First Aid for Cats: Road Traffic Accidents and Cat Run-Offs


Because of its curiosity, a furry pet often throws itself under the wheels and, consequently, gets hit by cars. If your cat is hit by a car, it is important to get it to the hospital in time. The consequences of the injury can range from mild to the death of the pet. Sometimes even minor damage can cause serious harm to a pet’s health, because much depends on the age of the animal and the initial health of the purr. According to clause 1.2 of the traffic rules, any event that occurs while driving along the road in a car and where there are casualties (including cats), or where the vehicle is damaged, is considered an accident.

First aid: what to do in different cases?

Animal unconscious

If a person hits a black cat, he may succumb to superstition and simply “run away” from the scene. But the animal, first of all, needs examination and treatment. To do this, it is important to assess the general condition of the animal for fractures and bruises. It is important to remember where the blow fell and how strong it was, this will allow you to make a more accurate diagnosis in the future. If the animal lies and does not move, you should try to shift it onto something solid. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Take cardboard or something thin and relatively hard.
  • From the side of the cat's back, slip it under the body.
  • Place the animal in a solid box, if one is available; if not, leave it on cardboard.
  • Deliver to the nearest veterinary clinic.

Veterinarians do not recommend forcefully fixing an injured pet on a hard surface if it is aggressive or active. Such actions can only cause harm, especially if the spine, paws, or tail are damaged.

While maintaining activity


An injured animal may hiss at people who want to help it.
If a cat was hit by a car, but the animal hisses and does not allow him to approach you, then you need to try to wrap it in a blanket, jacket or any other material. You can put a muzzle on your pet or bandage it tightly - this will not only help protect yourself from bites, but also prevent the animal from injury. If your pet is pinned down, you must tell your doctor about unusual behavior. Usually a knocked down cat shows with aggression exactly where it hurts.

With wounds and blood loss

If a person hits a cat and heavy bleeding is detected, it is difficult to help the pet, but you can try to stop it. First aid involves tying the injured bleeding parts with a rag or scarf. If there is no tissue, you can clamp it with your palm and take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Any other independent actions are fraught with serious consequences for the purr.

It is important to understand that you need to take a cat to a veterinary clinic, even if the furry one is knocked to death, that is, he is no longer breathing, his eyes are closed, because the animal may have an owner who will look for him. There is also the law of Art. 137 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, which states that if you hit a cat with a car, a number of property rules can be applied to the animals (in the absence of other acts), on the basis of which the owner of the dead cat receives compensation for damage caused.

What are the consequences if you hit a cat?

Let's consider this situation: you decide to go on a trip in your car and do not violate traffic rules. Suddenly a cat appears on the road. Right now we will analyze how all events can unfold in the future in just a few moments.

  • You will probably get scared and involuntarily turn the steering wheel. If the journey continues along a road where there are no vehicles, poles or pedestrians, then everything will definitely work out. But there are other cars around, and it’s not always possible to return them somewhere. Is it possible to somehow orientate yourself in just a few seconds and make a serious decision so as not to injure the cat, people around and another vehicle? The actions of a citizen while driving may run counter to clause 10.1. Traffic regulations that contain information that there is a danger to traffic that was directed by a vehicle in a state where it is necessary to make a decision as soon as possible - to reduce speed or intentionally stop. There is no need to turn the steering wheel, and under no circumstances should you do so. Confirmation is a real-life story in which a cat suddenly jumped out onto the road, and the guy sharply turned the steering wheel, and the car eventually skidded onto the sidewalk. The result of this action was the death of a schoolgirl and two girls were injured. In such a situation, nothing good can be expected;
  • If an obstacle is noticed, you begin to apply pressure on the brake sharply and quickly. But you are unlikely to help the animal with such an action; in any case, it will end up under the wheels of your car. What consequences will the driver have to face? A citizen who is following you in another car and has no idea about the animal, he probably listens to his favorite music and carries on a conversation in parallel with the passengers. His reaction is unlikely to be quick, so a collision cannot be avoided. We can say with 100% certainty that the day was wasted for you. You will have to involve traffic police officers, who will definitely record the fact of a traffic accident, begin to conduct alcohol tests and ask too many leading questions. A protocol will be drawn up and the next step is to find out who is right and who is wrong and who will pay money to whom, according to the insurance. Drivers who have been involved in emergency situations more than once know this. Insurance companies often refuse to make payments, which means repairing the car out of their own pocket. If someone else in the car forgot to fasten their seat belt, then injuries during sudden braking cannot be avoided;
  • The driver was scared, but tried to take control not only of his emotions, but also of the situation as a whole. We slowed down smoothly, and there is a chance that the cat will get hurt, but pedestrians, cars and poles will remain safe and sound. The animal is very sorry, but what can you do? You can damage the bumper, but repairing it will not cost that much.

There is one wonderful remedy that helps keep a cat alive while moving. You just need to sound the horn when you brake. The animal will get scared and simply run away - the path is clear. If you notice a cat on the side of the road, honk your horn immediately and maybe it will change its mind about crossing the road.

Everything that was written above should not be taken as a call for the destruction of our smaller brothers. But what to do if there is a choice between the life of a person or an animal?

What to do if you hit a dog?

Read here what to do if you hit a wild boar.

What is the punishment for leaving the scene of an accident, read the link:

When to call a doctor?


An injured animal, street or not, must be taken to a veterinarian.
If you accidentally run over a stray cat, you should not leave the animal to die on the road. After all, injuries inflicted that are not properly treated will torment the purr even after recovery. And if the damage is serious, the cat may not die immediately, but suffer for a long time. Therefore, in the event of an accident involving a collision with an animal, you need to call a veterinarian after the incident. However, according to statistics, specialists do not get to the scene of accidents with animals quickly. On the other hand, a suppressed purr may require urgent surgery and x-rays, which can only be done in a clinic. Therefore, in order not to waste time, it is better to take the cat yourself.

Road traffic accidents: how to react when a cat is hit

If you find a cat that has been hit, it is important to act calmly. If the cat is lying on the ground, check its breathing and pulse. The following sections will describe how to deal with various injuries so you should be able to identify them.

Often you will see a cat hit by a car, but with no visible injuries. Even if this is the case, it is important that you take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. There may be internal damage that could be life-threatening. It could even be that the cat is unconscious but has no visible injuries or external cuts. You may need to administer first aid to a cat that has been hit by a car, as we will see later, but it is still necessary to have the cat treated by a professional. For example, you can find out about medications and vaccines for dogs and cats in Yekaterinburg on the website.

Necessary medical actions

The procedure for providing medical care is determined by the doctor. The general list is:

  • Assessing the cat's condition and severity of injuries.
  • Relieving stress and traumatic shock with an injection of painkiller.
  • Ultrasound and X-ray to determine the specifics of damage and the presence of injuries to the musculoskeletal system.
  • Assessing the volume of blood loss, testing a blood sample for clotting factor, making a decision on the need for transfusion.
  • Treatment of superficial wounds.
  • Carrying out symptomatic and/or surgical treatment.
  • Hospitalization as necessary.
  • Humane euthanasia under anesthesia if injuries are incompatible with life and the eyes do not react to light.

Danger of injury

DegreeCharacterConsequences
LungsSprainsNon-hazardous, heal quickly without consequences
Wounds of various types
AverageDislocationsPossible lameness if limbs, tail are damaged, loss of individual body parts (eye, ear, etc.)
Fractures
HeavyBurdened with bleedingCause serious harm to health, vital functions, and provoke serious illnesses
With damage to vital organs
Concussion
Hip fractures

Treatment tactics

Various consequences of hitting a cat require the following actions:


To identify the location of internal bleeding, an ultrasound is performed on the animal.

  • Post-traumatic shock. The condition is typical for all cats after an accident. The veterinarian will prescribe painkillers and sedatives for signs of aggression or agitation. Special solutions are administered intravenously at high speed to quickly raise blood pressure. Temperature, pulse and heart rate are simultaneously monitored.
  • Pneumothorax, or accumulation of air between the lung tissue and the chest. A mild degree requires observation; in severe cases, a drainage device is connected to pump out air. Ventilation may be required.
  • Internal bleeding. An ultrasound is performed to identify damaged organs or blood vessels. In all cases, surgery is indicated.
  • Intoxication and peritonitis. It is observed when the urea is damaged with a spill of contents into the abdominal cavity, or when internal bleeding is not detected in time. Requires surgery.
  • Traumatic brain injuries. They are dangerous because even with mild and moderate severity, hematomas can form, which will lead to brain swelling and respiratory arrest. In this case, the cat breaks, its hind and front legs move chaotically. To prevent these consequences, decongestant treatment is carried out with the administration of diuretics (Mannitol), and in case of hematomas, kittens are operated on.
  • Spinal injuries. For mild injuries (some fractures, dislocations), rest and taking anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated; for severe injuries, surgery with a course of antibiotics is indicated.
  • Spinal cord rupture. It is impossible to save the kitten in this case.
  • Closed and open fractures of the limbs. The veterinarian makes a bandage and applies a plaster cast. If necessary, he performs surgery to restore the integrity of the bones.

Black cat in the house: common signs

The ancient Slavs treated black pets with respect, since these animals were considered not only the best rodent exterminators, but also powerful home talismans. At a housewarming party, a black cat was allowed into the door first so that the pet could become friends with the brownie.

There are many signs and superstitions associated with a charcoal-colored pet living in a house:

  • a black cat came into the house or to the doorstep - a sign promising good news;
  • A cat with a dark color always lies down on a sore spot.

If a black cat or kitten comes to your house, this is a good omen. With the appearance of a little protector in the house, you can forget about the possible negative magical influence from the outside.

In addition to well-known signs, there are also true beliefs about these animals:

  • on board a ship - to good luck, calm sailing;
  • thrown overboard of a ship - to a strong storm, gale;
  • located at the threshold of the house - to prosperity in the house, profit;
  • to get rid of stye on the eye, just touch it with the tail of a black cat;
  • seen in a dream before Christmas, warns the sleeper about illness.

Cats of a dark color act as matchmakers in the omens of different nations. If a young unmarried girl gets such a pet in her house, then her problems in her personal life will disappear, and there will be no end to her admirers.

In the 18th and 19th centuries in England, the wives of sailors always kept a black cat at home, as they believed that the animal would help protect their husbands from harm.

How to prevent a collision with a purr?

There are cases where a cat climbed under the hood and was seriously injured when the car started moving.

The life of an animal depends on both the driver of the car and the owner. To avoid running over a cat, you need to drive carefully and carefully, especially in the suburbs, where purring cats often walk on the roadway. Owners are advised to walk cats on a leash or not let them out near the road. You should not allow your pet to sleep under cars, as you could accidentally crush the animal.

The cat threw itself under the wheels of the car: what does this mean?

The sudden appearance of a cat can cause urgent changes in life

Let's say a motorist was driving, observing all traffic rules and carefully watching the road. And suddenly, as if out of nowhere, a cat rushed under the wheels of his car. This happens quite often. If you are faced with a similar situation, stop the car and think: perhaps fate is giving you a sign:

  • It is possible that you need to cancel your planned trip. Most likely, trouble awaits you. Come up with a reason to explain your absence to those who are expecting you. Of course, it is not necessary to tell the truth. Maybe you need to think about what decision to make.
  • A cat that threw itself under the wheels may mean that you need to completely change your life. Take a short vacation and think: maybe everything is not going the way you want? Are you unhappy with your job, your relationship has run its course and you have given up on your dreams?
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