid.

You will need the following for storage, etc. First, a one quart storage container with a lid that can be sealed tightly. Then you will need several ziplock bags. The last item you will need is a small empty travel sized bottle, about the same size that you get hotel shampoo in.

First, make sure that you label this as the cats first aid kit. On the top of the container, tape a copy of your vets phone number, daytime, night and emergency numbers. Keep a copy of these phone numbers in a zip lock back on the inside of the container also, along with your cats medical history.

In the small bottle, store some hydrogen perxoide. Make sure that you clearly lable the bottle with what is in it. They peroxide can be used to clean out scratches and cuts, and will not harm your cat even if they lick they peroxide. Two other medicines that you should include are an anticeptic (I prefer the small "Neo to Go" Neosporin) and Hydrocortisone oitment for insect stings. Lastly, you will want a small bottle of sterile eyewash solution.

What were the other ziplock bags for? You will want to put items such as gauze pads and rolled gauze, along with white surgical tape in one bag, keeping these items dry and clean. In another bag you can put cotton balls and cotton swabs. Then in the last bag you will want to put your "tools", which should be some sharp scissors, preferably with rounded tips, tweezers with sharp, pointed tips, and possibly a digital rectal thermometer.

The one thing that will not be in the kit, but that you should have, is a reusable ice pack. I prefer the soft, flexible type. Always make sure that you wrap the ice pack in a light towel before applying it to your cat.

If you don't want to put together your own kit, here is a kit that has been put together for you. It is called the ME-OW, and includes a first aid book, materials for splints, and a lot of other items including those I have listed in a DIY kit.

Creative Pet Products Me-Ow First Aid Kit for Cats

Here is an excellent book that I picked up a couple of years ago. Luckily, I haven't needed it yet, but I have gone through it a couple of times and keep it where I can find it quickly.




I hope you never need this information, but it is much better to be prepared for an emergency and not need it than to need it and not have it. I hope that you found this information helpful. This article was the direct result of a suggestion from one of my followers. If you have any ideas for articles that you would like to see, please let me know.