First Aid Kits
First Aid Kit
When your cat is sick or injured, or you come across an injured cat, it is important to stabilize them (best you can) and transport them immediately to a veterinarian for exam.
Listen to the podcast about Feline First Aid by clicking here.
FIRST thing you should do is research the emergency clinics in your area who are open 24/7. Make and print out a list of address and phone numbers and put it somewhere the whole family has access to it. You should also carry a copy inside your first aid kit.
NEVER give prescription or over-the-counter human medications to your cat, and never use any pain-free gel or antibiotic ointment on your cat!
I had to take a feline first aid course in my certification curriculum and built a cat first aid kit I keep in the trunk of my car. These are the items and links to where you can purchase them.
1. Large Towel – I like these XL sized absorbent ones so if the cat is wet, it will help to dry them off.
2. Tear-proof Restraint Bag – this helps to keep you from getting bit or scratched and the cat from not running off.
3. Stethoscope – for checking breathing and heartrate.
4. Rescue Remedy – apply orally to help keep the cat calm.
5. Antibiotic Ointment – do NOT use any human pain-free kinds.
6. Tape and Bandages – you can use the surgical tape over a wound then cover with the self-stick bandage.
7. Gauze Pads – you can also put a gauze pad over the wound, then secure it with the surgical tape, then wrap it with the self-stick bandage, in hopes of keeping the cat from chewing on it.
8. Band Aids - for covering small wounds.
9. Mirror – for testing breathing.
10. Adjustable Elizabethan Collar – will help keep the cat from biting the wound and maybe you.
11. Hot Packs – to warm cold kittens/cats.
12. Hand Sanitizer – for you!
13. Cold Packs – to help lessen bleeding.
14. Emergency Thermal Blanket – to keep the animal warm during transport.
15. Stinky Food – in case you have to trap or entice the animal.
16. Feliway Spray – for calming the animal.
17. Activated Charcoal – for poisoning – I like this one because it is finely ground, making it more digestible than tablets It acts like a sponge, absorbing harmful substances and expelling toxins.
18. Eye Rinse – removes debris from the eye.
19. Thick Gloves – for safe handling.
20. Muzzle – inured/stressed animals will often act out with defensive aggression, this will help you from getting bit and covering their eyes may help with transport.
