How To Treat A Cat Sprained Leg At Home?

How To Treat A Cat Sprained Leg At Home
If the cat has swelling associated with a sprain, bruise or tendonitis, apply ice packs to the area for 15 minutes, twice daily. Flowing water improves circulation, reduces swelling, and promotes healing. If your cat will tolerate it, place her in a tub and swirl water around the leg.

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How long does a cat’s sprained leg take to heal?

Once the veterinarian has diagnosed a sprain in the cat, they will likely prescribe rest as the first course of treatment. If the limb continues to be used, the sprain, swelling and pain will not resolve. As long as the cat is restricted to a cage or small area in the house, where it can rest, its injured limb should begin to heal.

  • Recovery can take a minimum of two weeks as long as the rest regimen is strictly enforced at home.
  • Outdoor cats should not be allowed to go outside and roam, because the injury could be worsened.
  • The veterinarian may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
  • These medications help to reduce the inflammation in the cat’s injured limb, which helps to speed healing and recovery.

These medications also help to reduce the pain the cat experiences. Depending on the grade of the sprain, additional treatments may be prescribed, such as splinting the injured limb to protect the joint for a grade one sprain. After several weeks, the cat’s limb may regain normal function.

  1. A grade two sprain requires the anti-inflammatory medications, splinting and possibly surgery to help stabilize the joint.
  2. The cat may regain most of its normal function.
  3. In a grade three sprain, surgery will be required.
  4. The cat’s recovery may take several months.
  5. Function in the limb may be limited.
  6. After seeing the veterinarian for treatment, the cat owner should restrict the cat’s movement.

A splint, if used, should be kept dry and clean and the owner should make sure the edges of the splint don’t rub the cat’s sensitive skin. Prescribed medications should be given as directed. Additional treatments such as natural remedies may be given. These may strengthen joints and muscles in the cat’s body.

How do you tell if a cats leg is broken or sprained?

How to Tell if a Cat Has a Broken Leg – Typically, a cat with an untreated broken leg will show symptoms like noticeable limping. The limb may sometimes dangle as they walk, but some may bear weight on the limb if the fracture doesn’t render the leg unstable.

Pain is difficult to assess in cats. Stress hormones serve to alleviate some of this pain and, as previously noted, cats are masters at hiding pain; this makes sense given that any sign of weakness makes cats a target for predators. Swelling and damage to the skin may be a factor in some cases, too. A large swelling, an unnatural angle to the limb and blood or discoloration at the site of injury can be giveaways.

An “open” fracture is one where the skin has been affected near the injury, which can lead to infections if left untreated. Hiding behavior is also common in a cat with a broken leg. Hunkering down to give healing a chance to occur is a survival mechanism.

What will a vet do for a sprained leg?

How is a Dog’s Sprained Leg Treated? – If you notice that your dog has a sprain, call your vet right away. While reaching out to your vet, you can apply ice to the injured joint to ease the discomfort and swelling. The severity of your dog’s sprained leg will determine the type of care your pet will receive. Let’s look at the possible treatment methods.

Grade I sprains – Your vet will apply a splint on the affected area to restrict your pet’s movement and recommend anti-inflammatory medicine. Grade II sprains – Your vet will splint the injured joint and prescribe medication. They may also recommend surgery to address more severe damage. Grade III sprains – At this point, your dog might need surgery for its injured ligament. Your pet can undergo cranial or, Doctors can perform traditional or laser surgery on your dog.

Can a cat’s sprained leg heal on its own?

If your cat has a mild sprain, she’s not in too much pain and it will likely heal on its own. On the other hand, if your cat experiences a moderate or severe sprain they’ll be in a lot of pain and you’ll want to take them to the vet immediately.

What home remedy can I give my cat for pain?

Natural Pain Relief Options for Cats – When treating pain and inflammation in cats, omega fatty acids and glucosamine can be used in addition to, or in lieu of, traditional pain medications. Heat/ice, laser therapy, chiropractics, physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture can also be very helpful in treating cat pain.

Should I wrap my cats sprained leg?

Leg Bandage – Leg bandages are typically applied to temporarily stabilize a fracture or to help reduce bleeding from a wound.

If a wound is present, try to cover with gauze or a Telfa pad. Begin wrapping several layers of cotton (roll cotton) around the leg. If the bandage is being used to stabilize a fracture, the joint above and below the fracture must be included in the bandage. If the fracture is in the humerus or femur, bandaging is not helpful and can make the fracture worse. After several layers of cotton have been applied, place several layers of stretch gauze over the roll cotton. This should be snug and compress the cotton. Having a snug bandage is crucial in stabilization and reducing pain. Be careful not to make the bandage so tight that circulation is disrupted. Finish the bandage by applying an elastic bandage, such as Vet Rap, an Ace bandage, or adhesive tape. Secure the top of the bandage to the animal by applying one layer of sticky tape. Make sure the animal’s hair and the bandage are included in the tape. This will prevent the bandage from sliding off.

After the bandage is applied, frequently check the toes for swelling or coldness. If either is detected, remove the bandage.

Why is my cat limping but not crying?

Causes of Limping in Cats A foreign object stuck in their paw. Arthritis. Fractured or sprained leg caused by trauma (falling, being hit, or landing awkwardly) Walking across a hot surface (hot gravel, pavement, or stove)

Should I take my cat to the vet if he is limping?

Cat Limping – When It’s Time To Head To The Vet Our feline friends aren’t able to tell us how they are feeling, or what hurts, which can make figuring out why your cat is limping challenging. Cats can limp for many reasons whether they are limping from their back leg, or limping from their front leg such as getting something stuck in their paw, a sprain, a break, or even an ingrown claw.

Although it may not seem like it, your cat may be experiencing significant pain but not look like. In many cases cat’s will hide when experiencing pain which is a natural instinct to protect themselves against predators. So it’s important to remember that if your cat is limping it’s a sign that they are experiencing pain, even if they don’t look like it.

It’s always best to take your cat to the vet if they have a limp in order to avoid the possibility of infection and to help keep their condition from worsening. The cause of your cat’s limp might not be easy to spot but the treatment could be as simple as trimming their claws or removing a tiny splinter from their paw.

Can cats walk on a fractured leg?

Fractures occur when abnormal stress is placed on a bone, causing it to crack or break. In pets, fractures are usually due to something traumatic, like a fall, an animal attack, or being hit by a car. In cats, the bones most likely to break are the femur (thigh bone), pelvis, jaw, and tail.

  1. 1 Watch your cat walk. Fractures can affect your cat’s ability to walk. For example, if she has fractured a leg bone, she may hold the injured leg up in the air and hop around on the other legs. Or, if she can put weight on the injured leg, she may walk with a limp. If your cat has fractures in multiple legs, she would likely be unable to walk at all.
    • A pelvic fracture would make it very difficult for your cat to walk.
    • If your cat has a spinal cord fracture, she may be unable to walk due to paralysis.
    • With an injured tail, your cat may drag her tail when she walks or lack coordination in her back legs.
    • If your cat has a jaw fracture, she may not be able to chew or keep food in her mouth. Not being able to eat could be just as serious as not being able to walk.
  2. 2 Examine the injured area carefully. Fractures are painful. As sweet as your cat may be under normal circumstances, the pain from her fracture may cause her to lash out at you. In addition, she may be frightened. To get close enough to your cat to examine the fracture, approach her calmly. Examine the area for swelling and bleeding.
    • Your cat may be very vocal due to the pain. Don’t be surprised if she howls, moans, or cries, especially if you try to touch her.
    • Several classifications exist for fractures, including hairline (bone is not completely broken), closed (bone doesn’t penetrate the skin), and compound (bone penetrates the skin). Don’t worry if you can’t determine what kind of fracture your cat has—your vet will do that.
  3. 3 Perform first aid. When your cat has a fracture, she will need immediate treatment by your vet. If you cannot get her to your vet right away, you can perform a few first aid measures at home to stabilize her. If the fractured area is bleeding, or if the fractured bone is sticking out from the skin, place a clean towel or sterile gauze over the area.
    • Sterile gauze is available at your local drug store.
    • If there is bleeding, you do not have to stop it completely.
    • Do not try to move the fractured bone. Doing so could make your cat’s injury worse.
    • If you are unsure what you can do for your cat, call your vet first. Do not give your cat any pain medications unless your vet has advised you to do so.
  4. 4 Take your cat to your vet. Keeping your cat as still as possible, wrap her in a thick towel and transport her to your vet. Your vet will perform a physical exam and examine the fracture. X-rays will help your vet determine the fracture’s type and severity.
    • Provide your vet with a detailed description of your cat’s injury, including how and when it happened and any first aid you performed.
    • The fracture may not be your cat’s only injury—she may have internal injuries (e.g., internal bleeding, organ damage) and/or other external injuries (e.g., cuts, bruises). Your vet would use the physical exam and imaging tests (x-ray, ultrasound) to identify other injures.
    • Depending on the extent of your cat’s injuries, your vet may assess these other injuries before examining the fractured area.
  1. 1 Treat life-threatening injuries first. If your cat’s life is in danger from her injuries, your vet will perform aggressive and immediate treatment to stabilize her before tending to the fracture. Emergency treatments include intravenous fluids, ventilation, and pain relief. Once your cat is more stable, your vet will devise a treatment plan for the fracture.
  2. 2 Discuss treatment options for the fracture. Various surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to treat cat fractures. Non-surgical options like splints, casts, or cage rest may work for some fractures; other fractures may need surgical placement of implants (e.g., screws, pins).
    • Be proactive in asking questions about treatment options and deciding on the best treatment plan for your cat. Being actively involved in the decision-making process may help improve your cat’s treatment outcome.
  3. 3 Allow your vet to repair your cat’s fracture. When you and your vet have decided on a treatment plan, allow your vet to do what is necessary to treat the fracture. In many cases of fracture, surgery is the best treatment option. If the fracture is complex, your vet may refer you to a veterinary surgeon.
    • If your cat needs to be hospitalized for fracture repair, ask your vet about visiting your cat. Spending time with her and talking to her can help reduce her anxiety and stress about being hospitalized.
    • Some fractures are so severe that they are beyond repair. If your cat’s fracture is this severe, your vet may suggest amputation, especially if the tail is fractured.
  1. 1 Restrict your cat’s activity. Fractures heal best when the affected bone is kept still and undisturbed. Following veterinary treatment, you will need to keep your cat relatively still at home—no running or jumping. If she usually roams freely throughout your home, consider restricting her to a smaller area when you cannot supervise her.
    • If possible, put your cat in a room that does not have any furniture or counters on which she could jump. If this is not possible, consider using a tall plastic gate to confine her within a larger room.
    • If she has a jaw fracture, you may need to feed her by hand and give her soft foods so she does not have to use her jaw too much.
    • There is no set amount of time for restricting your cat’s activity. Your vet can advise you on when your cat can get back to her normal activity level.
  2. 2 Give your cat medication. Even if she tries to hide it, your cat will likely be in a lot of pain. Your vet will prescribe a pain medication for your cat. If the fractured bone penetrated the skin, then the injured area may have gotten infected. In that case, your vet would also prescribe an antibiotic.
    • Follow all prescription instructions carefully. If you are unsure how to give your cat the medications, ask your vet to demonstrate how to do so.
  3. 3 Replace your cat’s bandages. If your vet has bandaged the fractured area, you may need to replace the bandages when they become wet or dirty. Urine is a common reason for bandages to become wet. Your vet can show you the proper way to remove the old bandages, clean the affected area (if necessary), and put on new bandages.
    • When bandaging, it is important not to wrap the bandages too tightly—this would cut off circulation to the affected area and delay healing. It would also be very uncomfortable for your cat.
    • Bandaging material is available at your local drug store. Your vet can recommend which materials to purchase.
    • If you are uncomfortable with changing your cat’s bandages, have your vet do this for you.
  4. 4 Take your cat to your vet for a follow-up appointment. Following fracture treatment, a follow-up appointment will be necessary for your vet to assess your cat’s improvement. For example, your vet may want to take x-rays to see how well the bone has healed.
    • If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from the affected area, take your cat to your vet before the follow-up visit. The affected area may be infected and need additional treatment.
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Add New Question

  • Question How can I fix my cat’s broken leg at home? Dr. Jamie Freyer is a Licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine based in Washington. With over ten years of experience in clinical practice and industry, she specializes in veterinary medicine and surgery, animal behavior, and animal genetics. Dr. Freyer holds a BS in Life Science from The University of Portland and a DVM from Oregon State University. Licensed Veterinarian Expert Answer You really shouldn’t treat your cat’s broken leg at home—even with the best intentions, you can make the injury even worse. Instead, leave it be, keep your cat as stable as possible, and bring them to the vet.
  • Question How do you treat a cat’s broken leg? Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Veterinarian Expert Answer A vet must assess the fracture to work out the best way forward. This can range from a rigid support dressing through to internal fixation with a pin, or an external fixator. Rest and pain relief are also crucial.
  • Question How long does a cat fracture take to heal? Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Veterinarian Expert Answer The speed of healing depends on many factors, including how well immobilized the fracture is, the age of the cat, and the complexity of the break. A best case scenario in a young cat with a simple break that is well-supported, is around six weeks. It’s not unusual for a complex fracture, especially in an older animal, to take at least three months.
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  • Cat fractures tend to heal very well. Following treatment, your cat will likely regain full use of the injured area. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!
  • Internal implants, such as screws and pins, do not need to be removed. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!
  • To prevent future fractures, keep a close eye on your cat. If she likes to jump from high places, try to keep from those areas. Place some orange rinds or cotton balls soaked in perfume in those areas where you don’t want her to go. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!

Show More Tips

  • Tail fractures are not always easy to detect. You may see signs of nerve damage (urinary or fecal incontinence) caused by the tail fracture. Your vet would be able to determine the cause of the incontinence. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!
  • Surgical fracture repairs carry risks, such as infection and poor bone healing. Fortunately, pets tend to recover very well after surgery. Your vet will discuss surgical risks with you. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!
  • Fractures of the vertebrae (bones of the spine) can sometimes lead to spinal cord damage. If the spinal cord is damaged, the prognosis is usually guarded to poor. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!

Article Summary X If you fear that your cat has suffered a fracture, watch for a few tell-tale signs, like difficulty walking, chewing, or lifting its tail. You’ll want to call your veterinarian if your cat appears to have a fracture since this is the best way to help it heal properly.

  1. Depending on the severity of the fracture, your vet might apply a splint or cast and recommend cage rest.
  2. For more severe cases, your vet may have to perform surgical placement of screws or pins.
  3. Once home, try to limit your cat’s activity level until it is cleared by the vet.
  4. This is the best way to ensure that your cat will make a full recovery.

For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to change your cat’s bandages at home, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,094 times.

Can a vet do anything for a sprained paw?

Dog Sprained Leg Treatment – Most dogs will experience limping at one point or another. But if your dog becomes acutely lame; develops limping along with a drop in energy, appetite or spirit; or if the lameness gets progressively worse, it’s time to call the vet.

  1. There are many causes of lameness, and proper treatment can’t begin until your vet accurately diagnoses your dog’s condition.
  2. If your vet suspects that your dog has a sprain, they’ll need to rest.
  3. The vet may prescribe them a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like carprofen or meloxicam, cold packs and/or a weight loss plan.

Occasionally, a vet will recommend surgery. While minor injuries to the cranial cruciate ligament may be treated with rest and medicine, most cases eventually require surgery. There are several procedures vets perform to correct this ligament injury. While your general vet may be able to perform the surgery, there’s also a chance they’ll refer you to a veterinary surgeon.

What do vets do for pulled muscle?

Muscle tears are treated immediately with rest, cold compresses, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Mild compression bandages can be used initially, depending on the affected muscle. Additional pain control may be required if the NSAID is not sufficient.

What do vets do for a broken leg?

Treatment Options for Dogs With Broken Legs – The recommended treatment for your dog’s broken bone will depend on the severity, type, and location of the fracture. When you arrive at the vet, the staff will obtain some information about your dog’s history and details about the injury.

  • The veterinarian will perform an examination and recommend radiographs of the limb.
  • Your vet will likely give pain medications right after the exam to offer pain relief.
  • If a fracture is present, it will be seen on the radiographs.
  • Your dog may need to be sedated for the radiographs to avoid additional pain during the movement of the affected limb.

Sedation will also enable vet techs and assistants to get the best images possible. Your vet will interpret the radiographs and possibly send them to a radiologist for a detailed review. The vet will discuss the type of fracture and available treatment options.

  • The first step to treating any type of fracture is to immobilize it.
  • This minimizes pain and can also prevent further damage from bone fragments moving against the tissues in the leg.
  • The bone must be immobilized in order for it to heal as well.
  • If there is motion between the bone fragments, they cannot form a callus which is required for bone healing.

Some fractures can be treated with a splint or a cast alone. The fracture will need to be fixed in place for weeks to months while it heals. Your vet will need to change the splint or cast frequently to prevent pressure sores and replace any soiled bandages.

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Your vet will also retake radiographs to monitor the progress of the bone healing. Certain fractures need to be repaired surgically. A veterinary surgeon will place pins or plates with screws to stabilize the bone until it heals. A splint or cast may be needed after the surgery to provide additional stability.

Some fractures require external fixation. This is a cage-like structure around the leg that stabilizes the bone from the outside and enables the surgeon to make adjustments as the bone heals. Regardless of the treatment method, the dog will need to rest and recover for weeks to months.

What can I give my cat for a sprained leg?

If the cat has swelling associated with a sprain, bruise or tendonitis, apply ice packs to the area for 15 minutes, twice daily. Flowing water improves circulation, reduces swelling, and promotes healing. If your cat will tolerate it, place her in a tub and swirl water around the leg.

How do I know if my cat pulled a muscle?

Clinical signs of muscle tears include pain on palpation (examination by touch during a physical exam) of the injured area, lameness or limping, swelling of the muscle, and/or bruising.

How long does a cat pulled muscle take to heal?

Treatment – The main treatment for soft tissue trauma is rest. Most sprains, strains, and pulled muscles resolve within two weeks if strict activity restriction is enforced. In general, activity should be restricted until limping has been absent for several days.

What antiinflammatory Can I give my cat?

NSAIDs for Cats – Only two NSAIDs are FDA-approved for cats: meloxicam (sold under several brand and generic names) and robenacoxib (sold under the brand name ONSIOR). Meloxicam is approved for cats as a one-time-only injection to control pain and inflammation after spaying, neutering, and orthopedic surgery.

What human medicine is safe for cats?

Cats and Human Medications Whether a cat accidentally chews into a pill bottle or a well-intentioned pet owner accidently switches medications (giving their pet a human medication), pet poisonings due to human medications are common and can be very serious. Never give your a cat human medication. Even in tiny doses it can be extremely harmful. Human medicines that are potentially poisonous to cats include:

ParacetamolAntidepressantsIbuprofenAspirinADD/ADHD medicationsLaxativesBetadine and DettolBenzodiazepines and sleep aidsBirth control pillsBlood pressure tabletsThyroid hormonesCholesterol lowering agents

Are there any human painkillers you can give to a cat?

Can I give human painkillers to my pet? The short answer is NO! You should never attempt to treat your pets with human medication, and you should take precautions to keep household medications out of your pet’s reach to avoid a potentially harmful or fatal reaction.

Will a cat walk on a sprained leg?

Lameness Might Still Need Veterinary Help – If your cat has something stuck in their paw pads or if they have a minor muscle or other soft tissue injury or strain, it could be enough to cause them to limp. Note that most cats will not walk on a broken leg or dislocated joint.

If your cat is clearly in pain, do not try to examine them for broken bones or dislocations. If your cat is lying down and calm, you may try to inspect the paw on the leg that is causing the limp. Stop if there are indications of pain (flinching, meowing, or abnormal behavior or hissing when you gently touch the area).

Do you see signs of:

swelling redness bleeding a foreign object excessive licking lameness (avoidance of walking on that leg or paw)?

If any of these conditions are present, please call or bring your cat to our vet hospital. Even if you do not see anything but your cat is limping for more than 24 hours, please contact your family veterinarian or make an appointment with Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies. There could be a soft tissue injury, broken bone, or infection that needs treatment.

Can I give my cat ibuprofen?

Although relatively safe in humans, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be extremely harmful to cats. Poisoning may happen when pets get into the owner’s medications. In some cases, owners may administer ibuprofen to treat their pet’s pain prior to consulting a veterinarian.

How long should I wait if my cat is limping?

Lameness Might Still Need Veterinary Help – If your cat has something stuck in their paw pads or if they have a minor muscle or other soft tissue injury or strain, it could be enough to cause them to limp. Note that most cats will not walk on a broken leg or dislocated joint.

If your cat is clearly in pain, do not try to examine them for broken bones or dislocations. If your cat is lying down and calm, you may try to inspect the paw on the leg that is causing the limp. Stop if there are indications of pain (flinching, meowing, or abnormal behavior or hissing when you gently touch the area).

Do you see signs of:

swelling redness bleeding a foreign object excessive licking lameness (avoidance of walking on that leg or paw)?

If any of these conditions are present, please call or bring your cat to our vet hospital. Even if you do not see anything but your cat is limping for more than 24 hours, please contact your family veterinarian or make an appointment with Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies. There could be a soft tissue injury, broken bone, or infection that needs treatment.

How long does it take for a cat’s ligament to heal?

Non-Surgical Treatment and Solutions for CCL Ruptures – There are a few non-surgical methods that your vet may recommend when it comes to treating a cranial cruciate ligament rupture in cats.

Physical therapy – regular physical therapy can help assist your cat in repairing the joints and ligaments. Weight loss – cats that battle with excessive weight can suffer from additional injuries or degenerative joint conditions. Overweight cats will be placed on a weight-restricting diet. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – will manage the pain and inflammation, assisting your cat’s knee problem. Cage Rest – Your vet may recommend that your cat be kept in a cage for several weeks with exercise restrictions to stabilize the joint and allow adequate rest.

With proper care, your pet is set to make a speedy recovery and return to normal function in no time. Depending on the severity of the injury, you can expect your pet’s recovery to take up to six weeks. : Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Cats and Treatment

How long do muscle strains last in cats?

Treatment – The main treatment for soft tissue trauma is rest. Most sprains, strains, and pulled muscles resolve within two weeks if strict activity restriction is enforced. In general, activity should be restricted until limping has been absent for several days.

How fast do cat injuries heal?

How to Clean a Cat’s Wound – Cat wounds should always be assessed by a veterinarian unless they are superficial and seem to be healing quickly. The average healing time for a superficial abrasion is 7 days, and you should see improvement daily. Here are some things that you can do at home before bringing your cat in to see the veterinarian: Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze if the wound is bleeding.

  1. Hold the pressure for a full 5 minutes to stop the bleeding.
  2. If it doesn’t stop, continue putting pressure on the wound, and bring your cat to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.
  3. If the wound appears to be superficial and there’s no bleeding, you can use antiseptic solution or water to gently clean the wound.

A syringe may be helpful to flush the wound with water or saline. Antiseptic solutions are made by diluting concentrated, store-bought solutions that contain either povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine diacetate as the active ingredient. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the wounds, as these can damage the tissue.