Cat Burn Injury
Cats may be severely burned by lightning, electric shock, chemicals, open flames or hot ashes. Many cats are scalded by hot liquids in busy kitchens. In cases of first-degree burns, the skin is red or blistered. The hair may also be signed. In more severe bums, the hair may be burned off and the skin charred or blackened.
When a cat has first-degree burns localized intone area, trim away hair from around the burned area, and Wash the burns with mild soap and warm water. Apply thick grease, such as Vaseline, axle grease, butter, lard or commercial burn ointment. Do not apply any antiseptic. Tealeaves may be helpful. A teabag soaked in warm water will serve. Tealeaves contain tannic acid, which helps reduce pain and loss of fluids, which must be controlled. Tea leaves should not be used on large burns or scalds, however, since too much tannic acid may be toxic to cell tissues.
When a cat is severely burned or scalded, try to get it to a vet atone. If a vet is not readily available, however, first aid measures should be taken at once. Trim away singed hair from around the burned areas. Cover the burns or scalds with thick grease and cover with a sterile pad or cloth. Next, wrap a clean cloth over this dressing and bandage the whole area with roller bandage or strips of cloth. Treat for sheekrffien get the cat to a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.
In treating burns or scalds of any degree, avoid touching them with your fingers or unsterile instruments. Do not breathe on the burns. Most important, do not use any antiseptic. Simply apply thick grease and dressing to exclude the air.