What To Do With A Cat Emergency

Although it said that cats have nine lives and seem to have a remarkable ability to get out of all sorts of scrapes, it is also true that it is inevitable that they may also suffer accidents and sudden severe health issues which require immediate emergency treatment. A good piece of advice for any cat owner is to find out in advance where the nearest 24 hour emergency vet service is and to make a note of their telephone number. In some instances valuable time can be wasted trying to find services in an emergency situation.

There are of course obvious emergency situations that we will recognise as requiring urgent attention from a veterinarian such as:

* Car road accidents - even a glancing blow from a vehicle can cause serious internal injuries. If you witness the accident, remain calm and speak softly to the cat whilst gently lifting them, supporting their head, back and rear end to prevent further injury, to a folded blanket that can be used as a stretcher. It is easier to lift a cat in a blanket and for the vet to gain access to them easily. If the accident is not witness, a cat may take itself off to a quiet place rather than return home. Often they can be dazed and confused and may not return home for a few hours or even days. If this happens check for signs of bleeding, cuts, lameness and confusion. If you suspect that something has happened to the cat, it is best to be cautious and take them to the vets immediately.

* Scolds - most commonly caused by tipping Kettles and kitchen pans or by jumping on hotplates. In any incidents of burns and scolds before taking the cat for medical treatment, pour slow running cold water onto the burn and then place a cold wet cloth to the wound.

* Electric Shock - Even though we try to make our homes as safe as possible for our pets there are some situations that cannot be foreseen. There are occasions where some cats that may try to chew electric flex. This can cause burns to the mouth, loss of consciousness and even death. Sometimes after a shock the cat may stop breathing, if this happens then artificial respiration should be performed.

To perform Artificial respiration:

* Make sure that cat has definitely stopped breathing and that they have a heart beat. Lay the cat on a flat surface on their side and watch to see if the chest rises and falls or not and look to see if their gums are turning blue.
* Open the mouth and make sure that noting is obstructing the airway. Remove any objects that could be blocking the airway by using either your fingers or tweezers and by massaging the throat if the object is too far down. If all else fails then use the Heimlich manoeuvre, by forcing the chest in sharply to push air up and out through the mouth. (Be warned this manoeuvre can cause injury)
* If the airway is clear and the cat is still not breathing then with the cat on their side extend their head to straighten their throat and hold the muzzle closed.
* Place your mouth over the whole of the nose area and blow gently until you see the chest rise. Wait until the air to leave the lungs before blowing again.
* Continue administering 20 blows per minutes until the cat either breaths on it's own or their heart stops.
* If the heart stops then CPR would need to be carried out by a second person. Alternating every one breath for five CPR compressions.

To carry out CPR use the flat of your hand over the heart (thumbs if kitten) and press the chest about one inch using a rhythmical motion.

Recognising an emergency or serious illness with your cat is essential if your cat is to receive urgent medical care. Signs to look out for include:

Bleeding - including blood in the stool or urine.
Convulsions - violet all over shaking.
Lack of appetite - the cat refuses to eat or drink for several days and appears to be lethargic and disinterested in its surroundings.
Weight loss -dramatic sudden weight loss, especially if they are continuing to eat normally.
Swelling - Any unusual bumps and swellings should be checked out as soon as possible.
Breathing Trouble and excessive coughing.

The best advice is that if there are any suspicions that the cat is unwell or that they are displaying unusual behaviour or have any lumps, bumps or wounds, is to take them to the Vets a soon as possible. Any illness of injury treated early will not only prevent the cat from suffering but may even save their life.

More cat health and cat care tips can be found at our site http://www.our-happy-cat.com A feline friendly community full of helpful advice and fun things to do to make sure you have a happy cat and a happy you.

Copyright 2007 Kate Tilmouth

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Tilmouth