Essential Pet First Aid Kit List for Home

Diarhea and Soft Stools

Diarhea and soft stools are among the top challenges faced by cat owners. The reasons for these issues are numerous, ranging from minor food intolerances to more serious gastrointestinal disorders, all of which can manifest as diarrhea or soft stools.

Common medications include Saccharomyces boulardii (with 3 to 5 billion colonyforming units), Vitamin B12, metronidazole, montmorillonite powder, inulin, and bentonite. The choice of medication depends on the specific situation, but for everyday use, having Saccharomyces boulardii and montmorillonite powder on hand is advisable, along with a small supply of Vitamin B12.

1. Bloody Stools: If you notice blood in your cat's stools, it's important to visit the vet for a fecal examination. Start by ruling out parasites like giardia and coccidia. Change your cat's diet and try probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii. Follow the vet's advice, and if appropriate, use metronidazole.

2. Formed Soft Stools: Begin with probiotics or montmorillonite powder. If your cat's appetite is normal, the soft stools should resolve within 12 days, allowing the body to heal itself. Then, schedule regular deworming.

3. Diarrhea with Watery or Mucousy Stools: If this persists for more than two days, it's crucial to take your cat to the vet immediately.

Vomiting and Acid Reflux

Feeding too late, drinking water after eating, or fasting can trigger acid reflux, leading to vomiting. Vomited material may appear as white foam, pale yellow, or even contain pink (blood, usually from the esophagus).

If your cat seems fine and maintains its appetite after vomiting, it may recover on its own. For prevention, keep a supply of omeprazole, famotidine, slippery elm powder, and glutamine at home.

1. Famotidine: This medication reduces stomach acid production, works quickly, and has a mild effect. It doesn't directly stop vomiting but can be used after vomiting or on the second occasion. The dosage is 2.5mg per cat, once a day.

2. Omeprazole: This drug also reduces stomach acid but has a slower onset and stronger effect. It needs to be taken frequently and is not suitable for emergencies. The dosage is 0.7mg to 1mg per kilogram of body weight, taken twice a day.

3. Sucralfate Tablets: These can be used if there is suspected esophageal bleeding or ulcers, and should be taken at least one hour apart from other medications. The dosage is 0.25mg of sucralfate tablets, taken 2 to 4 times a day.

Constipation

If your cat hasn't defecated in three days or more, it's considered constipation. Lactulose, polyethylene glycol, and fiber are effective treatments. For home care, having two of these on hand is sufficient.

1. Lactulose is the most common and convenient anticonstipation medication, with the brand Dulcolax being a popular choice. It can be taken orally at a dosage of 0.5ml/kg body weight, twice a day, or 1ml/kg body weight, once a day.

2. Polyethylene glycol 4000 powder is a highly effective stool softener. It is not recommended as a firstline treatment and should only be considered if lactulose is ineffective and the cat has severe gastrointestinal motility issues. The dosage is 0.1g to 0.15g per cat, once a day.

3. Psyllium husk powder is a watersoluble fiber that can be used for the prevention and maintenance of constipation, especially for cats transitioning to a raw meat diet. The dosage is 0.3g per day, mixed into the meal and gradually reduced.

Caution should be exercised with severe constipation, as it can lead to more serious complications.

Some cats may experience a decrease in stool volume and size after switching to a raw meat diet, which is not due to constipation but rather increased absorption rates.

When using these medications, avoid excessive frequency to prevent your cat's body from developing immunity.

Additionally, using rectal lubricants like glycerin is not recommended for cats.

Eye Inflammation

There are various eye drops available for eye inflammation, such as France's维克眼净, sodium hyaluronate eye drops, and Superglucosamine.维克眼净 is a wellknown brand among the top ten animal health product companies globally. Sodium hyaluronate eye drops are gentle and can relieve eye fatigue, dryness, and inflammation. Superglucosamine is effective for ulcers and eye injuries.

For minor scratches or bumps, use eye cleaning solutions as directed. If there is no improvement within 24 hours or if your cat shows signs of loss of appetite or poor condition, seek medical attention promptly.

Minor Injuries

For minor skin injuries, use iodine or chlorhexidine gluconate (Chlorhexidine) for disinfection. Avoid using alcohol, as it can cause your cat to become frantic. There are now disposable iodine swabs available, which are very convenient.

For shallow wounds with a small area, iodine alone may suffice. Chlorhexidine gluconate has a wider range of uses, including cleaning wounds, disinfection, treating blackheads, and removing dental plaque (diluted).

Before using these disinfectants, make sure to shave the area if necessary to clearly see the wound, especially if it's a bite wound. For more serious wounds or if you're unsure, consult a veterinarian.

These disinfectants are unlikely to affect the results of a dermatological examination. However, using corticosteroid/hormonal creams, ointments, or antifungal medications may not show any results at the vet's office, as the best examination state for skin diseases is a dirty body, the dirtier, the better, allowing for a more direct view of the cause of the disease.

Ear Issues

For ear cleaning, it is recommended to use ear cleaning solutions with TrisEDTA as the main ingredient, as this helps avoid the use of salicylic acid, which can be harmful if the cat's eardrum is ruptured and unknown.

While salicylic acid is effective at dissolving and removing earwax, if the cat's eardrum is ruptured and not known, it can cause neurological symptoms such as eye deviation and tremors.

Therefore, it is best to avoid using products containing salicylic acid unless it is confirmed that the cat's eardrum is intact.