Publisher's Synopsis
The average life expectancy of cats was about ten years just a few decades ago. Currently many live for close to 20 years through improved nutrition, vaccination and with improved standards of care. A large number of people keep their cats vaccinated by visiting veterinary services while maintaining regular treatment programs against parasites, for example, fleas, and worms. However, a huge challenge is faced when deciding when a cat needs veterinary care for varying conditions and what conditions are termed as emergencies. Before deciding if and when your cat needs veterinary care, it is important to undertake some few first aid measures. Table of Contents: FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN ADMINISTERING FIRST AID FOR YOUR CAT6 What to do in a catastrophe 6 FIRST AID- THE BASICS8 Restrain8 Respiration9 Heart Rate and Pulse9 Mucous Membrane Color and Capillary Refill Time10 ORDER OF IMPORTANCE11 Shock11 Artificial Respiration and Heart Massage12 Wounds14 Bandaging16 Transporting an Injured Cat17 SITUATIONS THAT REQUIRE VETERINARY SERVICES AND ATTENTION19 1.Body Temperature19 2.Behavior20 3.Breathing20 4.Mobility and General Appearance21 5.Odors21 6.Dehydration22 7.Eye Conditions22 8.Ear conditions23 EXAMINATION OF BODY PARTS25 Examination of The Head and Neck25 Examination of The Chest, Abdomen and Legs25 Examination of Tail, Anus and Genitals25 The Skin and Fur26 The Alimentary System27 The Bladder27 COPING IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS28 Problems with Kittening28 Burns30 Constipation30 Convulsions/Seizures31 Coughing32 Diabetes Emergencies32 Diarrhea33 Drowning35 Electric Shock35 Ear Injuries36 Eye Injuries36 Fainting37 Fractures38 Frostbite and Hypothermia39 Heart Failure40 Heatstroke40 Injury to Skin41 Lameness44 Losing Balance45 Mouth Conditions45 Nasal Problems46 Poisoning and Forms of Poisons47 Skin Contact47 Inhaled48 Swallowed48 Acid poisons49 Alkaline poisons49 Rodent Poison50 Slug and Snail Bait-Metaldehyde51 Antifreeze-Ethylene Glycol51 Aspirin51 Illegal Drugs, For Example, Cannabis and Ecstasy52 Sedatives, Antidepressants and Anti Anxiety Drugs52 Porcupine Quills54 Puncture Wounds54 Scratching56 Bites57 Snake Bite57 Spider Bites58 Swallowed Objects59 Swollen Paws59 Urinary Problems60 Vomiting60 OBSERVATION CHECKLIST FOR YOUR CAT63 ITEMS NEEDED IN A FIRST AID KIT64 Medication64 List of information65