Shock

Clinical shock is a potentially life-threatening event; cats may go into this state hours after an accident. The signs of shock are pale or white gums, a rapid heart rate of over 250 beats per minute, and fast breathing of over 40 breaths per minute.

Shock has many causes, including internal or external bleeding, burns, heart failure, vomiting diarrhea, urinary blockages, trauma, animal or insect bites, electrocution, diabetes, and poisons.

Treating shock takes precedence over most other injuries, including broken bones. Minimize shock by placing the cat on its side on a warm surface with its head extended, elevating the hindquarters with a pillow or towel to send as much blood as possible to the head.

Use manual pressure to stop obvious bleeding. Give artificial respiration and heart massage if necessary, wrap your cat in a warm blanket, and go immediately to the nearest veterinarian ior life-sustaining medical treatment.