How to Make a Pressure Bandage for a Cat's Ear

Veins circulate blood throughout your cat's body -- and are also prevalent in the ears. When a vein is cut due to injury, a fight or an accident, the bleeding is intense. A pressure bandage is one method of slowing down the bleeding enough to safely transport the cat for professional help. A pressure bandage is aptly named -- it works by applying firm pressure to the cat's injured ear to staunch the flow of blood.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Isopropyl alcohol or chlorhexadin
  • Cuticle scissors
  • Gauze padding
  • Gauze tape
  • Cohesive bandage
  • Tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Restrain the cat by moving it onto a towel large enough to wrap it up in. Pull the edges of the towel up and around the cat, securing the legs inside. Wrap the towel around the cat, encasing it as if it were a burrito.

    • 2

      Swab the area around the wound on the cat's ear using a suitable antiseptic solution, such as isopropyl alcohol or chlorhexadine. Apply the antiseptic to a swab and rub the area with the swab. Chlorhexadine is available through veterinary supply stores in a ready-to-apply two percent solution. Isopropyl alcohol is available through most pharmacies.

    • 3

      Trim long hairs around the wound. Long hairs irritate the wound and interfere with bandaging. Use a pair of small scissors - like cuticle scissors - to clip the hair as close to the skin as possible.

    • 4

      Fold the cat's wounded ear flush with the cat's head. Flip the ear up and over the head, turning it somewhat inside out. Do the same for the other ear. Folding both ears prevents discomfort when the bandage is applied.

    • 5

      Place a sheet of clean, sterile non-stick gauze padding over the wound. Use a pad large enough to cover the wound. Unless your cat is exceptionally large, a 2-inch x 2-inch gauze pad should be sufficient.

    • 6

      Measure and cut a piece of non-stretchy gauze tape as long as both of your outstretched arms. This ensures you have enough gauze to wrap around the cat's head several times.

    • 7

      Position one end of the gauze tape over the cat's head, with one end of the gauze tape flush with the center of the forehead. Wrap over the injured ear, under the chin and up over the other ear. Wrap multiple times in this manner, fastening the folded ears securely to the head. Do not wrap tightly enough to obstruct the cat's breathing.

    • 8

      Cut a length of stretchy, waterproof cohesive bandage equal in length to the span of your outstretched arms. This protects the gauze bandage and keeps it in place. Cohesive bandage is available at most pharmacies and veterinary supply stores.

    • 9

      Apply the waterproof cohesive bandage tape over the dressing made from gauze padding and gauze tape. Tape or tie in place beneath the cat's chin.