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Things To Do When Your Cat Gets Sick
First keep the phone number of your veterinarian handy in case of an emergency. Remember this information is for reference only. Always contact a veterinarian for professional advise.
Some symptoms to look for if your cat becomes sick :
Poisoning: If a cat becomes agitated and starts to have painful seizures, drooling, tremors or stops breathing it might have accidentally ingested a poison such as strychnine used to kill rat's and mice. If you discover the first signs of this behavior induce vomiting. If the cat is having trouble breathing or having tremors don't induce vomiting but carefully wrap the cat in a blanket and take it to the nearest vet.
Rabies: Rabies can also cause a cat to become agitated. Cats that frequently go outdoors, especially rural areas can come in contact with a rabid skunk, raccoon or fox and be infected by a bite. If a loving cat starts to become irritable or becomes reclusive, stars blankly, shuns light , has tremors, convulsions or staggers this can indicate rabies. If you should be bitten by a rabid cat seek medical care at once.
Shivering: This can be caused by hypothermia due to long periods of exposure to cold. The cat should be placed in a warm blanket and use a hair dryer if the cat is wet. As the cat begins to warm contact a vet on advice for other treatments.
Wound: If it is a superficial wound, first clean the wound and gently wipe away any blood or dirt using a damp cotton ball. Gently trim away the fur around the wound and apply petroleum jelly on the edges to keep hair from getting in the wound. A mild antiseptic suitable for cats should be applied to the wound. Cover the wound with gauze and secure it with adhesive tape. If the wound is more than superficial contact a vet.
Administering Medicine-Pills: In some cases you may have to administer medicine for the owners cat. To do this hold the head between your forefinger and thumb and tilt it back. Press lightly on the jaw to open the cats mouth. Place the pill on the tongue as far back in it's mouth as you can. Close the cats mouth and gently stroke the throat to help it to swallow the pill.
Don't feed a cat bones such as pork chop or chicken because they could splinter and lodge in the cats throat.Contrary to popular myth, milk is not necessary for cats and may cause an upset stomach..
Don't let the cat roam freely outside where it could be hit by a car or stolen or attacked by other animals that could be infected with rabies.
Don't give a cat any medication including aspirin without the consent of the owner or veterinarian. Human drugs (i.e Acetaminophen) are toxic to cats.
Do clean the litter box and dish bowl. Keep ample water in the drinking bowl.
Make sure the screens on the windows and doors are securely latched. Don't run the risk that the pet could slip out unnoticed.
Can't find the cat? 10 favorite hiding places for cats.
1: In a laundry basket.
2: Under the bed.
3: In a drawer.
4: Behind the drapes.
5: On top of the kitchen cabinets.
6: In the fireplace.
7: Behind a door.
8: Behind books.
9: Under the flap of an upholstered chair.
10: In the folds of an upholstered chair.
If the cat has run off and you can't find it contact the local animal shelter immediately to file a lost cat report. Shelter workers can give you tips on how to get the cat back
How to pick up a cat. Scratch the cat between the ears and across the cheekbones. Since most cats don't like to be approached from the front approach the cat from the side putting one hand under the armpits of the front legs and lifting. As soon as the hind legs start to leave the floor scoop the cat up from beneath with the other hand. Don't pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck. Only mother cats can do that safely with their kittens.
When to call a veterinarian:
I: If the cat is having a seizure.
II: You think it has ingested something toxic.
III: Has trouble urinating.
IV: Shows sign of extreme pain, shaking or collapses.
V: Loss of appetite.
VI: Trouble walking.
VII: Bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.
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