What To Do If Your Cat Gets Bitten By A Wild Animal

If you allow your cat to roam around outdoors and you witness your pet wrestling around with a wild animal such as a raccoon, opossum, or skunk, you will most likely be concerned for your cat's health. It is important to take fast action in getting your pet to an animal hospital if there are signs of open wounds present. Here are some tips you can use after your feline has a confrontation with a non-domesticated animal outdoors.

Take Precautions When Handling Your Pet

To protect yourself from potential health risks, it is important to cover your hands with gloves and your arms with long sleeves when attempting to care for your pet. Move your pet's fur with your fingers gently to observe the skin for any redness or bleeding. If there is indeed a visible bite mark, cut a piece of a terrycloth towel into a long strip and tie it around your pet to aid in stopping the bleeding. This will also help keep the wound from gathering bacteria in the time it takes you to get to a veterinarian's office.

Keep Your Pet Calm And Get To An Animal Hospital

It is best to take precautions and get professional care for your cat instead of waiting around to see if they heal on their own. This is important, as a veterinarian will be able to evaluate any wounds and determine if medication, surgery, or routine treatments will be necessary for your pet to get back to a healthy state. If your pet did not receive a rabies shot within the last year, your veterinarian may recommend leaving your cat at their facility for several days. This way they will observe your cat for signs of aggression, which are a symptom most rapid animals display after contracting this disease. If your pet is up to date with their immunizations, treatment will be administered and you can bring your cat home so it can recuperate.

Be On The Lookout For Additional Symptoms And Consider Lifestyle Changes

After you get back home with your pet, be sure to give them any needed medication according to your veterinarian's instructions. Check on wounds daily and call your veterinarian if there are signs of increased puffiness, oozing, or redness of the skin. If your pet has difficulties with elimination or eating, it is also best to give your cat's doctor a call to make an appointment for an additional health assessment. If your pet is behind in their vaccinations, schedule an appointment for this to get done as soon as your pet is deemed free of rabies. It is also best to reconsider the allowance of outside time, as your pet is at risk for further injuries as a result.