You may not have time to get your cat to a vet in an emergency. Have a cat-specific first aid manual in the kit, for easy reference. Make sure to have your vet’s telephone number, the poison control hotline number, and the contact details of and directions to a nearby emergency animal clinic, as well. Include identification details for your pet, like sex, appearance, breed, and any health concerns or distinguishing traits. Also have up-to-date medical records, like her proofs of vaccination. Consider putting these documents into a waterproof, zip-lock bag to keep them from the elements.
You should have supplies for treating and disinfecting wounds. Get items like antiseptic wipes or ointment and rubbing alcohol, and also protective gloves. Cotton balls and swabs may come in handy, as well, for wiping clean wounds or applying substances like alcohol. A magnifying glass, a pair of scissors, tongue depressor, penlight, and tweezers are useful to help you see and treat some kinds of injuries. For insect bites, consider including sting stop pads or even an old credit card to scrape away imbedded stingers. [2] X Research source You will also want to be ready for poisoning, with items like milk of magnesia to absorb poison and hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Always talk to a vet or poison control center before treating poison. [3] X Research source Have a muzzle, a towel or pillowcase for restraint, a leash, rectal thermometer, and an oral syringe, as well. [4] X Research source
2 and 4 inch gauze squares can be used to apply pressure directly to a wound to stop bleeding. You will need adhesive tape to secure them. Bandage or gauze rolls will allow you to wrap a wound and will keep the gauze square in place. Flexible wrap or Vetwrap can be applied to secure and compress the gauze, as well, keeping pressure on the wound until your cat gets proper medical care. [5] X Research source Human band-aids are also good to have, in case you get scratched or bitten while treating the cat.
Gatorade or Pedialyte are good in cases of dehydration and will hydrate your cat while replenishing her electrolytes. Supplements like Nutri-Cal, Vitacal, or Nutristat are high-calorie gels that will give pets energy and a nutritional boost. You might also go with a high-calorie, high-sugar energy source like Karo Syrup. [6] X Research source
A cortisone spray or cream is good to stop itching from insect bites, for example. You can also keep cat laxatives or anti-diarrheal medication like Pet Pectate on hand. Just be sure that it doesn’t contain salicylates, a compound found in aspirin that is toxic to cats. Some people suggest keeping dehydrated or canned pumpkin mix in your kit, which will ease a cat’s constipation. [8] X Research source Cats can safely consume allergy medication like Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). However, talk to your vet about proper dosages. [9] X Research source
A basic American Red Cross first aid kit will run about $20. Deluxe family models are a bit more, in the range of $25 to $30. [10] X Research source A good first aid kit will be able to treat cuts, scrapes, swelling, allergic reactions, and pain. Usually they contain different kinds of bandages and adhesive tape, gauze, antiseptic wipes, cold compresses, and rubbing alcohol. Kits might also contain gloves, hand sanitizer, pain medication like aspirin, a thermometer, and a hydrocortisone pack.
Get rid of any aspirin tablets. Aspirin is toxic for cats because they lack the enzymes to break it down. It can cause them to vomit or bleed internally and can even affect their nervous system and lead to death. [11] X Research source The same goes for other painkillers like Aleve, Advil, Motrin (i. e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen). The first kind can cause ulcers or kidney failure, while the second damages a cat’s red blood cells. [12] X Research source
Consider having a pet first-aid book, with instructions on how to treat injuries, poison, and other emergencies. A muzzle of some kind is useful, as an injured or distressed cat is more likely to bite. You’ll be able to handle her more safely with a towel, as well. Of course, don’t muzzle a cat that is vomiting, choking, or having trouble breathing. Keep some water for treating dehydration and food or a nutritional supplement in case your pet needs emergency nourishment. A nylon leash and self-sticking bandages are also helpful.
It’s a good idea to have phone numbers and directions for the nearest pet clinic, your vet, and a poison control center or hotline. Have proof of your cat’s vaccinations for rabies and other diseases, copies of medical records, and a current photo in case she gets lost. You can include other information like the cat’s breed, age, sex, and any other health problems, as well as your own contact details.
Many ready-made first aid kits are designed for either cats or dogs. These have basic supplies like gauze, water bottles, food, alcohol pads, and antibiotic ointment. Expect to pay $25 or more for one. There are also cat-specific first aid and emergency evacuation kits. These are more expensive, some over $150, and can have medical items and food and water supplies for several days. The Ready America “Grab n’ Go” 2-person emergency cat set is designed to keep you and your pet safe and fed for up to 3 days in an emergency. It contains food, water pouches, light sticks, a separate first aid kit, matches, pet collar, alcohol pads, and more.
Prices online will range from about $20 to over $50, depending on the model and its contents. Keep in mind that you may end paying more online with added shipping costs, even if you are buying from a surplus merchandise site like Overstock. com.
Most kits have the same generic items that are found in any first aid kit, like bandages, adhesive tape, cotton balls, and antiseptics. The biggest difference between kits will be the make and pet-specific items. Some kits come with carrying cases, for instance. Will you need the kit on the go? Do you need certain pet items like a tick-remover or muzzle? Don’t forget to take a look at canine first aid kits, as well. While made for dogs, they have most of the same items and are also a bit more common. For example, the Outdoor Safety Pro Model 2000 is a high-quality canine first aid kit. It contains 70 pieces and can handle anything from skunk spray and small wounds to aid for major injuries.
