How to approach an injured cat – Part one

APPROACHING an injured cat needs to be done with extreme caution, for fear of further stressing the cat and unleashing its defensive claws.

Approaching: Approach an injured cat with caution as a cat that is frightened or in pain may attempt to bite or scratch.

Before touching the cat, check for the following signs:

• The cat is conscious or unconscious
• The cat is bleeding or if there is blood on the ground.
• Are there any wounds or broken bones?
• Check if the cat’s breathing is normal or laboured, rapid, shallow or absent
• The cat appears to be in a state of shock.
• The cat is aggressive, most often they hiss with mouth open, baring of teeth, drawn-back ears, dilated pupils, or erect hair on the cat’s back.

Calming: Be cautious when calming an injured cat as, depending on the nature of the injury and the cat’s disposition, you may be bitten or scratched if you touch the injured area.

• Talk to the cat quietly and soothingly. If there are no signs of aggression, stroke the cat. This is a soft, calm action unlike patting which may disturb the cat and provoke an aggressive reaction.
• If immobile, ensure the cat is in a comfortable position. If it is moving around excitedly, confine the cat in a small space in the company of a reassuring person.
• If the cat appears to be cold, for example, shivering and shaking, put a blanket or rug over or around the cat’s body.
• If the cat appears to be excessively hot, for example, panting vigorously and rapidly, use a fan or an icepack to cool it down.

Important aspects of handling, assessing, lifting and carrying and holding will follow in the coming weeks.

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