How to Treat Cat Injuries

Cats can become injured in a number of different ways. A cat may get into a fight with another animal or suffer a fall from a high place. A cat may be injured by a car, falling object or even a pointy stick that pokes his eye. Cat owners should know basic first aid to be able to provide immediate care for their pets. They should also have the names, addresses and phone numbers of veterinarians and animal hospitals handy in case an injury is severe.

Things You'll Need

  • Sterile scissors
  • Mild soap
  • Water
  • Tweezers
  • Soft cloth
  • Sterile bandage
  • Surgical tape
  • Saline solution
  • Blanket
  • Towel
  • Magazine
  • Tape or string
Show More

Instructions

  1. Treating Wounds

    • 1

      Use sterile scissors to trim the fur around the wound. This will allow you to see and treat the wound without the fur in the way.

    • 2

      Examine the wound for bone or muscle the injury has left exposed. If the wound is deep or you can see muscle tissue or bone, take the cat to a veterinarian.

    • 3

      Use a mild soap and water to clean the wound. You may pour a solution of soap and water over the wound and use a clean, soft cloth to dab or blot the excess moisture. Rubbing may increase bleeding and is likely to cause the cat additional discomfort.

    • 4

      Use lukewarm water to rinse the wound again. This will help to rinse the soapy mixture away and may dislodge debris that are in the wound.

    • 5

      Remove debris in the wound by gently using tweezers to pull them out. Use additional rinses to help loosen leftover debris.

    • 6

      Pat the area dry with a clean, soft cloth.

    • 7

      Apply a sterile bandage and affix it with surgical tape. This will help to prevent infection and keep your cat from licking the area.

    Treating Other Injuries

    • 8

      Use a saline solution to flush your cat's eye if he has sustained an eye injury. You can purchase saline solution from a store or make your own at home (see Resources). Once you've flushed the eye, take your cat to a veterinarian right away.

    • 9

      Wrap your cat in a blanket if you think she's broken a bone above the elbow joint of a front leg or in a back leg. Keep the injured limb close to her body, and take her to a veterinarian right away.

    • 10

      Immobilize your cat's front leg if you think it's broken below the elbow joint. Wrap a small towel around the leg. Then, wrap a magazine around the towel and secure the magazine in place with tape or string. Follow up by taking your cat to a veterinarian.