Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Keep emergency numbers on hand. These could include your veterinarian’s after-hours emergency number and ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435). Consider placing these numbers on your fridge door or in your wallet, or anywhere you can access them quickly in case of an emergency.

Sign Up for Training

The best way to be prepared for a pet first aid emergency is to take a class offered by The American Red Cross or your local veterinarian.

1. Practicing CPR ahead of time will leave you better prepared to handle an emergency. You may want to watch informational videos or buy a pet first aid guide as recommended by your veterinarian.
2. First aid training will help you learn how to check your pet’s vital signs including the pulse rate, respiratory rate, etc.
3. You’ll also learn how to clean and bandage a wound, and how to protect yourself and others from a frightened kitty’s bite.
4. You’ll learn to recognize the signs that indicate when a trip to the animal ER is necessary, and most importantly, you’ll learn how to perform CPR.

Prepare a First Aid Kit

You can put together a first aid kit, or you can purchase one that’s already assembled. Make sure it includes:

• Non-stick bandages
• Self-cling gauze,
• Paper tape to dress wounds
• Splint supplies
• Compresses
• Antiseptic spray
• Gloves
• Tweezers
• A thermometer to determine whether your cat is too hot or cold

If your kitty ingests a poisonous substance, it helps to have activated charcoal or hydrogen peroxide on hand.

Act Fast

• If your feline experiences an emergency, stay calm and act fast.
• If your kitty is unresponsive, first check the airway to rule out something being stuck in the throat.
• Check for breathing and a heartbeat. If breathing is compromised, you will need to start pet CPR.
• Try to remove any lodged object or perform the Heimlich maneuver if necessary.
• If there is bleeding, place a compress over the wound and splint any broken bones before moving your furry friend.
• Call your vet as soon as possible for care instructions until you can bring your cat in for emergency care.