Despite your best efforts to keep your cat healthy and safe, the unthinkable can happen. Your pet could suddenly fall ill or get hurt. If this were to occur, would you be prepared?

Having a well-stocked feline first aid kit can be your first line of defense in an emergency. Start with a prepackaged pet first aid kits and add to it, or start from scratch to make your own.

The following are first aid essentials for cats:

Basic First Aid Tools

• Cat nail scissors
• Scissors
• Tweezers or forceps
• Latex gloves
• A 6cc dosing syringe for administering medication or flushing wounds
• A digital fever thermometer
• A lubricant such as Vaseline® or K-Y®
• A small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Antiseptic hand wipes
• An instant cold pack

Wound Care

• Sterile gauze pads for wound cleansing
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs such as Q-tips®
• Sterile non-stick gauze pads (such as Telfa® pads) for dressing wounds
• Roll gauze to keep padding in place
• Self-adhesive wrap such as Vetrap®
• One-inch bandage tape for securing bandages
• An antibacterial ointment such as Neosporin®
• A small bottle of antiseptic wash such as Betadine®
• Sterile eye wash

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