FAQ for Cat
Wounds
Abrasions
bite wounds
pad wounds
Abrasions
An abrasion involves the skin’s top layers. Your cat may lick or scratch the area. It may appear red or ooze blood.
1. Apply a sterile, water-soluble lubricant and clip hair around the wound with grooming clippers.
The lubricant will keep hair from contaminating the wound while you shave the area.
2. Flush and wash the wound with warm water or saline solution.
This will remove the lubricant and wash away any remaining dirt or debris.
3. Call your veterinarian to discuss the wound.
bite wounds
If you did not see the bite, signs include a small wound in the skin, puncture marks, swelling, bleeding and bruising. Systemic signs such as lethargy and anorexia can occur if left untreated.
1. Cats bitten by other animals need vet attention to prevent the wound (even if minor) from becoming infected. Also, a cat that is shaken by a dog may have sustained internal injuries.
2. Check the cat’s ABCs and perform CPR if needed.
Control any bleeding using direct pressure. Wear gloves.
3. Even if it appears like a small wound, all bite wounds should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
There may be substantial injury underneath the superficial wound.
4. Take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
pad wounds
1. Wash the area with saline solution or warm soapy water.
Saline solution is 1 teaspoon salt to 1 quart warm water.
2. Dry the foot.
3. Bandage the foot by placing a strip of adhesive tape on each side of the foot, starting several inches above the wound and extending several inches past the bottom of the foot.
The tape should go directly on the fur.
4. This tape acts like stirrups to hold the bandage in place.
5. Place a nonstick pad or gauze sponge over the wound.
6. Wrap the paw with gauze roll, starting from the toes and ending just above the ankle or wrist.
7. Pull the ends of the sticky tape over the end of the gauze roll bandage as far as it will go, with the sticky part twisted to face and adhere to the bandage.
8. Place an elastic or cling roll bandage over the cotton, working from the toes to the ankle.
9. Make sure the bandage is not too tight.
Check for toe swelling and feel the limb just the bandage for coolness, swelling or pain. If any of these are evident, loosen the bandage.
10. Take your dog to a veterinary hospital.
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