Unfortunately, many cats are run over. Both stray and domestic animals perish every year on the roads. On many occasions they are blinded by car headlights and are unable to dodge them.
It is also not unusual for cats to take refuge in the underside of cars to avoid the sun and take a nap. Be that as it may, injuries caused by being run over can be very severe and in most cases require veterinary attention.
In this article on our site we will talk about the most common injuries caused by run over and how to act in this situation. Discover first aid for run over cats.
How to deal with an accident
If you find a cat run over it is important to act calmly. If he is lying on the ground, check that he is breathing and has a pulse. In the following sections we will describe how to act against different injuries.
If the blow was not very strong, it is very likely that the cat took refuge under nearby cars. He will be very scared and even if he is a domestic cat, he will seek to be alone
Speak slowly to him, and gradually approach him. When you reach it, treat it with extreme care. You can use a blanket or towel to wrap him up. This way you will avoid scratches and you will be able to hold it without exerting too much pressure. If you have a cat carrier, use it to move it.
It is essential that you take him to the veterinary as soon as possible. Although, as we will see later, you can provide first aid, it is essential that the cat is attended by a specialist.
Although we do not observe external injuries, it may suffer internal damage that requires veterinary attention. Do not give him water or food because at the veterinary center he is likely to be medicated.
State of shock
After a concussion or trauma the cat may go into a state of shock. This state is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Pale skin
- Heavy breathing
- Heart rate increased
- Loss of consciousness.
In extreme cases it can cause death. We must act as soon as possible and with great delicacy. Pet him while you wrap him in a blanket to take him to the vet.
Unconsciousness
When the cat is unconscious we must pay attention to breathing. If it is irregular and breathing with difficulty, we should position the cat on its side with its head slightly tilted upwards. This makes it easier for him to breathe. If you can't hear her breathing, take her pulse. The best place to take a cat's pulse is in its groin, where the hind legs meet the hip.
Since the cat has no consciousness, we do not know when it is experiencing pain. For this reason it is best to place it on a flat surface to move it. You can use cardboard and place a blanket or towel on top. Move it as little as possible and go to the vet immediately.
Superficial wounds
If the wounds are not deep and not bleeding excessively you can treat it, or at least disinfect and clean it before receiving veterinary treatment. Always use appropriate materials.
Clean the wound with saline to remove dirt. You can be extremely careful to cut the surrounding hair so that it does not enter the wound, especially if it is a long-haired cat. Once clean, use a gauze pad and disinfectant of diluted iodine (povidone, betadine…) to treat the wound.
You can use the one you use for yourself, but always diluted in a ratio of 1:10. 1 part iodine to 9 parts water.
Once seen by the vet, they will probably recommend using a healing ointment, which will speed up the healing time.
Hemorrhages
If the wound is not deep we can clean it as we have seen in the previous point. If the cat presents a hemorrhage, with abundant blood, we must press the wound with a gauze or towel and go immediately to the emergency vet.
Ideally, cover the wound with a sterile, elastic bandage. Tourniquets are discouraged, as they stop circulation and can be dangerous. Although if the bleeding is in one leg you can do it but do not press too much and never keep it for more than 10 or 15 minutes.
Internal bleeding
In run over cats it is common for cats to suffer internal injuries. If you notice that the cat is bleeding from the nose or mouth, it means that it has internal injuries. These are very severe injuries that need urgent medical attention.
Do not cover the cat's nose or mouth, wrap it very carefully in the blanket and take it urgently to the vet.
Dislocations and fractures
When there are fractures or dislocations in any of the limbs it can be difficult to pick up the cat. They are very painful and cause you a lot of stress so you will be on the defensive. Talk to him calmly until you can get closer. Handle it carefully so you don't injure it, and never try to fix a break at home. You need medical attention.
In many cases the ribs are fractured, and can even puncture a lung. It is difficult to determine with the naked eye. If you suspect that the break is in the left leg, for example, lay it on its right side to transfer it. Always very carefully.
