Did you know that if you have a little knowledge of feline first aid, you could save your kittens life in an emergency? Knowing basic first aid is the first defense in an emergency with your pet until you can reach veterinary care.
Most cats and kittens go through life relatively unscathed. However, some manage to deplete several of their nine lives in the course of growing up. Knowing the principles of feline first aid can help your kitten survive in a life threatening emergency. Will you know how to react to an emergency with your pet? As an interim measure until veterinary care is available, the objective to feline first aid is to prevent a condition from worsening, alleviating pain and suffering and help the recovery process. Getting veterinary help still remains the top priority.
Despite our best efforts and kitten proofing our homes, we could find ourselves faced with a feline health emergency.
The most common disasters that strike kittens are choking, bee stings, burns, electric cord injury, fractures and accidental poisoning.
Burns: Most burns occur from objects such as light bulbs, heat lamps, heating pads, or scalding hot liquids. Kittens have been known to jump onto stove tops and burn their feet or tails. The other source of burns are candles, these are especially dangerous as hair ignites quickly.
Electric shock: Kittens like to chew and may bite on dangling electric cords because they are seen as the perfect play toy. Many shock accidents happen around the holidays with the combination of Christmas lights.
Choking: If your kitten gets something stuck in its mouth or throat, it will cough or gasp suddenly. A kitten becomes frantic when scared, so it is best to wrap it in a towel and have someone else hold it while you are trying to look in the back of its throat. A flashlight may help you spot an object, once the object is found then remove it with a pair of tweezers or a spoon handle. Be very careful when sticking your hand and fingers in a cats or kittens mouth as they will be frantic and may bite you during their frantic state of mind.
Bee stings: Kittens love chasing moving objects including stinging bees or spiders. Bee stings or spider bites are often suspected but a definitive diagnosis is uncommon unless the event is witnessed. If a bee stings your kitten, immediately put ice on the bite to reduce the pain and swelling. Use a magnifying glass to find the stinger. Pull the stinger out with a pair of tweezers if possible. Clean the area and apply an antibiotic ointment. After treating your kitten for the bee sting, monitor it very closely for an allergic reaction. Although an allergic reaction is uncommon, it can occur and the kitten can go into shock. When a kitten goes into allergic shock the throat may swell and obstruct breathing and their blood pressure may plunge. This is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Fractured limbs: Orthopedic injuries are common in kittens as they love to jump and climb. When a kitten fractures a bone, the initial clinical signs are limping, holding the injured leg up, or walking on only three legs. Simple fractures in which both ends of the bone remain under the skin are not as bad as an open fracture where the bone breaks through the skin. Open fractures offer a huge risk of infection. Do not try to manipulate the bones back into place, and do not wash the open fractures. Take the kitten to the vet immediately in this situation.
Poisoning: The average household contains many items that can be poisonous to cats and kittens. Common toxic substances for cats include ammonia, antifreeze, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, bleach, gasoline, lye, paint thinner, rat poison, turpentine and rubbing alcohol. Indoor house plants and garden plants are potential problems as well. If you suspect that your cat has ingested poison, you may see signs such as excessive salivation, vomiting, loss of consciousness or seizures. If you see your cat ingest a toxic substance, call your veterinarian and be ready to describe what the poison is, the active ingredients, how much and when it was ingested and what signs your cat or kitten is showing. If you visit your vet, bring a sample of the suspected poison in its original container. If you cannot reach your vet, call the animal poison control center for instructions. As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
It is recommended in a veterinary emergency that you call your veterinarian and let them know you are on your way to the veterinary clinic with an injured or sick animal. This call may allow the veterinarian time to prepare for the arrival of your pet, saving precious time, possibly even the life of your pet.
