A well-rounded pet first aid kit is an important staple for any responsible pet owner. When it comes to cats, curiosity often gets the better of them, and injury is a common result. Cats seem to have no power against curiosity, which is itself curious considering they seem to be immune to other strong forces like gravity.
The fact remains that for cats, a daily dose of shenanigans and antics should be as expected as a case of the nightly zoomies. Whatever kind of cat you own, and whatever kinds of antics your cat participates in, your well-stocked feline first aid kit should be ready incase of an emergency situation.
Feline injuries have a tendency to be minor, and more often than not, cats seem to suffer the same injuries over and over. Here are the most frequently used first aid items for cats that will help you build a solid emergency cat first aid kit:
A Good Antimicrobial
What can we say…scratches happen! Whether your cat is indoor or outdoor, a loner or part of a pack, there’s more than one way for cats to get scratched. Most commonly scratches happen as the result of interaction with other animals, but even if your cat is isolated indoors, accidents can still happen.
A good antimicrobial hydrogel is the most effective way for wound care and to prevent infection. Even a small scratch or cut can be compromised by bacteria or debris. A potent antimicrobial has everything you need for an injured animal to keep infection out while helping the wound to heal.
Tweezers
With how small and nimble they are, cats can get into some pretty nasty stuff. From briars and thorns outside to the forgotten clutter under the bed, there will come a time where you will need to pull something off of, or out of your cat. A pair of tweezers is a must for any cat first aid kit as they are the only tool small and agile enough to operate in the small spaces of a feline paw.
Magnifying Glass
When dealing with cat first aid issues, vision is important. Cats do not sit still for long, especially while uncomfortable, so a magnifying glass will give you the best chance to see what you are doing. Cat injuries are often small, and a magnifying glass will help to make the area you are working on seem larger.
Latex/Nitril Gloves
Gloves will help keep your hands clean while offering a sterile way for you to handle your cat. Rubber gloves are also great for improving your grip, which is essential when holding on to a squirmy cat.
Wound Preparation Solution
As noted earlier, keeping a sterile environment is important for in-home feline first aid. Keeping a good topical antimicrobial solution and sterile gauze pads on hand will help to clean cuts, as well as to sterilize the tools that you use. Never assume that your tools are sterile, even if you were the last one to use them. Before any kind of tool comes in contact with your cat, sterilize it first.
Nail Clippers
Cat claws are sharp and can easily get caught or snagged where they shouldn’t be. Keeping a pair of cat claw clippers in your cat first aid kit will allow you to spring into action should you need to perform an emergency nail trim. Cutting your cat’s claws regularly is also a good preventative measure, making nail clippers an absolute must for any cat first aid kit.
A Flashlight/Headlamp
Similar to the magnifying glass, a flashlight simply helps you see what you’re doing. Holding a flashlight while working on a cat can be tough, so many cat owners prefer a headlamp instead. You’re going to need as many hands as you can get when performing any kind of minor medical operation on a cat, and a headlamp provides the light you need while giving you use of your hands.
With these listed items as your base, your feline first aid kit will be ready to go for action in the field! While a first aid kit is great for minor in-home treatment, be sure to consult your vet if you are ever in doubt. Even with a solid first aid kit, there will be tasks that you may be uncomfortable with performing when a pet emergency arises, and that’s ok! This first aid kit list is a great way to ensure a pet parent can handle all the minor bumps and bruises their curious cat may sustain, but you can still leave the serious stuff for veterinary care!
