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.
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.
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Large Towel – I like these XL sized absorbent ones so if the cat is wet, it will help to dry them off. https://amzn.to/4b6dPG7
Tear-proof Restraint Bag – this helps to keep you from getting bit or scratched and the cat from not running off. https://amzn.to/3OmzSP5
Stethoscope – for checking breathing and heartrate. https://amzn.to/48MMTZV
Rescue Remedy – apply orally to help keep the cat calm. https://amzn.to/3Sg0aF0
Antibiotic Ointment – do NOT use any human pain-free kinds https://amzn.to/3U3DWae
Tape and Bandages – you can use the surgical tape over a wound then cover with the self-stick bandage. https://amzn.to/3Hep8xZ and https://amzn.to/3tNCG0s
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. https://amzn.to/3SoH7sd
Band Aids - for covering small wounds. https://amzn.to/3Se7nVL
Mirror – for testing breathing https://amzn.to/3vwRSPY
Adjustable Elizabethan Collar – will help keep the cat from biting the wound and maybe you. https://amzn.to/4aVvQ9K
Hot Packs – to warm cold kittens/cats https://amzn.to/3vtZEdA
Hand Sanitizer – for you! https://amzn.to/3RQUTlP
Cold Packs – to help lessen bleeding https://amzn.to/48Qub3k
Emergency Thermal Blanket – to keep the animal warm during transport https://amzn.to/3NYk7xu
Stinky Food – in case you have to trap or entice the animal https://amzn.to/3tNDnqA
Feliway Spray – for calming the animal https://amzn.to/48GanzQ
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 https://amzn.to/3Hhf7jA
Eye Rinse – removes debris from the eye https://amzn.to/3Hggq2o
Thick Gloves – for safe handling https://amzn.to/3NVurGv
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. https://amzn.to/41RJVRF