How to pack an emergency cat first aid kit

Ben Newman
18 September 2024 - 2 min read
Close up of a Norwegian forest cat on a beige background

Content

  1. Why pack a cat first aid kit?
  2. Cat first aid kit contents
  3. What else should I stock up on?
  4. Pet emergency documentation
  5. Pet preparedness tips
  6. How cat insurance helps

Accidents happen and sometimes our independent kitties need some help.

We won't always know when this can happen, but we can stay prepared. A good way to do this is by packing a first-aid kit.

Below, we provide a cat first aid kit list, what to pack in your pet first aid kit and how you and your cat can prepare for the unexpected. 

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Why pack a cat first aid kit?

Young man packing the bag with documents, water,food, first aid kit and other items needed to surviveCats can look after themselves, and a lot of them carry a sense of pride for how independent they are. But sometimes disaster can strike, which is where a cat first aid kit can help.

A first aid kit will never replace a trip to the vet, but it may help make your pet more comfortable before their appointment.

Outdoor cats are more likely to injure themselves as they'll come across risks every day. Having an all-in-one first aid kit can help in the short term if anything happens.

Cat first aid kit contents

black and white cat's pawGenerally, you'll want a cat first-aid kit that has:

  • Adhesive tape and gauze

  • Alcohol swabs and wipes

  • Bandages

  • Clean towels

  • Cotton balls and swabs

  • Digital thermometer

  • First-aid book

  • Latex free glove

  • Pet-safe soap

  • Preventatives, like heartworm treatment and flea and tick medicine

  • Scissors

  • Spare nail clipper

  • Your cat's medication

A lot of this depends on your cat too. If they're struggling with a medical condition, you may want to have something specific to that.

We recommend keeping this in an easy-to-reach place.

What else should I stock up on?

cat foodWe also recommend stocking up on:

  • Cat food

  • Treats

  • Spare items like collars, toys or food bowls

While most things can be easily purchased if they are needed, you must never suddenly run out of your cat’s normal food.

Drastic changes in diet can cause tummy troubles, especially if your cat is on a very specific diet. So always make sure you are well stocked up.

Pet emergency documentation

man wearing baseball cap holds cat outsideWe recommend having emergency documentation on hand just in case your cat gets lost. You should have these on hand:

Try to keep these in a safe place, ideally in a waterproof folder or pocket. You don't want this to get destroyed in a flood or a leak!

Pet preparedness tips

Veterinarian doctor examining the skin disease of a cat above its eyeEducation is key, too. You should know about risks and how to prepare for them. Familiarise yourself with common feline complaints, so that you can recognise them when they occur. 

Cuts, scrapes, stings and parasite attacks are all common. Knowing what things are toxic to cats (e.g. lilies, antifreeze and raisins) is also extremely important so that you can seek veterinary help promptly. 

Staying on top of the latest advice can, at times, be more important than packing a simple first-aid kit. Always speak to your vet and get your cat checked out if you are concerned.

Oh, and be sure to check the expiry dates for any medication and food you have.

Our article on first aid and cats can help.

How cat insurance helps

Cat insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected.

More so than having the right equipment at home, insurance can help you offset financial issues and get your cat the treatment they need. 

Ben Newman
Editorial Content Lead

Ben is a writer and editor with years of experience in insurance. After spending a long time creating content for some of Britain's biggest brands as part of a marketing agency, Ben began to focus on insurance and hasn't looked back since. When he's not consuming copious cups of tea, you can find him reading a book, daydreaming about having an Australian Shepherd and shouting at Liverpool on the TV.