Home Care for Injured Cats

Caring for an injured cat at home can potentially be a confusing and challenging experience. However, some very simple and logical guidelines can be followed to make caring for your injured cat less guesswork and more a labor of love. From how to deal with signs of distress to properly managing the injury itself to handling emergency situations, you can learn to effectively care for your injured cat at home.

  1. Injuries

    • If your cat has sustained an injury, gently place a towel or blanket over his head to prevent biting. Place him with the towel or blanket inside a carrier or box in a warm, dark room. This will allow your cat to remain calm and not run around. If your cat hides under furniture before you can catch him, try to coax him out with food, toys, catnip, etc. If that does not work, you may have to try to lift or move the furniture to get your cat out.

    Symptoms

    • As you're containing your cat, observe her physical symptoms. Symptoms to watch for are bleeding, vomiting, irregular breathing, strange or unusually dilated eyes, seizures or other abnormal symptoms. Make a note of anything out of the ordinary to report to your vet.

    Notification

    • Calling the vet is the next priority. If it's after normal business hours, or you don't have a regular vet, locate the nearest animal emergency services. Tell the vet your name, cat's name, what has happened to your cat and any physical symptoms he has. Be calm and listen to the vet's instructions. They may request that you bring your cat in for an assessment.

    Home Care

    • Listen closely to your vet's directions if you need to change bandages, give medication, withhold food for a certain period of time, or any other directives. Taking notes will help if the instructions are complicated. If you need to change bandages or give medication, try wrapping your cat firmly, but gently, in a bath towel to prevent her from scratching you or running away.

    Observation

    • Observe your cat over the next 72 hours, at least. You or someone else should be home at all times to watch your cat. Make note of any unusual changes in your cat's physical symptoms and injury. If you do notice any changes that you are not sure about, be sure to call your vet or emergency hospital right away.

    Handy Tidbits

    • Set some sort of an alarm if you need to be reminded to regularly give your cat medication.

      If your cat has to take medication, ask if the medicine is available in powder or liquid form. If your cat can have solid food, put the medicine in with his food. Your cat won't even know he's taking medication.

      Try to keep kids, other animals, and stresses away from your cat while she's healing. Also try to keep your cat away from high furniture and stairs while she heals.

      If your cat uses a large litter box, you may need to provide a smaller and lower to the ground box while your cat heals.

      The ASPCA recommends in their online "Emergency Care" section to place emergency numbers for your nearest after hours emergency services in an easy to reach spot, so you won't have to hunt for contact info if your cat does get injured.

      Don't let your cat's injury go unattended. If you do not have the money to care for your injured cat, take him to the local humane society or animal shelter where he can be helped.