Cat Knocked Down By A Car: 4 Emergency Actions

The main source of accidents in cats is collision with a car. The risk is all the higher when the cat is young and the night advances, due to the animal’s lack of caution, but also due to the motorist’s lack of visibility.

Although two thirds of knocked down cats die following the impact, it is not systematic. Whether you are the cause of the accident or you are simply passing on the road at the time, learn the 4 emergency actions that give the cat every chance of being saved!

Step 1: Secure The Accident Area

As with a road accident involving humans, the number 1 rule is undoubtedly to secure the accident area so as not to endanger the cat’s life, but also to preserve yours.

This is all the more true since if the cat has not been thrown, it may be in the middle of the road or on the shoulder. We therefore follow the recommendations of the Highway Code to the letter:

1. Park your car in a suitable place and turn on the hazard warning lights if necessary,
2. Put on your yellow vest,
3. Place reflective triangles on the accident area,
4. Check the cat’s health.

Step 2: Make Sure The Cat Is Alive

It’s simple, but it’s one of the first things you need to be sure of. A cat that has been hit by a car may very well be unconscious or in shock. As a result, we mistakenly think that he is dead, when he is indeed breathing.

To check that the cat is alive when it is not moving, approach it gently, without frightening it, by talking to it softly, and:

• • Watch if his rib cage swells, if so, these are his breathing movements,

• • If the movements are imperceptible, check his pulse, by palpating the groin, on the inner side of his thighs (the hind legs).

If the cat is alive, go to step 3. If not, you can place it on the side of the road so that its remains are kept in good condition. Move it, if possible, by wrapping it in a cloth. You will then need to call the town hall of the town where the accident took place. The rendering services will take care of finding the owner to inform him, or of declaring the death of the animal if necessary.

Step 3: Warm Up The Cat

Is the cat alive? It’s good news ! Now it’s up to you to give him every chance of survival. Even if the latter were to die, its owner will thank you, and this cat will not have spent its last moments alone.

But first of all, it is worth remembering that this cat was knocked down, so it is most likely in a state of shock and may react inappropriately, especially since its fear is at its maximum.

So prefer to come to his side gently so as not to rush him. Also, keep your face away from the cat so you don’t get scratched or bitten if it becomes aggressive. Once at his height, lay a cloth over him (an old garment, your sweater, a blanket) or a survival blanket to prevent him from getting cold.

Step 4: Call The Veterinarian

You can’t always know how the cat is doing. He may be injured or bleeding, in which case you will see him quickly. But it is also possible that he is bleeding internally without any apparent signs.

This is why it is recommended to call the veterinarian, as you would call the fire department for an injured human being. As a result, you will not handle the animal unless the animal asks you to.

Over the phone, the veterinarian will guide you to check his vital signs and perform first aid if necessary. Follow these instructions, for example, he might recommend:

• • To trigger the breathing reflex by pulling his tongue,

• • To protect an open wound with a cloth,

• • To handle it with the right support to put it on a rigid support,

• • To make compression points, etc.

Depending on the advice of the veterinarian, you will need to:

• • Wait for him to come on site: then just warm the cat up, reassure him, talk to him to make the wait less painful for both of you,

• • Or go to his office: it will then be necessary to move the cat on a rigid surface, by laying his head on the side, and to drive carefully to avoid additional shocks.

In any case, it is the veterinarian who will then choose the most suitable treatment for a cat victim of a road accident.