How to Treat Cat Injuries With Ointments

Cats get injuries that need to be treated with ointments just like humans. However, before applying an ointment, you should always take your cat to the vet to get it checked out for any internal injuries. Generally, vets will prescribe an ointment, but there are some over-the-counter ointments you can buy from pet stores to fix cuts and bug bites. Be prepared to deal with a struggling cat, because most do not like any ointment application.

Things You'll Need

  • Gauze
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Scissors
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Bandage
  • Cardboard
  • String
  • Collar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Betadine
  • Treats
  • Helper (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap the cat up in a towel to prevent it from wiggling away or scratching. Locate the injury on its body. Apply pressure to the injury with a gauze. Wait for the wound to stop bleeding before taking off pressure.

    • 2

      Clean your hands with antibacterial soap. Also, clean a pair of scissors with the soap. Rinse the scissors off with some hydrogen peroxide. Cut the fur around the wound carefully. You may need to have someone hold the cat when you trim the fur.

    • 3

      Wash the wound off with lukewarm tap water. Inspect the wound. If the wound is from an animal bite or is over an inch long, take your cat to the animal hospital.

    • 4

      Dab antibacterial ointment, such as Neomycinon or Triple Antibiotic Ointment, on the wound. Wrap the wound with a sterile bandage that sticks to itself. Using tape on a cat will cause its hair to stick to the bandage and will not be comfortable for the pet.

    • 5

      Make a protective collar for your cat so it does not try and bite or lick the wound. Cut a circle, 12-inches in diameter, out of a cardboard box. Make a hole in the center of the cardboard circle that is four to five inches in diameter--basically, the size of your cat's neck. This will become the cat's protective collar. Punch two small holes at the bottom of the cardboard collar and tie a piece of string to each hole. Slip the cardboard collar over the cat's head. Tie the strings attached to the cardboard collar onto the cat's existing collar. Remove the cardboard collar when the cat wants to drink or eat.

    • 6

      Clean the wound after two days with a mixture of three percent hydrogen peroxide and five parts water. Only clean the skin once with the mixture, because it can damage skin tissue and impede healing. Cleanse the wound with a mixture of one part Betadine and 10 parts water after that until it heals. Apply ointment daily.