Medical emergencies often catch us off guard, especially for those adventurous cats who love to wander and get themselves into all sorts of mischief. Whether it’s an accidental fall, a curious nibble on something toxic, or an encounter with another animal, accidents can happen at any time.
While no one can predict every emergency or possess the expertise of a veterinarian, having a basic understanding of cat first aid could make all the difference. Knowing how to stabilize your cat in those crucial moments before professional help arrives can not only provide relief but could also save your cat’s life.
Whether it’s learning how to safely stop bleeding, assisting a choking cat, or cooling them down during heatstroke, we’re here to share some vital tips and guidelines to help you be prepared.
What is first aid for cats?
First aid for cats is no different than first aid for humans. It’s the initial treatment given in a medical emergency. Its purpose is to:
- Preserve life
- Reduce pain and discomfort
- Minimize any risk of permanent disability or disfigurement 1
What is the first aid procedure for a cat?
- Keep calm and assess the scene for any additional threats to you or your pet. This is important for everyone’s safety.
- Keep your cat warm (except in heat stroke), as quiet as possible, and keep movement to a minimum, especially if there is possible trauma, broken limbs, or any neurological symptoms.
- Contact your veterinary hospital to inform them of the situation and get specific first-aid advice.
- To safely move or transport an injured cat, use a suitable container such as a strong cardboard box or a cat carrier (remove the top for easy and safe access to the carrier; DO NOT push an injured cat through the small door or opening). Place a blanket or thick towel over the patient.
- Get to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible.2
Common cat emergencies and how to respond
Bleeding
What can I put on my cat’s wound? Use a clean cloth or gauze to apply pressure to the wound and stop bleeding. Avoid applying ointments unless directed by your vet.
Minor tears will stop bleeding after a few minutes but deeper wounds will take longer and in this case, it’s best to visit the vet.
Poisoning
If you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. Common symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. Never attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Scalds and Burns
Cool the affected area with cold, running water for several minutes. Do not apply ice, as it can cause further damage to the skin. Cover the burn with a clean, damp cloth and seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Bites and stings
If your cat has been stung by a wasp or bee, remove the stinger with your fingernail if possible. Clean the area with water and monitor your cat closely for allergic reactions. If your cat is bitten, immediately contact your veterinarian for advice as it may need antibiotic treatment.
Heat stroke
Heatstroke can happen if your cat has been exposed to high temperatures or left in a hot environment. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy. Immediately, move your cat to a cool, shaded area and apply cool (not cold) water to their paws, ears, and body. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Seizures
If your cat is experiencing a seizure, keeping them safe is crucial. Clear the area of any objects they could hurt themselves on, and do not try to restrain them. Time the seizure if possible and contact your vet immediately. Once the seizure is over, keep your cat calm and quiet.
Hit by a car
If your cat has been hit by a car, they may have internal injuries, even if there are no visible wounds. Handle them gently and transport them to the vet immediately using a sturdy carrier or box. Keep their movement to a minimum to avoid worsening potential injuries.
Broken bones and fractures
Broken bones or fractures are often evident through limping, swelling, or an unnatural position of the limb. Do not try to reset the bone yourself. Instead, gently immobilize the affected area using a towel or soft padding and take your cat to the vet.
Breathing difficulties
Trauma, allergies, or choking can cause breathing issues. If your cat is struggling to breathe, check their airway for any obstructions and remove them carefully if safe to do so. If there are no obstructions, transport them to the vet immediately. Breathing problems are always an emergency.
What to do if your cat is choking
While a difficult hairball can be mistaken for choking, cats will usually have this out in a few seconds. If your cat is choking on an object, it will appear more severe and you should intervene calmly.
Mouth sweep
First, gently open your cat’s jaws and sweep their mouth with your index finger to see if you can remove the obstruction. Look inside their mouth while you’re checking for an object to avoid pushing anything farther down their throat and gently pull their tongue forward to check the back of their throat. If you don’t see anything in their mouth or cannot conduct a safe sweep, move on to the Heimlich maneuver.
Heimlich Maneuver for cats
When performing a cat Heimlich maneuver you hold your kitty with them back against your chest and their feet hanging. Use your hands to gently but firmly push on their belly in a succession of quick, upward thrusts, about five times. If your first set of blows doesn’t dislodge the object, says PetCoach, hold your cat up by their back hips with their head down and gently sweep their mouth again. Tap your hand firmly against their back and check their mouth again. After you remove the obstruction, bring your cat to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately. 3
What should be in a cat first aid kit?
Being prepared with a well-stocked first-aid kit is essential for any pet owner. A basic cat first aid kit should include:
- Gauze pads and bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic solution (like diluted Betadine)
- Scissors and tweezers
- Digital thermometer
- Sterile saline solution for cleaning wounds or eyes
- Emergency contact numbers for your vet and a 24/7 animal poison control hotline
Why you should take a cat first aid course
Although reading about first aid is helpful, nothing beats hands-on experience. A cat first-aid course will teach you life-saving skills such as rescue breathing, CPR, and how to handle specific emergencies like choking or poisoning. These courses are often offered by pet organizations, veterinarians, or online platforms.
Article reviewed by
Veterinarian
Dr Georgia Jeremiah has a first class honors degree in comparative pathology with field experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, studying disease processes in a multitude of species.
We uphold the highest editorial standards when creating the authoritative content pet parents rely on and trust.
Every piece of clinical content on the Cat Food Advisor is reviewed by our certified Veterinary Advisory Board, which consists of licensed veterinarians and medically certified specialists.
Our reviews are completely independent; we are not paid by any pet food company to promote their products favorably. We do not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration. For more information see our Disclaimer & Disclosure page.
