How to treat burns in cats

1. Chemical burn:

Many household products such as chlorine can cause burns, mostly to the skin and sometimes internally.

Treatment:

• If on the skin, wash thoroughly by hosing or pouring copious amounts of water on the cat for about five minutes, then gently wash the area with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
• If ingested, encourage the cat to drink as much water as possible. If the cat refuses, use a syringe or gently running water from a hose to rinse the cat’s mouth, thereby stimulating drinking. In the case of acid burns, use sodium bicarbonate solution (baking soda) as an alternative, to neutralise the acid.
• Take the cat to your veterinarian.

2. Electrical burn:

The main risk is kittens or playful cats biting a moving electrical lead attached to, for instance, an iron or lawn mower. A blow-drier falling into the bathtub while the cat is being washed also presents a danger.

Treatment:

• Turn the power off at the switch.
• If unable to get to the switch, use a dry wooden or plastic stick to flick the plug out of the socket and to push the cat away from the source of electricity.
• Check the cat’s breathing and heartbeat. If necessary, start resuscitation.
• Take the cat to your veterinarian.

3. Heat burn signs

• First-degree burns, which carry signs of various degrees of reddened skin, are the least serious.
• Second-degree burns are characterised by reddening of the skin with the formation of blisters.
• Third-degree burns are the most serious and are characterised by the full thickness of the skin and underlying tissue being destroyed.
• Extensive second- and third-degree burns are associated with shock, fluid loss (dehydration) and infection.
• The burn may be fatal if more than 50 per cent of the cat’s skin is affected.

Treatment:

• Immediately run cold water on the burn from a hose, tap or shower; or, if ice is readily available, apply it for 10 to 15 minutes; or immerse the burnt area in a basin filled with water and ice.
• Dry the area by dabbing gently. Do not rub as you may break the delicate surface.
• In case of second – or third –degree burn, protect the wound by covering it gently with a gauze pad or a clean handkerchief held in place with a light adhesive bandage. Do not use cotton wool because it will adhere to the surface of the burn.
• Deep or extensive burns require quick veterinary attention.

Read more in the Injured Cat series:

• Part 1: How to approach an injured cat
• Part 2: How to handle an injured cat
• Part 3: Assessing the injured cat
• Part 4: When to take the injured cat to a veterinarian
• Part 5: How to manage snake bites in cats

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