Cat Burn

Most burns in cats occur from coming incontact with hot water, grease, or tar; steppingon a heated burner; chewing on electricalwires; licking hot barbecue grills; or being trapped in burning buildings. If less than 15 percent of the body is affected, chances of recovery are good. If more than 50 percent of thebody is burned, recovery is not anticipated.

Burns are classified by their depth. First degree burns are very superficial. The skin isred and painful. The hair may be singed but is still attached. Veterinary assistance is notneeded, and healing is rapid.

Second-degree burns are more extensive:severe swelling is present; the skin is red and painful and will slough; healing is slower. In addition, there may be a significant fluid lossfrom the burn. See your veterinarian.

Third-degree burns are very serious andneed emergency veterinary care. The hair fallsout. and the skin may be either black or pearly white. Since the entire skin layer has been destroyed, infection and fluid loss are great dangers. The burn is painless, however, because the nerves in the area have been destroyed.Healing is very slow sinless a skin graft is performed.

Cat Burn Home Remedies

Clip hair away from a first-degree burn with scissors, then flush the area with cold water. Gently dry it with clean orsterile gauze. You can also apply cold compresses. Do not use ointments. Deep second or third-degree burns should be seen by your veterinarian immediately. Simply cover the affected area with a clean cloth (not cotton), treat for shock, and go to your doctor. Do not apply water, antiseptics,or ointments.

Cats that have been burned by chewing on electric cords should be seen by your veterinarian, also. There will he burns on the lips,tongue, and gums, but the threat to life is that the heart may stop or that fluid may get in thelungs (pulmonary edema). Feel the chest forthe heart beat and feel for the femoral pulse. If there is no heartbeat, and your pet is not breathing, begin CPR and treat for shock.

Cat Burn Treatment

Your veterinarian will determine the severity of the burns. Clipping, cleaning, and giving antibiotics may be all that is needed. Moreserious burns may require intravenous fluids, steroids, antibiotics, and pain relievers. Hospitalization is also necessary for these cases, because close nursing care is required to save your pet's life. If the burns are extensiveand your cat survives, skin grafts may benecessary.

A kitten that has bitten through an electric cord may have burns just in the mouth thatrequire antibiotics to prevent infection and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. If the current has injured the heart or lungs, intensive treatment for shock, including oxygen,may be needed to save its life.

Prevention

Don't allow your cat to lie below thestove when you are cooking, because a pot of boiling water or oil can easily be tipped over.If your pet insists on lying near the stove because it can't resist the wonderful smells. usethe back burners whenever possible. Do not let your cat lie on the stove when the burners are hot. Many cats are heat-seekers and can burn.