Cat Health

ByElla Hall

Accidents and natural disasters are inevitable. As a cat owner, you feel responsible for the safety of your little feline friend. Just the way you need clothing, food and shelter, cats need them too. However, giving your cat its basic needs is not quite enough. You have to set something aside, for a possible future emergency- a first aid kit.

It's better to be safe than sorry. Having a first aid kit for your cat is pretty much like getting an insurance policy for him/her. On the other hand, a first aid cannot cost much. But, it is surely important, therefore it is worth having one.

Here are the reasons why you need to own a first aid kit for your cat. Also take note of the essentials that goes with it. Do you travel a lot with your furry friend? Whether it is by land, sea or air; be sure to bring your cat carrier. In case you have more than one cat, make sure you bring with you their cat beds.

Ideally, each cat should have its own cat carrier and bed. Take note of the sizes of cat carriers and cat beds you are planning to purchase. Choose the size that is not too small or large for your pet. Second, they should have proper ventilation. Third, they should be sturdy enough to secure your pets when traveling.

Like cat carriers and cat beds, you can't afford not to provide your cat with a first aid kit. The things to include in the first aid kit may vary from one owner to another. First aid kit is pretty much like a vanity collection. Other people may not own the item that you already have. Nonetheless, here's a list of the things you are likely to include in the kit.

Antiseptic cleanserEmergency ice packClean TweezersSterile gauze padsSterile gauze rollersCotton ballsCotton padsRectal thermometer (preferably the digital model)Surgical scissorsHydrogen peroxideHydro-cortisone ointmentEye droppersClean bandageEyewash solutionSurgical tape

Aside from those essentials mentioned earlier, here are some add-ons you might want to include:

Zip-lock bags - These bags are useful to avoid liquids from spilling.
Emergency numbers - This includes owner's number (yours) and vet's number. Write this on a quarter paper and secure it on a waterproof packet.
Food supply - Prepare a vacuum packed cat food. Check on its expiration details. Note that the food supply should have at least 5 years shelf life.
Poop bags - You surely need these bags when traveling, if you don't want to annoy others.
Leads and toys - Include these items if you still have so much space in your kit. These items will save your pet from boring sessions.
Water - Water is needed to keep your cat from dehydration during calamities when water is not accessible.
Mild soap - This is needed to wash the wound.

With first aid kit, your pet cat is more secured. However, note that first aid kit is not a substitute for a veterinarian visit. It is only needed to give care prior to regular medication. For serious cases, visit the veterinarian. Lastly, keep an eye on items' expiration dates.

Ella Hall enjoys writing for Thecatpetshop.com which sells cat carrier and cat beds as well as a host of additional products.

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Cat Health is a subject close to the mind of most cat owners. We do not like to see our pets suffering and often go to a great deal of effort and expense to keep them fit and healthy. However, just like people a cat can be prone to accidents and mishaps and for that reason it is advisable to have a feline first aid kit available in the house. Just like the first aid kit we keep for general medical emergencies it does not have to be elaborate.

Most of the items found in a human first aid kit can prove useful in a cat emergency although you should be cautious using human remedies for cats as they could be harmful to your pet. Some of the items that you should consider including in a feline first aid kit are:

Olive Oil which can be useful for cleaning out your cats ears and it is also a good treatment should your cat become constipated.

Thermometer. It is best to use a rectal thermometer which should be available either from your vet or local pet store. Before using it make sure that you shake it down so that you get an accurate reading. A cat's temperature normally should be between 38.3 and 38.9C (1201-102F) and just a little lower for kittens.

Disinfectant A mild disinfectant would be useful and your vet should be able to advise on a suitable one for use on your pet.

Cotton wool, gauze pads and cotton wool buds are also useful items as are a couple of suitable sized bandages.

Cats are prone to bite sand scratches and a useful addition to your first aid kit would be a tube of an antiseptic cream formulated for cats.

In addition a pair of round ended scissors and a pair of tweezers to remove any kind of splinters would more or less complete the basic cat first aid kit. However, to avoid infecting yourself whilst treating your cat you might like to add a pair of thick gloves to the kit to avoid being scratched whilst treating your cat.

One final consideration is that if your cat becomes suddenly sick or injured you will need to get them to a vet as soon as possible. Therefore, you should make sure that you have a suitable carrier in which to transport your cat.

It is always hoped that you will not need your feline first aid kit but it is always better to be prepared just in case.

Being a cat owner comes with responsibilities you need to know about Cat Care. To find free articles about looking after your cat visit http://www.cat-lovers.co.uk

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