Basic first aid for your cat involves your dealing with injuries or other physical problems your pet might encounter in and around your home. Three precautions to take immediately are 1) learn CPR for cats in case you ever need it, 2) put together a Cat First Aid Kit and 3) program the phone numbers for your vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center and the closest animal hospital that offers emergency services (if you have one) as speed dial numbers on your home and/or cell phones.

Some of these first aid issues will be minor and you can handle them yourself. Others may involve a medical emergency where you might have to treat the problem immediately, prepare your cat for transporting in a way that minimizes the chance of further injury and then take him to the veterinary hospital. In either case, your responsibility as owner is to know the following:

• What symptoms to look for
• What the possible causes are
• What you should do to treat the animal
• What you should not do
• When to call the vet or transport your cat to a veterinary hospital

The tables that follow provide this information at a glance, organized alphabetically by the type of problem. They also provide links to find more detailed information, if it's available, on each category.

Bite and Stings, Insect
Symptoms:	Redness and/or swelling, pain, itching, licking
Possible Causes:	Mosquitoes, chiggers, spiders, other biting insects
What to Do:	1. Try to identify the insect. 2. If you see an embedded stinger, remove it by scraping it with a hard object such as your fingernail or a credit card. 3. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. 4. Apply ice or cold packs to the affected area to keep swelling and pain to a minimum. 5. You can apply Calamine lotion or Cortaid for itching.
What Not to Do:	Do not attempt to remove an embedded stinger as you would a splinter; this may release more toxins.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	1. Transport immediately if your cat exhibits signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face and neck or difficulty breathing or 2. If your cat goes into shock or otherwise seems ill.
Where to Look for More Information:	Allergic Reactions CPR

Bites, Snake
Symptoms:	Puncture wounds, redness, swelling; if the snake is poisonous, your cat may exhibit signs of respiratory or motor difficulties
Possible Causes:	Snake or other venomous animals
What to Do:	1. Keep your cat calm. If he gets excited, the accelerated heart rate will spread the poison (if the snake is poisonous) more rapidly. 2. If you see the snake, remember what it looks like. Identifying the kind of snake is important for determining treatment options. 3. If the bite is on an extremity (his leg, for example), tie a handkerchief or bandage around it between the bite wound and your cat's heart. Tie it loose enough so you can slip one finger underneath it. 4. If your cat goes into shock: Attempt to calm your cat by talking soothingly. Put your cat in a comfortable position. Elevate his hind end slightly. Cover your cat with a blanket. 5. If your cat stops breathing, administer CPR. 6. If your cat is not in dire physical distress, wash the wound with mild soap and water.
What Not to Do:	1. Do not try to suck the venom out. 2. Do not put ice on the wound. 3. Do not tie the bandage too tight (you don't want to cut off circulation).
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Snake Bite Shock CPR

Bite Wounds, Other Animals
Symptoms:	Unruptured abscess that is red or blue and swollen; Ruptured abscess with foul smelling pus; loss of appetite; fever above 103°F; lethargy.
Possible Causes:	Being attacked, fighting
What to Do:	1. Control bleeding. 2. If you witness the attack, try to find out if the animal has rabies. 3. If the attacking animal is wild, and it is dead, take it with you to the veterinarian. Wear gloves to carefully pick up the animal and place it in a bag. 4. If your cat has an abscess or wound, clip the hair around the wound and flush it with water. 5. Take your cat to the veterinarian.
What Not to Do:	Do not try to capture the attacking animal if it is still alive.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Hopefully, your cat has already had his rabies shot. Regardless of this, your cat will need to see your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent infection.
Where to Look for More Information:	Abscesses Wounds

Bleeding
Possible Causes:	Animal bites, fighting, injury
What to Do:	1. Cover the wound with a piece of sterile gauze or a clean washcloth and apply direct pressure to the wound site. If the blood soaks through the covering, apply more cloth or gauze over it, repeating as necessary. 2. If the bleeding doesn't stop and the wound is spurting (which indicates a cut artery), apply pressure to the area just above the wound with your hand. If the wound is oozing but not spurting, apply pressure below the wound. 3. If the wound is still bleeding, apply a pressure bandage by wrapping gauze or another soft material around the wound. Check periodically for swelling. 4. If the wound is on a limb and the limb is not broken, elevate it above your cat's heart to slow the bleeding. 5. If the wound is spurting and continues to bleed after Steps 1-4 have been completed, apply a tourniquet. To make a tourniquet, tie a piece of gauze or cloth above the wound. Make a loop and insert a stick in the loop. Twist the stick until the bleeding is under control. Be sure to loosen the tourniquet for two to three minutes every 30 minutes to allow blood to flow into the limb.
What Not to Do:	1. Do not remove the gauze or cloth from the wound because this can dislodge a formed clot and restart bleeding. 2. Do not use neck pressure on animals with head injuries.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately if the bleeding is severe and cannot be stopped, if the wound needs cleaning or stitches or if there is an embedded object.
Where to Look for More Information:	Wounds and Bleeding

Breathing Problems
Symptoms:	Increased breathing effort, pale or blue mucous membrane, fainting, voice changes, cessation of breathing.
Possible Causes:	Asthma, lung infections, overheating, electrical shock
What to Do:	If the cat isn't breathing, start artificial breathing: Lie the cat on his right side. Open the mouth and clear any blockages. Put your mouth over the cat's nose and exhale until the chest expands. If the cat's chest does not rise and fall during mouth-to-nose breathing, breathe more forcefully until it does. Give four or five quick breaths, then check to see if the cat is breathing. Continue artificial breathing until the cat begins breathing on his own. CPR: Perform if there is no pulse. Continue artificial breathing. If another person is available nearby, they can help with breathing or heart massage. Place the palm of one of your hands over the ribs where the elbow touches the chest. Place your other hand underneath the right side of the cat. Compress the chest to one inch five times; administer artificial breath and repeat. Pause every two minutes to check for breathing and pulse. Continue until the heart starts beating and the cat is breathing on his own.
What Not to Do:	1. Do not put your fingers in the mouth of a conscious animal 2. Do not assume there is no pulse because the animal is not breathing.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Loss of Consciousness Poisoning Drowning Respiratory Emergencies

Broken Bones
Symptoms:	Lameness, swelling, abnormally positioned limbs, pain, maybe bruising, bone protruding through skin
Possible Causes:	Traumatic injury, fighting, bone disease
What to Do:	1. Try to calm the cat. 2. Check for breathing and pulse and administer CPR if needed. 3. If a bone is protruding through the skin, wash the area with water, place a loose dressing over the wound and wrap it with tape. Make sure the dressing is loose enough to not disturb or move the bone. 4. Splint the fracture with a magazine or newspaper. Put the magazine or newspaper under the leg and loosely roll it around the leg. Put a piece of tape around the top and bottom of the splint. DO NOT pull on the leg. 5. Begin taping just above the magazine to attach the splint to the leg for transport. Continue taping all the way down the leg, but do not cover the toes.
What Not to Do:	1. Do not splint the limb unless you are sure you can do it properly. Improper splinting can cause further injury. 2. Do not splint the limb if the animal struggles excessively.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport Immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Leg or Tail Injuries CPR

Burns
Symptoms:	Red skin, pain, swelling, loss of skin, charred appearance of skin
Possible Causes:	Chemicals, electric shock, fire, hot water, heating pads, hair dryers
What to Do:	1. Apply cool water. This can be done by immersing the area in a cool bath, by running water over the burn or by applying cool compresses to the area. If more than one area is affected, do not immerse the cat in a cool bath because this can cause shock. 2. Apply a sterile non-stick bandage to the area to keep it clean.
What Not to Do:	Do not apply ointments, butter or petroleum jelly.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Always take your cat to the veterinary hospital after a burn to prevent infection.
Where to Look for More Information:	Electrical Shock Burns in accidents & emergencies

Choking
Symptoms:	Cessation of breathing, difficulty breathing, making loud noises when breathing, anxiety, blue or white gums
Possible Causes:	Foreign object in throat, illness (choking on vomit), allergic reaction (swollen tongue), trauma
What to Do:	1. Open the cat's mouth and feel for any foreign objects with your finger. 2. Remove the object, if possible. 3. With the cat standing, lift his hind legs into the air, leaving his front legs on the floor or table, and attempt to dislodge the object. 4. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: Make a fist with each of your hands and place them below the cat's last rib. Thrust up rapidly on the abdomen. Repeat five times. 5. Perform artificial breathing. If a tiny bit of air gets past the object, it may be enough to dislodge the object when you repeat Step 4. 6. Repeat Step 4. 7. If the object is still stuck, take the palm of your hand and sharply strike the cat between the shoulder blades to dislodge the object. 8. Put your fingers in the cat's mouth and feel for and remove the object. 9. Administer CPR as needed and take the cat to the veterinary hospital.
What Not to Do:	Do not put your fingers in your cat's mouth if he is alert or growling.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Depends on severity of incident. If choking caused by illness (vomiting), transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	CPR

Cold Exposure (Hypothermia)
Symptoms:	Dilated pupils, shivering, body temperature below 95°F, unconsciousness, coma or stupor, pale blue mucous membranes, weakened pulse or decreased heart rate.
Possible Causes:	Being caught in a storm, shock, illness, inability to regulate temperature (kittens)
What to Do:	For Adult Cats: Immediately remove the cat from the cold. Check for breathing and pulse. Administer CPR as necessary. Check for shock and treat as necessary. Take the cat's temperature rectally. Give the cat a warm bath. Rub vigorously with towels after the bath. Wrap the cat in a blanket and place warmed bottles of water under his armpits and next to his chest and abdomen. Check the cat's temperature every 10 minutes until it reaches 100°F. Mix four teaspoons of sugar with a pint of water and encourage the cat to drink some. For Kittens: Tuck the kitten next to your skin underneath a sweater or jacket. It may take two to three hours to warm the kitten. Place the kitten in a homemade incubator. Offer warmed Pedialyte or 5 to 10 percent glucose and water solution and give 1cc per ounce of body weight every hour. You can also use honey and water.
What Not to Do:	1. Do not warm a kitten on a heating pad. 2. Do not feed formula to or allow a chilled kitten to nurse; it can cause vomiting.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	In severe cases, take to the veterinary hospital to make sure the cat has no permanent damage (frozen limbs) and his temperature is stable.
Where to Look for More Information:	Frostbite Freezing Hypothermia

Convulsions
Symptoms:	Anxiety immediately before the seizure, falling over, twitching, urinating, drooling, staring into space. After seizure, cat may appear to be blind.
Possible Causes:	Tumor, abscess, brain infection, birth defect, scar tissue from old head injury, poisoning, illness.
What to Do:	1. Make sure the cat is in a safe place (for example, not near the stairs). 2. Time the seizure and write down the length and time of day. Seizures lasting more than two minutes or cluster seizures (seizures occurring one after another) constitute a medical emergency. 3. If you feel the cat may hurt himself, restrain him by putting a blanket on top of him and holding the ends down.
What Not to Do:	1. Do not hold the cat's tongue. 2. Do not put your hands near his mouth. 3. Do not disturb the cat during or immediately following the seizure.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Convulsions

CPR and Artificial Breathing
When to Use:	Cessation of breathing or heartbeat
Possible Situation:	Airway obstruction, illness, injury, poisoning, insect sting, animal or snake bite, severe bleeding, trauma
What to Do:	CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, artificial breathing and heart massage) Follow the ABCs of CPR: A = Airway: Check to see if the airway is open; pull the tongue out between the teeth to see if theres a blockage. B = Breathing: Check to see if the cat is breathing. Put your hand on his chest to determine if it moves up and down, which signals respiration. Put your cheek next to the cat's nose and feel for air. C = Circulation: Feel for a pulse by putting your hand underneath the hind leg where it meets the body. If the cat isn't breathing, start artificial breathing: Lie the cat on his right side. Open the mouth and clear any blockages. Put your mouth over the cat's nose and exhale until the chest expands. If the cat's chest does not rise and fall during mouth-to-nose breathing, breathe more forcefully until it does. Give four or five quick breaths, then check to see if the cat is breathing. Continue artificial breathing until the cat begins breathing on his own. CPR: Perform if there is no pulse. Continue artificial breathing. If another person is available nearby, he or she can help with breathing or heart massage. Place the palm of one of your hands over the ribs where the elbow touches the chest. Place your other hand underneath the right side of the cat. Compress the chest to one inch five times; administer artificial breath and repeat. Pause every two minutes to check for breathing and pulse. Continue until the heart starts beating and the cat is breathing on his own.
What Not to Do:	1. Do not put your fingers in the mouth of a conscious animal 2. Do not assume there is no heartbeat or pulse because the animal is breathing.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Unconsciousness Loss of Consciousness Poisoning Respiratory Emergencies Trauma

Drowning
Possible Causes:	Disasters (flooding), falling into a pool and not being able to get out
What to Do:	1. Pull your pet out of the water. If the water is deep, use a floatation device for yourself. 2. If the cat is unconscious, lift him up by his hind legs to drain any water from the chest. Then, put a blanket under his hind legs, so the body is higher than the head, to drain any remaining water. Pull the tongue out of the mouth until you feel slight tension. 3. Check for breathing and pulse and administer CPR as necessary. 4. Put a blanket around the cat for transport.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Cat Proofing Outside

Ear, Foreign Object
Symptoms:	Shaking of the head, scratching or pawing at ear
Possible Causes:	Bug (ticks), accident
What to Do:	1. If the object is visible, gently remove it with tweezers. 2. Dab any scratches or cuts with a cotton ball and antiseptic.
What Not to Do:	Do not attempt to remove the object if it is deep in the ear canal or cannot be seen.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately if you can't remove the object yourself to prevent ear infection or damage to the ear's structure.

Electrical Shock
Symptoms:	Lying on the floor near the cord, loss of appetite, drooling, foul mouth odor, mouth ulcers or burns, difficulty breathing.
Possible Causes:	Chewing on electrical cords
What to Do:	1. Turn off the power and unplug the power cord. 2. Check for breathing and pulse. Administer CPR as needed. 3. Check for and treat shock.
What Not to Do:	Do not touch the cat until you turn off the power and unplug the cord.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately if you suspect electrical shock. Some symptoms are readily apparent but others may not appear for days.
Where to Look for More Information:	Loss of consciousness Cat-Proofing the House

Eye Burns, Irritation
Symptoms:	Redness, swelling, drainage or discharge, cloudiness, protruding third eyelid, squinting, pawing at eyes.
Possible Causes:	Smoke, contact with a chemical
What to Do:	1. Flush the eye with generous amounts of water for 5 to 10 minutes. 2. Prevent your cat from rubbing his eyes. This can be done by taping the front paws or legs together or by wrapping in a towel.
What Not to Do:	Do not apply ointment to the eye.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Common Accidents & Emergencies

Eyes, Foreign Object
Symptoms:	Redness, swelling, rubbing or pawing at eye, squinting, discharge or runny eyes, obvious foreign object.
Possible Causes:	Flying debris or brushing up against a plant.
What to Do:	1. Check the eye for any foreign objects. 2. Wash the eye with large amounts of sterile saline solution or tap water to remove it. 3. Check the eye with a good light to ensure the object is gone. 4. Wipe away discharge or remaining foreign matter around the eye with a soft cloth.
What Not to Do:	1. Do not put your fingers in your cat's eye. 2. Do not use eye ointments.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately if the eye has been cut or if you are unable to remove the object.

Fishhook Removal
Symptoms:	Drooling, loss of appetite, pain
Possible Causes:	Playing with fishing equipment, accident
What to Do:	1. Push the hook through the exit wound until the barb is visible. 2. Cut the bard off with wire cutters. 3. Pull the hook out the same way it went in. 4. Treat as a wound.
What Not to Do:	Do not attempt to remove the hook if it is embedded in the mouth or if fish line is attached and it has been swallowed.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Call the veterinarian to see if a visit is necessary for antibiotic treatment. Transport immediately if the hook cannot be safely removed.

Frostbite
Symptoms:	Discoloration of affected area (possibly pale or blue, if advanced, black), lack of pain and sensation in the affected area (although it will be very painful as it is warmed).
Possible Causes:	Exposure to extreme cold
What to Do:	1. Remove the cat from the cold. 2. Spray the affected area with warm water.
What Not to Do:	Do not warm the area suddenly.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Freezing Frostbite

Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms:	Excessive panting, fainting, bloody diarrhea or vomit, increased respiratory rate, redder than normal mucous membrane, stupor, salivation, moisture accumulation on feet, high temperature (can get as high as 110°F)
Possible Causes:	Being left in a parked car, lack of shelter, excessive exercise, illness, seizures, heavy-coated cats in warm climates
What to Do:	1. Immediately remove the cat from the source of the heat. Take him inside or to a shaded area. 2. Check and treat for shock as necessary. Take the cat's temperature rectally. Cool the cat's body temperature quickly by immersing him in cold water or by applying cold, wet towels. You can also use a garden hose if one is available, but make sure the water is cool before spraying the cat. 3. Turn on a fan and point it at the cat. 4. Rub alcohol on the cat's front and back foot pads and back of the legs. 5. Put ice packs on head, chest and thighs. 6. Check the cat's rectal temperature every 10 minutes. Continue treatment as described in Step 4 until the temperature falls to 104°F.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	After cooling the cat to a temperature of 104°F, transport immediately. There are many serious complications of heat exhaustion (kidney failure, abnormal heartbeat, cessation of breathing, seizures and brain swelling), some of which can be fatal. Some complications may not present themselves for hours.
Where to Look for More Information:	Heatstroke

Nose, Foreign Object
Symptoms:	Pawing at nose, sneezing
Possible Causes:	Accidental inhalation of foreign object
What to Do:	1. Look in the nose to see if the object is visible. 2. If you can see the foreign object, gently remove it with tweezers.
What Not to Do:	Do not attempt to remove the object if it is high up in the nose.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately if the object cannot be removed.

Poisoning
Symptoms:	Vomiting or diarrhea; seizures, drooling or foaming at the mouth; swollen or red skin; ulcers in the mouth; burned lips, mouth or skin; bleeding from anus or other body cavity; abnormal mental state
Possible Causes:	Accidental ingestion of poison or poisonous plant, eating toxic food or garbage, improper medication administration
What to Do:	Ingested poisons: Check for breathing and pulse and administer CPR as needed. Check the color of your cat's gums. Certain poisons can cause specific changes in color. Push lightly on the cat's gums and see how fast they turn from pink to white and then pink again. They should turn pink again in 1 to 2 seconds. Less than 1 second or more than 3 constitutes an emergency situation. Check the cat's mental state. Call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-548-2423. Topical poisoning: Call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-548-2423. Wash your cat repeatedly with soap and water. Flush the eyes with large volumes of tap water or sterile eyewash. If the poison is in powder form, dust or vacuum it off. Inhaled poisons (carbon monoxide and other gases): Remove the animal from the area and into fresh air. Check for breathing and pulse. Administer CPR as necessary. Check for and treat shock. How to induce vomiting: Method 1. Hydrogen Peroxide 3%: Give one teaspoon of Hydrogen Peroxide 3% per 10 pounds of body weight (up to three teaspoons per dose) every 15-20 minutes until the cat vomits. Do not repeat more than three times. Method 2. Syrup of Ipecac: Give one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, once only. Do not give a second dose (unless directed to by your veterinarian). Be sure to use Syrup of Ipecac, NOT Ipecac Fluid Extract, which is up to 14 times stronger.
What Not to Do:	Do not induce vomiting if your cat is having trouble breathing, is unconscious, is having seizures, if the toxin is an acid or petroleum-based product, if heart rate is slow or when container says not to.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Poisoning (accidents & emergencies) Dangerous Foods & Plants FAQ: How can I tell if my cat ate something poisonous?

Puncture Wounds
Symptoms:	Bleeding, bruising, skin wound, embedded object in the skin
Possible Causes:	Injury from a pointed object, bite wound
What to Do:	1. Control any bleeding. Do not remove a puncture device if it is deeply embedded (knife, arrow, etc.). This can cause serious bleeding and further injury. Instead, secure the embedded object by placing first aid tape around it and wrapping gauze around the cat. You can cut the object to within five inches of the wound. This will help prevent the object from moving around and causing further damage. 2. Check for breathing and pulse. Administer CPR as necessary. 3. Check for and treat for shock.
What Not to Do:	Do not remove deeply embedded objects. This can cause more bleeding and further injury.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately if there is an imbedded object, if the bleeding cannot be stopped, if the cat goes into shock, if you are unable to clean the wound or if the wound has two holes, which indicates a bite wound.
Where to Look for More Information:	Open Wounds

Scratches
Symptoms:	Skin abrasion, redness, bleeding
Possible Causes:	Fighting, rubbing against sharp object
What to Do:	1. Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide. 2. Apply an antibiotic ointment three times a day for 5 to 7 days. 3. Bandage wound (optional), which may prevent excessive licking.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Call your veterinarian if the wound was caused by an animal or a rusty object. Transport immediately if there are signs of an infection such as redness, swelling or pus.
Where to Look for More Information:	Wounds Wound Infections

Shock
Symptoms:	Early stage: Increased heart rate, low body temperature, redder than normal mucous membranes, lowered body temperature Middle stage: Hypothermia, weak pulse, depression, cool limbs, pale mucous membranes, increased heart rate. End (terminal) stage: Slow respiratory rate, depression or unconsciousness, weak or absent pulse.
Possible Causes:	Sudden blood loss, severe allergic reaction, infection, traumatic injury, heart failure
What to Do:	1. Check for breathing and pulse and administer CPR as necessary. 2. Control any bleeding. 3. Attempt to calm the cat by talking soothingly. 4. Put the cat in a comfortable position. Elevate the hind end slightly if you are sure the cat's back is not broken. 5. Splint or immobilize broken limbs before transport. 6. Cover the cat with a blanket to prevent further loss of body heat.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Common Accidents & Emergencies

Splinter Removal
Symptoms:	Not placing weight on a limb, swelling where the splinter is located, licking the area
Possible Causes:	Running into a sharp wooden object, injury
What to Do:	1. Sterilize a pair of tweezers by passing them through a flame or dipping them in alcohol. 2. Grab the splinter with the tweezers and pull it out. 3. If the splinter is under the skin, put petroleum jelly on the area for 15 minutes, then pull out the splinter. 4. Soak affected area in warm water and Epsom salts. 5. Apply an antibiotic ointment.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	If the wound is too deep or you cannot remove the splinter, call your veterinarian for an office visit.

Sprains
Symptoms:	Swelling, limping, pain
Possible Causes:	Tripping or falling
What to Do:	1. Alternately apply ice packs or cold compresses and heat to the affected area for 5 to 15 minutes three times a day. 2. Restrict activity by keeping your cat in a confined area.
What Not to Do:	Do not give your cat aspirin.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Call your veterinarian in 24 hours if there is no improvement. X-rays may be necessary to check for a possible fracture or torn ligaments.
Where to Look for More Information:	Leg and Tail Injuries

Swallowed Objects
Symptoms:	Sudden abdominal pain, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
What to Do:	Swallowed string: Attempt to remove the string from the mouth by pulling gently. If there is any resistance, stop immediately and take the cat to the veterinarian. Other objects: Determine if the object is potentially poisonous. If the object is not sharp or poisonous, see if it passes in 24 hours. Feed your cat a piece of bread to coat and bind the object.
What Not to Do:	Do not induce vomiting if the object is sharp.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport if the object is not passed in 24 hours or if your cat shows signs of illness or pain.
Where to Look for More Information:	Swallowed Foreign Objects and Intestinal Blockages

Tick Removal
Symptoms:	Small, dark-colored, engorged insect with its head burrowed into the animal's skin, red swollen area around the tick
Possible Causes:	Walking through high grass, brushing against leaves, bushes and trees.
What to Do:	1. Put on latex gloves. 2. Spray a small amount of tick spray on a piece of gauze, cotton ball or paper towel and hold over the tick for 30 to 60 seconds. You can also use petroleum jelly or mineral oil. 3. The tick should start to back out. When it does, grab the entire tick with tweezers and remove it. 4. If the head does not come out (it will look like a small, black dot under the skin), remove it as you would a splinter. 5. Flush the tick down the toilet, or save it in a safe container to show to your veterinarian. 6. Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic cream.
What Not to Do:	Do not pull the tick out and leave the head.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport if you cannot remove the head or if your cat displays symptoms of illness.
Where to Look for More Information:	External Parasites FAQ: How do I prevent ticks and fleas?

Traumatic Injuries (Car Accident)
Symptoms:	Bleeding, loss of consciousness, serious external or internal injuries
What to Do:	1. Try to determine where the cat was hit. 2. Approach the accident scene with extreme caution. If the cat is still lying in traffic, be careful as you approach, and signal to oncoming traffic by waving a cloth. Carefully move the cat to a safer place (if there is no back injury) by grabbing him by the fur on his back with both hands and gently dragging him to the side of the road. Try to keep him as still as possible to prevent further injury. 3. If you suspect a back injury, place a shirt or flat object, such as a board, underneath the cat before attempting to move him. 4. Look for injuries, and be sure to note any blood, urine or feces (the veterinarian may need this information when you get to the hospital). 5. Check to see if the cat is breathing. If not, begin CPR. 6. Check for shock and treat if necessary. If internal organs are exposed: Pick up the cat and his exposed organs simultaneously. Place the cat and the organs on a wet towel, and wrap the towel around the cat. Chest wounds, open: Try to calm the cat. If you hear a gurgling or a sucking sound, place some plastic wrap on top of the wound, and wrap it around the cat several times to secure it. This will aid in breathing. If you don't have plastic wrap, use part of a clean garbage bag or another piece of similar plastic and secure it to the cat with tape or gauze.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Head Injuries CPR Shock Bleeding

Unconsciousness
Possible Causes:	Poisoning, hypoglycemia, injury, illness, heart attack,
What to Do:	1. Pull out the cat's tongue and clear the airway. 2. Check for breathing and pulse and administer CPR as necessary. 3. Gently lift the cat and place him on a table with his head hanging off the edge. 4. Control bleeding. 5. Treat for shock. 6. Pass some smelling salts under his nose. 7. Once he regains consciousness, rub some Karo syrup on his lips.
What Not to Do:	Do not give the cat anything by mouth until he regains consciousness.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:	Transport immediately.
Where to Look for More Information:	Common Accidents & Emergencies