The following items should be in a home pet emergency, or first aid, kit:
- A copy of the most recent edition of Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, the best book on cat health you can get.
- Penlight
- Blanket
- Rectal thermometer
- Surgical gloves
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Gauze pads 2.5 centimetres square
- Gauze roll 2.5 centimetres wide
- Ace™ bandage 2.5 centimetres wide
- Surgical adhesive tape 2.5 centimeters wide
- Syringe without needle
- Compressed activated charcoal tablets of 5 grams each
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Grooming clippers
- Needle-nose pliers – pliers with a long, thin grabbing section
- K-Y lubricant or petroleum jelly
- Rubbing alcohol
- Betadine (available in UK and USA) or similar antiseptic scrub
- Hydrogen peroxide – H2O2
- Topical antibiotic ointment
- Sterile saline eyewash
- List of telephone numbers such as poison hotline, your veterinarian’s clinic and 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic.
There are probably three things that I can add to this list. The first is to read the book listed at the top of the list especially the section on emergencies as soon as possible. Secondly, to keep as calm as possible when dealing with a medical emergency concerning you companion animal. Thirdly, to take your companion animal to your vet as soon as reasonably possible after you have administered any emergency treatment as specified in the book referred to.
