First aid for cats

Basic advice to help you if you have an emergency with your cat.

Isabelle Vets provides a 24-hour, 365 days a year emergency service. In an emergency, just ring our normal number on (01481) 723863 and you will receive prompt attention from one of our staff members who will contact the duty vet for you.

An emergency is ‘a danger to your cat’s health which requires immediate action’. This includes anything that is life threatening, is causing acute pain or suffering or may lead to permanent debility if ignored.

Common emergencies seen in cats in Guernsey are road traffic accidents and acute infections, often as a result of a cat fight.

Emergency advice before ringing the vet

• Evaluate your cat’s state of health. Look and observe.
• Check breathing, the colour of gums, movement and cat’s awareness. Check for wounds, stings or injuries.
• The more information you can provide the Vet, the better the chance of an accurate and rapid diagnosis.

Emergency first aid

• Even a docile cat can become aggressive if in pain. You can’t help the cat if you are badly bitten yourself.
• Stem any bleeding with a pressure bandage or pad.
• Hold burns on the skin under cold running water.
• Make sure that airways are clear.
• Bring the cat to Isabelle Vets at the main Route Isabelle surgery.