Emergency Kits: A Must-Have for All Cat Owners

As careful as you are, accidents happen. An emergency kit can mean the difference between life and death for your cat in the event that you need to administer first aid prior to a vet trip. The following items should be gathered and stored in an easily accessible area (preferably all in one well-secured box). Note that many of these items are useful for human emergency aid as well.

Highly recommended:

Sharply pointed tweezers for foreign material removal
Digital rectal thermometer for easy temperature taking
Small, blunt-edged scissors for cutting tape, gauze, and fur
A variety of sizes of gauze (pads and roll) and non-stick surgical tape for wound covering
Cotton balls and padding for blood clean-up and wound cleaning / packing
Elastic wrap for securing gauze or for use as a tourniquet
Antiseptic solution such as hydrogen peroxide or Bactine
Eyewash solution for treating eye wounds or for washing chemicals from eyes
Hydrocortisone ointment for insect stings and bites
Emergency ice pack (keep in freezer) for reducing swelling or an instant ice pack
Phone number of regular vet, emergency vet, and poison control
Very useful - add if you can:

Veterinary records
Cat carrier for transporting cat. A pillowcase will do if you're in a bind
A blanket or towel to keep the cat warm if he goes into shock
A ruler for a splint or real first-aid splints if you can find them
Kitty muzzle, preferably the nylon kind that also covers the eyes
Vaseline or petroleum jelly (for rectal thermometer)
Antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin
Disposable surgical gloves
Pediolyte� or other balanced electrolyte fluid
Eyedropper or syringe for fluid
Helpful notes (you can write these down for your reference):