Ask the Vet | Cat First Aid Kit: 10 Things You Need in Your House

A cat first aid kit is a must for any pet owner, as there might be emergencies when you need to take action before getting to the vet. Get a box with a secure lid and put it near the emergency kit of your household, so as to be able to locate it when needed. 

1 – SURGICAL GLOVES

The surgical gloves come in handy to prevent you form getting infected and protect your cat also. Make sure to use them when handling your cat in emergency situations or even when collecting urine/ feces samples.

2 – HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Hydrogen peroxide is an efficient cleaning solution for wounds. Hydrogen peroxide is more recommended than alcohol, as alcohol can cause burns. You may also keep an antiseptic cleaner – i.e. Beta-dine or Hibitaine.

3 – GAUZE AND SURGICAL TAPES

Get sterile gauze pads and rolled gauze to be able to cover wounds. Use surgical tape to tie up bandages. After cleaning the wounds, it’s best to cover these to prevent your cat from licking and biting the wound and stop impurities from the cat’s saliva or environment from getting inside the wound. 

4 – TOWELS

Towels are used in emergency situations to wrap the cat, to wrap ice when cool compresses are needed or to wipe the cat after administering different drops. It’s always good to have an extra towel. 

5 – TWEEZERS

Tweezers are used to extract different splinters of fragments that might get in your pet’s paws. The tweezers should be sharp pointed, so as to enable you to be precise. Keep the tweezers clean; use hydroxide peroxide before using the tweezers to prevent infecting the pet. 

6 – SMALL SCISSORS

The scissors may be used to cut the cat’s hair in case of burns, but may come in handy when cutting the bandages or the tape. Wet the scissors in hydroxide peroxide before using, to sterilize them. 

7 – THERMOMETER

If you want to determine if your cat has fever use the thermometer; this may be a rectal thermometer or an ear thermometer. The ear thermometer is easier to use and your cat should be more cooperative. 

8 – OINTMENTS

An ointment containing steroids such as hydrocortisone is used to treat different stings, bites and allergic reactions.

9 – EYE AND EAR DROPPER

Your pet might need eye or ear drops; you may keep some small syringes instead. 

10 – VET’S ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER

When in a rush, you might have difficulties remembering the vet’s address or phone number, we give out fridge magnets with our emergency details on. Make sure to keep the vaccination history and possible medical records.

 Always check that your supplies are not expired. Replace these on a regular basis. by Dr Ruan Du Toit Bester

Hope this info helps
Till next week
Dr Ruan

Ask the Vet: Royal Veterinary Centre
Tel: +853 28501099, +853 28523678
Emergency: +853 62662268
Email: royalveterinary@gmail.com