How to treat burns in cats

TREATING burns in cats can be tricky, so heed this advice from Amanzimtoti SPCA:

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.