They Don't Always Land on Their Feet: 3 Steps to Take If Your Cat Suffers a Serious Fall
Posted on: 14 September 2016
When cats fall, they usually do land on their feet. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean that they're going to survive every fall without any injuries. In fact, it's quite common for cats to break their legs and jaws and even suffer brain injuries from falls. If your cat has fallen, don't assume that it's okay. Take a few minutes to look for injuries. Here are three steps you should take if your cat has suffered a serious fall.
Watch for Breathing Problems
If your cat has fallen, the first thing you need to do is watch for breathing problems. If your cat isn't breathing, or its breathing is labored, you'll need to perform rescue breathing for it. Wrap your cat in a towel and place your hand around its muzzle. Cover your cats nose with your mouth and give it two quick puffs of air. Continue giving puffs of air until your cat is breathing properly.
Know the Signs of Internal Injuries
Your cat might not look injured, but that doesn't mean that it isn't. You'll need to know the signs of internal injuries. Broken ribs aren't always visible, but they can cause serious internal injuries if they poke through the lungs or other internal organs. Falls can also cause other internal organs to shift into the wrong places. When that happens, your cat may go into shock. If you notice a gurgling sound when your cat breathes, or if its gums have turned white, you should get to the veterinarian as soon as possible. It might have internal injuries.
Look for Back and Head Injuries
If your cat has fallen from a considerable distance, it could have suffered back or head injuries. You'll need to take a few minutes to inspect your cat for signs of those types of injuries. Check the eyes, nose, and mouth for signs of blood. If you see blood in those areas, and there are no visible wounds, you cat may have a head injury. If your cat has refused to move since it fell, it might have a back injury. Don't pick it up. Find a flat piece of wood, such as a large kitchen cutting board, and gently slip it under your cat. Wrap a towel around the cat to hold it in place and carefully move it to the car.
If your cat has fallen, it might have injuries that you can't see. The information provided above will help you stabilize your cat so you can get it to a veterinarian, such as one at Phoenixville Animal Hospital - R B Wolstenholme DVM.
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