First Aid Kit for Cats
First Aid Emergencies can occur any time to your cat, so
the very best thing for the caring pet owner to do is be
prepared in advance.
Having a first aid kit ready will help to reduce anxiety if an emergency
does happen. Keep the kit readily available and periodically check to make
sure all the items are up to date and present. A small plastic toolbox or
fishing tackle box works well to hold all the necessary equipment.
On the outside of the box, write your name, address and telephone number in
case you lose it. Also include the telephone number of your veterinarian as
well as the telephone number of a local veterinary emergency facility.
If you leave someone to care for your pets, make sure to discuss your pets
with them. Make sure they understand what you consider an emergency, how to
contact you, the name and phone number of a secondary contact person you trust
to make decisions on your behalf if you were unavailable, and where to take
your pet in case of an emergency. You may want to consider leaving a credit
card number to pay for any unplanned expenses relating to your pet’s health.
Once the emergency information is complete, it would be a good idea to have
separate information sheets for each pet. Include a photo of each pet with the
name, age, breed, gender, identification (microchipping information), and any
health problems. This can help if your pet is lost or if someone unfamiliar
with your pet is needed to care for him.
A well-stocked first aid kit for cats includes:
- Roll cotton
- Some cotton balls
- Gauze pads
- Gauze tape
- Hydrogen peroxide (check the expiration date)
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Scissors
- Eyewash
- Tweezers
- Silver nitrate
- Oral syringes
- Pediolyte® or other balanced electrolyte fluid
- Baby food – meat flavors work best
- Large towel
- Exam gloves
- One inch white tape (in addition to gauze tape)
- Rolls of elastic wrap
- Emergency ice pack
- Thermometer (both oral and rectal thermometers can be used rectally)
See also:
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