Cat First Aid Can Save Your Cat

National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month! As pet owners, we hope no harm ever comes to our feline friends, but unfortunately, accidents and injuries happen. That’s why it’s best to be prepared beforehand! This National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has put together some helpful information on cat first aid so you know just what to do in a kitty-crisis.

Every Situation is Different – Be Prepared

From allergic reactions to broken bones, every situation where your cat needs first aid is different, but one thing they have in common is they’re all scary! So here are a few tips to help you keep a level-head so you know what to do in an emergency.

• First, make sure you are prepared for an emergency. Program your vet’s number in your phone ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to find the number. Educate yourself on your vet’s emergency policies and hours. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can be reached at 856-662-2662.
• Assess the injury – is there blood? A bite? A broken bone? Approach your cat gently and with caution. A scared and hurt kitty may lash out.
• Never give your kitty human medication! Most human medication is toxic to cats. When in doubt, wait for vet-prescribed medication.
• If your cat is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound like you would with human injuries. Elevating the injury is also helpful until you can seek help from the vet.
• If your cat is unconscious, check their breathing. “Mouth-to-mouth” may be performed on cats if they are unconscious. Information on pet-CPR from the Red Cross can be found here.
• If your pet has ingested toxic substances, keep labels, ingredients, and other information on-hand so your vet knows exactly what your kitty ate.
• Transport your kitty immediately and quickly to the vet or 24-hour emergency pet care facility.

Timely Cat First Aid Can Make the Difference

If your cat has been injured or hurt, knowing basic cat first aid can make the difference in your kitty’s recovery. This National Pet Awareness Month, it’s important to educate yourself on what to do in a kitty emergency. For more information on cat first aid, you can contact The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662.