Burns on cats

Burns are very painful for cats and always require veterinary assessment. It's important to act quickly if your cat suffers a bur

Symptoms of burns in cats:

Burnt or scorched fur
Redness or swelling of the skin
Pain and tenderness
Fur that comes off easily on the damaged area
Blisters
The cat doesn't want to move or hides
Signs of shock, e.g. rapid breathing, pale mucous membranes

What to do in case of a burn on a cat:

Cool the damaged area with cool water for 10 minutes - if possible.
Put on a collar if you have, so that the cat does not lick the injury.
Do not attempt to puncture any blisters.
Handle your cat gently – burns are very painful and your cat may react strongly.

In case of fire damage

Burns are uncommon in cats, but if an accident occurs and the cat is burned, you should shower the cat (or affected area) with cool water or wrap the cat in a towel before going to the vet.

Pay extra attention to whether your cat is showing signs of breathing difficulties, such as coughing or wheezing. Then the cat needs to be quickly examined by a veterinarian and given oxygen.

Electrical burns – How to do it

If the cat bites on a cord, it can get electricity through its body, first make sure that you yourself are not at risk of getting a shock. Unplug or turn off the power if necessary before touching the cat.

Check that the cat has a pulse and is breathing, otherwise start CPR.
Check your cat's mouth for burns.
Go to the vet even if the cat's general condition is stable, internal injuries such as fluid in the lungs may occur at a later stage.

Prevent burns in cats

Accidents can happen, but there is a lot you can do to reduce the risk of burns:

If you have a fireplace or stove, always use grilles or doors so that the cat cannot get close to the fire.
Avoid candles altogether as cats are curious and can burn both paws, nose and tail or push the candle down to the floor. Battery-powered candles are a safer option.
Cords can be tempting to chew on. Make sure these are hidden or protected.
Keep chemicals, detergents and batteries out of reach – they can cause burns if your cat ingests them or gets them on their skin.
Cats like to jump up on benches and stoves. Keep an extra eye on and make sure that hobs are turned off.
It is a good idea to have a sign on the door that shows that there are cat(s) in the home, and make sure that the smoke alarm works, it makes it easier for the fire brigade and neighbors to quickly know if there are animals to save in the event of a fire.