HELP!

And if the worst thing happened at least you have done your utmost in knowing that if he is found your pet may be identified and returned.

Better still is the microchip with a thermometer in it. If the cat goes to the vet the chip can be scanned to tell its temperature which cuts out the stress to the cat and reduces the consultation time.

If you have a microchip and move - don't forget to notify the relevant microchip company.

Time is always the best healer and we have found that having another friend is a good comfort - when you feel the time is right, especially a rescue cat from a reputable organisation.

• Car accidents or serious falls
• To stop bleeding
• Treating poisoning
• Scalds and burns
• Near-drowning
• Insect bites and stings
• Problems with choking
• Electrocution
• Combating dehydration

Car accidents or serious falls

Carefully remove your cat from further danger, as they may have broken bones and internal injuries.
Make a 'stretcher' out of a rug or coat and gently slide your cat onto it, carefully supporting the whole body.
Be careful not to twist the body. Hold the head just a little lower than the rest of the body to keep the blood flowing to the brain.
Keep your cat warm until you reach the vet.
How to handle an injured cat

Injured cats will be frightened and in pain, and may lash out.
Approach your cat slowly and softly. If possible, wear gloves and keep your face well away.
Hold your cat gently but firmly by the scruff of the neck for restraint, then place your hand under the hindquarters for support.
Wrap the animal in a blanket or towel to prevent any struggling.
Place your cat in a carrier and take him or her to the vet immediately. If possible, call your vet before you arrive.
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To stop bleeding

Firmly apply a cold compress over the wound to stem the blood flow. Do not use disinfectant.
Contact your vet as quickly as possible for treatment
 

Treating poisoning

Symptoms include drooling, severe vomiting, diarrhoea, staggering, convulsions, and abnormal eye movements.
Contact your vet and, if you know, tell them what substance your cat has ingested.
Vitamin K injections are the antidote to the most common form of rat poison, but treatment must be given quickly.
Do not induce vomiting unless your vet advises it.
If your cat's coat has smears of paint or oil on it, soften with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil, bathe with warm soapy water or swarfega, and rinse well.
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Scalds and burns

Flush the burn with plenty of cold running water for several minutes.
Never cover the burnt area.
Consult your vet as quickly as possible.
 

Near-drowning

After rescuing, a conscious cat must be wrapped in a towel and kept warm.
If your cat is unconscious, first check for a heartbeat, then other injuries. Hold your cat's head lower than it's chest to help drain water from the lungs.
Lie the cat sideways, with the head lower than the chest. Clear any debris from the mouth and pull the tongue forwards.
If this doesn't stimulate breathing, attempt artificial respiration by pressing very carefully down on the animal's chest with the flat of your hand using a short, sharp push. Allow the lungs to refill with fresh air, then repeat every five seconds until your cat starts to breathe.
If there is no sign of life after 30 seconds, try mouth-to-nose respiration. Tilt back your cat's head, hold the mouth shut and blow short gentle breaths into both nostrils for three seconds to inflate the lungs. Be careful not to over inflate the lungs. Then pause for two seconds and repeat. Continue until your cat starts breathing
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Insect bites and stings

Remove an embedded bee sting with tweezers. Do not squeeze, as the sting will release more poison.
Bee and ant stings are acid, so bathe the area with an alkali, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) dissolved in cold water.
Wasp stings are alkaline, so treat with diluted lemon juice or vinegar.
A sting in the mouth or throat will swell rapidly and can result in asphyxiation, so rush your cat to the vet.
 

Problems with choking

All sorts of things including sewing needles, or fish or poultry bones may lodge against the roof of your cat's mouth, or get stuck in the throat.
Restrain your cat in a towel. Open their mouth, but be careful not to tilt the head back as the object may drop into the throat.
If you can see the object, remove it with blunt-ended tweezers. Don't pull a visible thread, as it may be attached to an object in the stomach.
If you can't find the object, contact your vet urgently.
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Electrocution

We often have cats who love to chew wires, this is potentially very dangerous! Before you touch an electrocuted cat, switch off the power and remove the plug from the socket, or you will also receive an electric shock.
If your cat has chewed through an electrical wire, the mouth and tongue may be burned. Electrical burns can result in shock and cardiac arrest, so contact your vet urgently.
 

Combating dehydration

Heatstroke, severe vomiting or diarrhoea, kidney disease or diabetes can cause your cat to lose vital body fluids.
Pinch the loose skin at the back of your cat's neck and lift it up. If it falls back slowly, your cat is dehydrated. Gums may also fell dry and tacky in the early stages.
Contact your vet urgently as severe dehydration causes fits and can be fatal.

Make sure you have the number of your vet near to the phone in case of such emergencies.

If your emergency concerns feral (wild) or stray cats, which need taking care of, please use the phone number on the contacts page to get in touch and we will arrange to have the problem cat caught and treated and if necessary re-homed.
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