Being a cat owner is a lot like being a parent. When our human children get sick or hurt oftentimes we treat them at home with medications and other items we have on hand. The same can be said about treating our feline children. Nowadays there are 24-hour care veterinarian hospitals and emergency clinics almost everywhere. However, if you are like me, a clinic like this may not be readily available or would require a long drive before a sick cat could be treated. This necessitates my having a few items on hand to deal with the first aid needs of a cat. This article outlines my suggestions on what to always have on hand.

The phone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435. An owner should also have a list on hand of the most common poisonous houseplants and toxic household chemicals. The phone number and address of an emergency veterinarian clinic or hospital should also be kept handy. If you do not know of one in your community, ask your regular veterinarian who they would recommend you use in emergencies.

One of the most common issues a cat owner faces is an eye ulcer which are normally not the result of a scratch or injury to the eye, but a flare up of the herpes virus ("FHV", a common virus in many cats). The herpes virus can flare up when a cat is stressed causing the cat's eye(s) to squint and tear, sometimes accompanied by nasal discharge. A home remedy is a few drops of betadine solution added to a bottle of sterile eye wash (approximately a 20 to 1 dilution). A drop in each eye two to three times a day is recommended. IF no significant and noticeable improvement is seen within 48 hours or if the condition worsens, seek immediate veterinarian help.

Injuries leading to lameness or limping can be treated with rest and ice. There are NO safe over the counter pain medications for cats. Consult your veterinarian for non-weight bearing lameness or for lameness continuing longer than 48 hours.

Vomiting in a cat is common for a variety of reasons. Hairballs are a common cause of vomiting which can usually be easily treated – Hairball Treatment. Pepcid (Famotidine) can be useful in treating vomiting and is readily available over the counter. Dosage is ¼ tablet once or twice a day but always confirm this with your own veterinarian.

A cat that is suffering from severe, persistent vomiting accompanied by loss of appetite and/or weight loss should be seen immediately by your veterinarian.

Do NOT use Pepto Bismol (and some varieties of Keopectate products) as it contains an ingredient closely related to aspirin.

A simple home treatment is liquid Imodium AD (read the label to make sure it does not contain any aspirin or Tylenol). The dosage is 0.34 mL per one pound (orally).

If condition persists for more than 24 hours or if you suspect dehydration, immediately contact your veterinarian.