Haemorrhage

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The amount of bleeding will depend on where the injury is and how deep. Often the most dramatic haemorrhages come from a tiny but deep cut. Cuts to the tongue, footpads and muscle have a high blood supply and often bleed profusely. These may need to be stitched straightaway so take the cat to your vet without delay.

• keep the area clean (salt water)
• keep your pet warm as blood loss can make it go into shock. Wrap it in a blanket and keep it in a warm room
• apply firm pressure to stop the bleeding using a thick piece of gauze. Don't use cotton wool as the fibres may get stuck in the wound. Keep the pressure on for a few minutes and then check to see if you have staunched the flow
• if the cat is still bleeding you will need to apply a pressure bandage. First put a sterile pad over the wound and then cotton wool followed by a bandage. Adding a few layers like this will stop the bleeding
• large muscle tears may be impossible to bandage so wrapping the entire cat in a clean sheet will keep it clean en route to the vet