Happy Pets

Superficial skin wounds are treated by bathing with tepid saline to keep the area moist and clean. It is unnecessary to apply antiseptic creams or ointments if prompt attention (within 24 hours) is being sought. Simply bathe regularly (every 2 hours or so) and keep the cat indoors. Generally, only attempt to apply a bandage if severe or continued bleeding requires this; most wounds are best left uncovered initially as correct bandaging is a difficult task in the majority of cats and improperly applied bandages can do more harm than good. If the cat will allow, trim the hair around the edges of the wound to allow easier bathing. (more…)

Several of the commonest first aid remedies are described briefly here in order to give a little more background in their use and essential characteristics. Full ‘remedy pictures’ for all remedies are to be found in homoeopathic materia medicas and repertories — these are very detailed textbooks which contain much information on the symptoms, physical and mental, which indicate certain remedies in treatment. These reference books are probably too detailed for home use as they are designed to be consulted by those with a good working knowledge of the principles and practice of homoeopathy, usually gained by academic study of the subject. Examination of such texts, however, does give an indication of both the full scope and complexity of homoeopathy as a medical treatment. (more…)

Nephritis

Kidney damage, reducing the cat’s ability to eliminate wastes, may have several causes, including bacterial infection, but a chronic nephritis of unknown cause is most common, especially in elderly cats. It usually develops over a long period so that symptoms may not be

noticed until the ailment is well advanced, with the kidneys becoming scarred and smaller. Cats may lose appetite and drink noticeably more water; they will therefore urinate more frequently and may show signs of pain, arching the back when doing so. Sometimes there will be vomiting or diarrhoea, yellowing of the gums and ulcers in the mouth, and the breath may become increasingly unpleasant; the cat itself may begin to develop a urine-like smell. Blood and urine samples will confirm a diagnosis. Treatment may include a special diet and measures to reduce strain in the cat’s life to improve its general condition and slow down the development of the disease, but a complete cure is impossible. (more…)

Fleas

It is almost inevitable that any cat allowed outdoors, and many indoor ones, will at some time pick up a flea. Fortunately, fleas are a problem that an ownercan recognize and treat with ease. You will see the cat scratch, you will find the flea excreta when you groom, and you will probably see the fleas themselves moving in the fur, if not on the sofa. If there are only a couple and you catch them before they multiply, you may be able to seize them with your fingers and squash them.

With very young kittens, even with a greater infestation, this is all you should do — even though the fleas may keep returning, especially around the eyes. Young kittens may react badly to a pesticide. For this reason a pregnant female that regularly picks up fleas should be treated when you decide she is close enough to labour to be kept inside (though she could still pick them up from other cats that go in and out). (more…)

Fractures

A fracture can range from a cracked toe to a shattered spine. Traffic accidents, awkward falls from a height (especially if the cat is half asleep or concentrating on something else), a bad encounter with a dog or deliberate human cruelty are likely causes — but a small kitten could break a bone (often one of the lower bones of the front legs) just jumping out of your arms.

Amateur treatment of fractures can do more harm than good. If a cat has multiple injuries, likely if it has been hit by a car or savaged by a dog, it is much more important to staunch bleeding and get it to the vet. The time taken to get professional attention will not affect recovery from a simple fracture. Only if you have absolutely no access to a vet should you attempt to treat a fracture by, say, splinting a limb with a flat piece of wood on either side and securing the whole with bandages. (more…)