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If you suspect your cat is ill or injured, you may begin to get worried. From burns and scalds to suspected poisoning and even road traffic accidents, the best response to any scenario is usually to call your vet for advice. If you're concerned about your pet and wondering whether to give your vet a call, take a look at our tips to ensure they are safe and well. It is worth mentioning that you should never give your cat medicines intended for human consumption, as this could harm them.
There are several common injuries or illnesses that can benefit from basic first aid. For the following:
Although it can often be tricky to decide whether the situation is an emergency, you'll need to monitor your cat's behaviour to ensure they are safe and well.
If your cat displays any of the following behaviour, it is recommended that you call the vet immediately.
Remember to keep calm, approaching your cat carefully and slowly. A sick cat has the potential to lash out if they feel threatened. For more advice on common cat illnesses, take a look at our guide.
If your cat needs medication, you may find it tricky to give them their pills. Take a look at our videos for a step-by-step guide.
If you're unable to give your cat a pill by hand, why not try using a popper? Take a look at our video guide.
Feline first aid FAQs - Want to brush up on your feline first aid? Have a read of this blog post, summarising some of Cats Protection vet Vanessa Howie’s answers to our recent live first aid Q&A on Facebook.