Normally a wound on a cat should heal without any problems, but sometimes an infection may occur. Cleaning the wound care is important to prevent infections. In this blog, I have listed some tips on How to clean a wound on a cat. There are a few things you should keep in mind when cleaning a wound on your cat.
When you find a cat or kitten that was harmed and needs treatment immediately, it should be placed in a warm place. It is very important not to touch the injured area of the body, even if there is no bleeding; this can cause disease transmission to your pet (e.g., Leukemia virus). Also, removing any object protruding from the wound can cause more damage and pain to your cat.
How to clean a wound on a cat
1st aid:
If there is bleeding, apply pressure with a bandage or clean cloth in order to stop it. Make sure the bandage and cloth cover the entire area of the bandage so that it can absorb all the blood coming out from your cat's body. If the bleeding still doesn't stop after 15 minutes, call your vet immediately.
After you stop the bleeding and if your cat is not in danger anymore (meaning it feels better and doesn't need professional care at the moment), clean its wound carefully with a sterile saline solution or boiled water that's been cooled down to room temperature. It's best to use a cotton ball.
2nd aid:
If your cat's injury is more serious and the bleeding doesn't seem to stop after cleaning it with saline solution or boiled water, call your vet immediately. In this case, you might need to bandage the wound with sterile gauze pads and roll crepe around it from one end to another to make a tight band. Tape the ends of the crepe securely to avoid it from slipping off.
If you have to leave your cat at the vet's, always inform them about the injury and bring the materials needed to bandage it, just in case they need to change the dressing.
3rd aid:
Here are some more tips on how to take care of your cat's wound:
- If the wound is an open sore, keep it clean and dry. Apply an antibiotic ointment to a bandage and put it over the sore. Reapply the ointment every day.
- If you have to change the dressing, make sure you use gloves and a sterile saline solution to clean the wound before applying a fresh bandage.
- If there's a scab on the wound, don't pick it off because this might cause more bleeding and pain. Allow the scab to fall off by itself.
- Give your cat plenty of rest and monitor its behavior regularly; if it's in a lot of pain, take it back to the vet.
- If you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call your vet. They will be more than happy to help.
Cats are curious animals that like to explore their surroundings. This means they are also more prone to getting injured than dogs. A cat wound can be a simple scrape or scratch, or it can be something more serious like a deep cut or laceration.
No matter how big or small the wound is, it's important to clean it and treat it properly in order to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are 10 tips.
How to clean and treat a cat wound:
1. Clean the wound with cool water and mild soap. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, as this can damage the tissue.
2. Gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth.
3. Apply an antibiotic ointment on the wound. Some cats may be allergic to certain topical medications, so if you see redness, swelling or other signs of irritation discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.
4. Clean the area daily with clean water and monitor for any change in color, texture, or smell. If this occurs you should consult your veterinarian immediately.
5. As with any wound, an application of a cold pack can help reduce swelling and provide relief from discomfort. The ice should be wrapped in a clean cloth before applying to the skin, as direct contact with ice or extremely cold items can cause injury or pain.
6. If your cat's wound is dirty you may need to gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. This should be done very carefully, as you don't want to cause further injury.
7. If the wound is on an arm or leg, you may need to keep the area elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.
8. If the wound is severe or bleeding heavily, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
9. If your cat is reluctant to stay still, you can make a temporary cone out of paper to prevent her from licking the wound. Cut the cone about an inch wider than your cat's head and tape it closed with bandages or masking tape. Be sure there are no jagged edges that may cut your pet as she tries to remove the cone.
10. Keep an eye on bruising, swelling, or other visible indications of infection. If you notice any signs that concern you, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
By following these tips carefully, you can help ensure that your cat's wound heals properly and quickly with minimal risk of complications. above article is republished
