Recovery Position

When assessing your cat, if its heart is beating and it is breathing, there is no need for heart massage and artificial resuscitation (CPR).

Place the cat in the recovery position by laying it on a warm surface on an incline Make sure that its head is lying lower than its body so that maximum blood goes to the brain.

Unless your cat is suffering from heatstroke, wrap it loosely in a light blanket to prevent the loss of body heat, while you seek immediate veterinary attention.

Open wounds are more apparent, with possible pain, bleeding, broken skin, even if there is only a small puncture. If a cat is not in shock, it will increasingly lick the affected area.

Treat open wounds by applying pressure with clean gauze or absorbent material. Once the gauze or material has been applied to the bleeding wound, leave it there until your vet examines your cat: removing a blood-soaked dressing disturbs the clot and can initiate more bleeding.

Do not use disinfectants or antiseptics on gaping open wounds. Never rub open wounds because you may cause further damage.

Cats rarely bleed profusely from minor wounds; blood vessels in their skin clot quickly. Internal bleeding is more common, and very dangerous, because it cannot be seen. Always seek veterinary advice after any trauma.

If you see bleeding, apply pressure to the wound using clean gauze. Flush minor wounds with clean water or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

Bandage injuries only if absolutely necessary. It can be extremely difficult to apply a bandage to any part of a cat's body other than its torso.