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Cat bleeding

Cat Bleeding

If you have a cat, then this article might be helpful for you.



Tending to a bleeding cat is part of cat care and cat health. It is important to give first aid care to a cat to prevent it from bleeding heavily and getting into shock. If you apply pressure to the wound, it stimulates normal clotting and this stops the leak. In a nutshell, this helps the blood cells to form a screen over the wound, which prevents loss of blood.





Sometimes, when cats bleed heavily, they might go into shock. It is important to be able to identify the signs of shock by looking at the cat. Some of the signs include rapid breathing and heartbeat, and white or pale gums. If blood is spurting out from the wound, then probably, an artery has been cut.



You will need to take it to the vet immediately.

The way you tend to a wound, depends upon the area the cat is hurt and bleeding from. Here is a guide to help you give first aid to a cat.

  • Cat bleeding from head or torso: Approach the cat carefully, and remember that if the animal is scared, then it might need to be restrained. Clean the wound and cover it with a folded and clean towel, a gauze pad as well and a heavy cloth. You can even use a sanitary napkin. Wrap some soft rags around the dressing and tape it up tightly, so that the dressing does not move. Take the cat to the vet.
  • Cat bleeding from tail, paw and leg: you need to cut the hair around the wound, and examine the area for a glass shard or any other foreign objects. If you spot anything, remove it with tweezers. Check to see if the wound appears deep and if it might need stitches. Clean thoroughly with water and do not apply home antiseptics as the cat may lick the wound. Apply the same dressing we mentioned before and press it firmly. The pressure will stop the bleeding. Also, try to get the cat to the vet quickly.
  • Cat bleeding from ear: Cover the wound with a sanitary napkin or a sterile dressing. Remember that if the animal has cut its ears, it will bleed a lot. Hold the dressing on either side of the ear flap firmly to stop the bleeding. If you apply enough pressure, the bleeding will stop within five minutes.
  • If the cat is bleeding from the nose, then apply an ice pack and hold the dressing firmly. For cat anal bleeding, we suggest you rush him to the vet as it could mean that the animal has some other health problems.
 
  Submitted on May 10, 2010  
 
 
 

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