First Aid XII

Bandages and Burns

Cats will sometimes suffer injuries that need attention through temporary support or bandaging. Research shows that covered wounds will heal faster than an uncovered one and so a bandage, it will help to keep the wound clean and protected from infection and also allow regeneration of the skin to grow over time. There are a great deal of bandages and dressings and an appropriate material should be used to dress the area. Once again, being prepared in advanced pays dividends and having these stored in a first aid kit will help deliver treatment in minimal time.

Bandages take many forms and now include elastic, breathable fabrics, tapes and even liquid dressings. The liquid bandages are perhaps the latest innovation in the aid market and give the easiest type of application in addition to providing a waterproof membrane over the effect area, giving protection for over a day. Simply take a dropper or spray and apply over the wound, be sure to stop the cat from licking this area until it is dry.

Traditional bandages will require some assistance to help keep the cat secure while the fabric or other bandage type is applied. Once the cat has been secured, the affected area (e.g. legs) should be gently held and prepared for the dressing. Keeping this area sterile is important. Lint is often placed over the wounded area and a bandage will be used to bind this all into position. The bandage dressing should be firmly wrapped around the area but not too tightly in case of circulation issues. Once enough wrapping has been secured around the area, it is quite an easy task to simply split the end of the bandage into two parts, allowing a knot to be tied. To finish the bandage dressing, a tape adhesive bandage is then applied over the band aid, wrapping round the entirety of the area. A cat should not feel too restricted with this, limited mobility may occur but this is a necessary step to ensure no further damage can be done to the wounded area. Cats should remain indoors and protected during this period.