Each of followed symptoms indicates that some trouble have happened to a cat: sudden bleeding, asphyxia, persistent or recurring convulsions, syncope, shock, sudden palsy, inability to urinate, recurring or persistent vomit, diarrhea. In most cases in order to estimate the position and then act appropriately, one should have to rely on his intuition and experience.
It is strange how many cats become the victim of an accident! Though this doesn't conflict with the fact that cats are very careful by nature. There's a German saying about careful and chary people: "walks around like a cat near the hot porridge". But there is also another saying - English: "Curiosity is a cat death".
It is you who is able to keep your pet from situations causing accidents. An adult cat - knows that hot oven can burn it's paw, and a hot steam can scald its' muzzle. A kitten doesn't know this, but, for it is very curious, it wants to try everything. This is what you must prevent in time in the context of home education. The study requires time, and before the result you should keep an eye on the kitten and protect it, removing all sources of probable accidents.
These are the most widespread situations, their consequences and measures to prevent them.
Needles, thumbtacks, buttons, balls, etc. lying on the open places create the danger of external and internal injuries. Take them away from open places.
Sewing, cords and ribbons. If swallowed, result in lethal volvulus. Take them away from open places and paper baskets.
Flowers in pots and vases (as well as water for flowers) often cause stomachache or poisoning. One should absolutely secure pots and vases (including secure from falling). Cloth washers and dishwashers may become the cause of fatal injuries. Be careful while using them.
Hot ovens, braziers, hot steam: pans, etc. often are the cause of serious burns and scalds. Keep an eye on cat or sent it out while preparing meal. Open fire: natural gas, oven, fireplace, grill - bring the possibility of burn. Keep an eye on cat and bring it up.
Electric wiring, cables and long cords bring danger of burns and fatal current rushes. Pack the wiring up properly.
Disinfectant cleaners, chemicals and drugs may cause poisoning, often lethal. Treat your pet with inoffensive substances solely, hide others and close up properly.
Deodorants and sprays may cause respiratory disorders. Don't use them inside closed rooms.
Opened windows or balconies are also dangerous. Falls cause breakings and injuries. Close them or fence.
Mousetraps and rattraps may cause severe injuries. Don't use them or put beyond the reach of cat.
Often we have to hear the incorrect interpretation of term "shock". It is very important if this really takes place, because presence or absence of given state should determine your actions.
A shock may be conditionally stated as a fail of heart-vessel system: body organs have no sufficient blood supply. There are different reasons for the shock. In animals most often it is blood loss. Following symptoms may indicate a shock state:
1. Depression (relaxation and absence of activity) and weak reaction onto outward irritants.
2. High frequency of breathing and heart beating.
3. Poor filling of capillary.
4. Rapid pulse that tends to weaken and may disappear by shock aggravation.
5. Low body temperature. Limbs are cool by touch, rectal temperature often falls below 37.8 C.
If your cat has some symptoms of shock after injury or long disease, contact a vet. But before this cover the animal with a towel or a blanket to save warmth.
Translated by Tatiana Karpova (Moscow)
(MSU, Biology faculture, Dep. zoology and ecology).