First aid for your cat
6 min read
Cats hide pain and stress makes them worse. Handle your cat gently, in a calm setting, wrapping it in a towel if needed. These actions stabilise the animal on the way to the vet.
Handling an injured cat
Wrap it in a towel (the "burrito" technique) to restrain it without hurting it: this limits scratches and reassures it. Never squeeze the chest and keep the head free.
Respiratory distress
A cat breathing with its mouth open, with the abdomen pumping, or lying "sphinx-like" and unable to lie on its side, is in a life-threatening emergency (asthma, effusion, oedema).
Do not stress it or force it: place it in its carrier, keep things calm and set off immediately for a vet able to give oxygen.
Wounds, bites and bleeding
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Cat bites infect quickly and form abscesses: a consultation is needed even for a small wound.
Common cat poisonings
Several everyday substances are especially dangerous, even fatal, for cats. Do not induce vomiting and get to a vet urgently with the packaging.
- Lilies (the whole plant, even the pollen): severe kidney damage.
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): a few drops are enough.
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen): toxic and forbidden in cats.
- Permethrin (dog flea treatment): never apply it to a cat.
Heatstroke
Rarer than in dogs but just as serious. Move the cat into the shade, cool it gradually with lukewarm water and seek care without delay.
Fall from a height
After a fall ("high-rise syndrome"), even without a visible wound, a cat may have a jaw fracture, a cleft palate or a chest injury. A veterinary check-up is essential.
This information is general and educational: it does not replace a veterinary consultation. If in doubt or in an emergency, contact your vet or an on-call service immediately.
Is it an emergency?
Find an on-call vet near you, 24/7.