Cats are very resilient and do not show symptoms of illness until late stages. When is it an emergency? And what is the right thing to do? Here you will find useful information to help you assess your cat's condition. The most important thing is to stay calm and keep a clear head.
An emergency is when there is a risk of serious injury or even death to the animal without immediate assistance. Clear warning signs of an emergency in cats are as follows:
A healthy cat has the following normal values:
Every cat has its own normal values. It is best to check these regularly when your cat is resting so that you are well prepared in an emergency and can assess the values.
If you take the right first aid measures quickly, you can save your cat's life and prevent further damage.
If you cannot feel a pulse and see no signs of breathing, resuscitation may be life-saving. To do this, alternate between 15 chest compressions (two to three compressions per second) and two mouth-to-nose breaths. Continue resuscitation until the heart starts beating again and the cat is breathing.
Lay the cat on its right side, place two fingers on its chest behind the left elbow or grasp it with one hand between your thumb and fingers. Now carefully begin chest compressions.
Open the cat's mouth, remove any vomit, foreign objects or blood, stretch its neck and carefully pull its tongue forward. Now close the mouth, seal the nose with your lips and blow into it so that the chest rises. If the cat does not breathe independently within ten minutes, you can stop resuscitation.
With a well-stocked first-aid kit (see related article), you will be well equipped to provide initial care at home.
If the person is not breathing and/or has no pulse, perform CPR immediately.
Then check the cat for bleeding. Tie off heavy bleeding on the limbs above the injury. Apply a pressure bandage to other areas and in the case of arterial bleeding (pulsating, bright red blood flow). It is best to cover wounds with sterile gauze pads or moistened cloths.
Keep injured limbs soft and stable. Pad them carefully with thick cotton wool if available and wrap them loosely with a gauze bandage.
Since even invisible internal injuries can have life-threatening consequences, an animal should always be taken to a veterinary clinic as an emergency after a car accident. Call ahead to let them know you are coming.
A blockage of the urethra (see corresponding article), which occurs mainly in male cats, is an absolute emergency that must be treated immediately by a veterinarian.
If your cat has swallowed a foreign object, try to remove it with your fingers. Be careful that the object does not slip further down the throat or that the cat bites it. If the foreign object has slipped too far down the throat, seek veterinary attention immediately. Do not attempt to remove a thread-like foreign object yourself.
If your cat is having trouble breathing because of a foreign object, you can try to make them cough it up. To do this, lay your cat on its right side with its back toward you and place one hand under its sternum. Now press firmly toward the cat's back and throat. Alternatively, you can tap gently but firmly between your cat's shoulder blades with the palm of your hand. Even if your cat seems to be feeling better, take it to a veterinarian immediately, as further damage may have occurred.
In the event of paralysis, for example in a tilting window accident (see relevant article), seek immediate veterinary attention. Avoid moving your cat any further.
In case of poisoning (see relevant article), consult a veterinarian immediately and inform them in advance by telephone what, how much, and when the substance was ingested. Take any remaining substance or a sample of the vomit with you, even if your cat has only come into contact with the poison through its skin or respiratory tract. Do not attempt to induce vomiting yourself.
Common causes of poisoning in cats are poisonous plants, rat poison, slug pellets, and parasite control products for dogs.
If your cat has a seizure (see relevant article), keep it calm, prevent injury by padding it and darken the room. Talk to your cat in a soothing voice, but do not touch its head during the seizure to avoid injury. If a seizure does not subside within a few minutes, it is a life-threatening emergency and you must take your cat to the vet immediately.
If your cat suffers from heatstroke, move it to a cool environment immediately. Cool it down with wet towels. Even if it feels better after cooling down, take it to a vet immediately, as further damage may have occurred.
In case of burns, cool the wound under running water and then cover it with a sterile cloth. Seek immediate veterinary attention for large burns.
If there are any complications during birth (see article "When your cat has kittens"), contact your vet immediately to find out whether veterinary intervention is necessary.
Some kittens are born with the amniotic sac still attached. If your cat does not remove it herself, do so yourself, as the kitten will not be able to breathe otherwise. Make sure that the number of afterbirths matches the number of kittens. If not, contact your vet immediately. Remember that intervening too early in the birth process can disturb your cat and lead to complications.
Inthe petsXL emergency guide, you will find further articles on illnesses that can become emergencies.
In an emergency, immediately contact a local veterinary practice and describe your observations as precisely as possible so that they can prepare for your arrival and act quickly.
Transport an animal with poor circulation in the recovery position. If the cat is unconscious, its mouth should be the lowest point and its tongue should be hanging out.
If you suspect a spinal injury, lay your cat on a firm surface, such as a wooden board.
Wrap a hypothermic animal in a (thermal) blanket.
If you have decided to get a rabbit as a pet, it is certainly interesting to learn a little about the different breeds of rabbits. Below you will find a few breed profiles. Decide for yourself which rabbit suits you best. You may also want to visit one or two breeders and get some more detailed advice.
This viral disease, also known as canine distemper due to its high contagiousness, is an acute infectious disease that is widespread worldwide. Puppies between two and 16 weeks of age, unvaccinated dogs, and older dogs are particularly at risk. If left untreated, the disease is usually fatal. However, modern vaccines provide effective prevention.
Just like in humans, tartar and plaque are really common in our furry friends. These yellowish, rough deposits show up mainly on the corner and front teeth and can lead to serious gum inflammation. Older dogs, small breeds, and dogs with crooked teeth are especially at risk because their teeth don't clean themselves as well.
What a wonderful feeling. Finally, your own horse! Everything went smoothly, from the trial ride to the pre-purchase examination to the purchase transaction. Your horse can move into its new stall. For new horse owners, this is a very exciting time, which is sure to raise a few questions about keeping conditions, health care, training, and much more. First and foremost, you should purchase basic equipment for your new horse that can be used for working and riding. You will quickly discover that you need a lot more than just a saddle and bridle.
The adrenal gland disorder known as Cushing's disease was first described in humans in 1910 by Harvey Williams Cushing, after whom it was named. It involves increased stimulation of the adrenal cortex, resulting in excessive cortisol production (hyperadrenocorticism). The resulting symptoms are referred to as Cushing's syndrome. Unlike Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), Cushing's disease is not life-threatening. It mostly affects older, small dogs and breeds such as boxers, poodles, and dachshunds.
When a dog's kidneys can only perform their vital functions to a limited extent, this is referred to as kidney failure. The disease is often not recognized immediately, as it initially manifests itself with very unspecific symptoms. Dogs over the age of five are particularly affected, with certain breeds having a genetic predisposition to kidney disease.
A female dog's heat cycle is a natural process that is necessary for reproduction. Dogs quickly realize when this time has come. During the "heat days," you should therefore be particularly careful if you do not want your female dog to have offspring from a male dog that has wandered into your yard. Conversely, if you want to breed, you need to observe your dog's cycle and take her to the chosen male dog at the right time.
Many things are easier when done as a team – this applies to both humans and animals. There are dogs that help people live with disabilities. These dogs are not only special animals, they are also specially trained.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is currently the most dangerous disease affecting rabbits. It is caused by a virus and causes blood clotting disorders (hemorrhagic = bleeding, causing hemorrhages). It is highly contagious and occurs worldwide in both domestic and wild rabbits. The infectious disease was first described in China in 1984, which is why it is also known as Chinese disease. Young animals and unvaccinated adult animals are particularly at risk.
Many dog owners will be familiar with this condition, which is colloquially referred to as foreskin inflammation. Recurring, yellowish-green, dripping discharge is very common, especially in young, unneutered male dogs.
Cats are among the most popular pets, with around 14.7 million living in German households alone and a total of approximately 46 million across Europe. Only about half of them are vaccinated and neutered, and therefore well protected against disease and unwanted reproduction. Many thousands of them roam the countryside as abandoned, stray, or feral cats.
They are lively, curious, and entertaining, and you will have a lot of fun with a hamster. If you get involved and accept their peculiarities, you can become a really good team. With enough attention for your little darling, nothing should stand in the way of a long, happy hamster life.
