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If you are one of the many cat owners in the world, then you should have a first aid kit on hand at all times for your cat. This kit should include antibiotic ointment, bandages, cotton balls, cotton swabs, medicated ear drops, medicated eye drops, a fur ball remedy, Hydrogen Peroxide solution, small scissors, tweezers, and gauze. (You can obtain the eye and ear drops as well as the fur ball remedy at your veterinarian's office.)
If your cat receives a minor wound or abrasion, you can treat the injury successfully yourself. Clean the injury with the hydrogen peroxide first. Then, apply a small dab of the antibiotic ointment and bandage the area. Check the wound and re-dress it daily until it is completely healed.
You can also treat minor eye infections yourself. A sign of possible infection is a pink or red color in the whites of a cat's eye or eyes. There is most always a discharge from the eye or eyes, too. Clean your cat's eyes gently with warm water and cotton balls. Then, apply the medicated eye drops as directed by your vet or by the package directions. If the infection does not get better in a couple of days, or does not show considerable signs of improvement, then you should call your vet for further instructions.
Another common ailment of cats is caused by fur balls. While this is usually not a serious condition, it can cause your cat to vomit up the fur balls. You should give him or her the furball rememdy in order to cure this problem. If the problem does not clear up soon, then call your vet.
Your cat can also get problems of diarrhea, constipation, increased or decreased appetite, hair loss, and many more. Diarrhea and constipation can be a simple digestive problem. But, if your cat's condition doesn't improve within a couple of days, then you will need to call your vet. Hair loss can be a sign that your cat has fleas. If you notice, along with the hair loss, an excessive amount of scratching, especially around the head, your cat might need a flea treatment. You can buy several brands over-the-counter, but the best bet is to call your vet and see what he or she recommends.
Cats are usually curious creatures, especially kittens. And, they like to investigate their environment. Unfortunately, they sometimes like to chew on things, and this includes household plants. Some plants such as Hydrangea, Poinsettia, Rhodedendrum, Holly and Mistletoe, just to name a few of the most common, are poisonous to cats. Symptoms of poisoning can include excessive slobbering, vomiting, or even unconsciousness or seizures. Again, if you suspect that your cat has chewed on a plant, and is showing signs of illness, then contact your veterinarian.
For the most part, as long as a cat has had all of its shots for the prevention of rabies and more, and they are fed a proper diet, they are normally healthy creatures. Acidents do happen though, as well as minor stomach upsets, etc. Keep your vet's phone number by your telephone with your other emergency numbers. You can also keep the number for your local Poison Control Center handy, too.
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