Cats are daring, inquisitive creatures who enjoy exploring their surroundings. On their adventures, they may become injured and sustain a wound. Today, our Seattle vets talk about the most common causes of wounds in cats, how you can help treat them, and when you should take your lovable feline to the vet.
Cat Wounds
Because of their adventurous and curious nature, most cats will obtain some form of a wound during their lifetime, whether they are quiet indoor cats or avid outdoor explorers.
Wounds are injuries that cause damage to the skin or/and the underlying tissues. They can be opened wounds such as cuts or closed wounds such as bruises.
Numerous things can cause injuries to cats, such as biting, getting something stuck in their paw, stepping on a sharp object, and fighting with other cats. More serious injuries require veterinary care; minor wounds can be healed at home. Even small wounds can serve as a haven for bacteria and viruses, so if you see your cat hurt, remain composed and take quick care of it. Untreated wounds have the potential to worsen existing medical conditions.
Here, our vets in Seattle share the signs of cat wounds you need to watch out for and the steps you can take to help your kitty heal.
Signs of Cat Wounds
Cats are good at hiding their pain. As a cat owner, you always need to be monitoring your kitty for any signs of injury such as:
- Limping
- Bleeding
- Missing Fur
- Torn Skin
- Tenderness
- Pain
If a wound isn't spotted right away it can become worse or infected potentially causing these symptoms:
- Abscess
- Pus/Discharge
- Fever
Common Wounds in Cats
If you see any of the above signs in your kitty, they may have one of these common wounds or injuries:
- Cuts
- Scratches
- Scrapes
- Insect Bites
- Burns
- Hotspots
- Skin Rashes
- Ulcers
Treating Your Cat's Wound
A cat's immune system reacts to injury by starting to heal and fight off infections right away, but this is not enough. In order to stop the infection from spreading and the wound from getting worse, you must act quickly.
The first thing you should do is contact your veterinarian. Each type of wound necessitates a unique set of first-aid procedures. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you exactly what steps to take and give you specific first-aid advice.
Here are the first steps you should take if your cat is wounded:
Contact Your Veterinarian
Get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as you notice any injuries on your cat. Depending on the kind of wound your cat has and the degree of bleeding, they will advise you on the best course of action. It is imperative that you pay close attention to these directions.
Assess the Wound For Signs of Infection
An infection may already be present if your cat's wound is older. Infection symptoms include pus discharge, behavioral changes, fever, noticeable pain or discomfort, and abscess. Take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as you see symptoms of infection so they can receive treatment, which may include antibiotics.
Determine the Severity of the Wound
If you didn't spot any signs of an infection, your kitty's wound is most likely fresh. It should be easy to determine the severity of the wound just by looking at it. If a cast, stitches, or surgery is required you need to call your vet or bring your cat to the nearest emergency vet immediately.
Manage the Bleeding
If your cat has a small cut, use clean cloth or sterile gauze to apply direct pressure to the wound in order to stop the bleeding. The formation of a blood clot can occur within 10 to 15 minutes, contingent upon the extent and positioning of the injury. If a clot forms improperly, you should immediately take your cat to an emergency veterinarian.
If possible you can also try to help slow down the bleeding by raising the limb to the level of the heart.
When to Take Your Cat to the Vet
If there are signs of infection, severe bleeding, broken limbs, fever, or other severe damage like the examples listed above you should take your cat to the vet as quickly as possible.
If you are uncertain if a veterinary visit is necessary, call your veterinarian who will inform you if your cat's injury needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.