Disclaimer: the information provided below is not intended to replace or override the advice of your veterinarian. Both the author and the site owner assume that this information will be used to work with your vet in planning the best treatment plan for your cat

Despite our best precautions, sometimes accidents happen and our cats are subjected to burns and scalds.  There are many causes of this: spilling some hot coffee when kitty is at our feet waiting for breakfast, a cat jumping up onto a hot stove, walking across a hot parking lot on a summer day, too much sun, getting too close to the campfire, being exposed to a caustic chemical, etc.

We need to recognize when the burns are treatable at home and when we will need professional help.  There are three general classes of external burns.  First degree burns are the least severe and produce redness of the area exposed.  Second-degree burns produce a blister. If not too large, these are easily treated at home.  If the size of the area where it is blistered is larger than the palm of your hand on an average sized cat, you must take them to the veterinarian for treatment.  Otherwise, with close supervision, they can be handled at home.  Third-degree burns can be identified by the flesh being charred.  These types of burns are very serious and should only be attended to by a professional.

When a cat's skin is burned it becomes very susceptible to infection and we must be vigilant in keeping the infection out.  Also, when burned, there is a chance that our friend will become dehydrated. Either situation can be very serious and is cause to bring them to a veterinarian. Should you see any signs of infection or dehydration, it's time to get help.  Shock may occur in some animals and care should be taken that they are kept calm and warm.  If the shock does not subside quickly, again, take your friend to a professional. You may want to administer an appropriate homeopathic remedy to help with the shock, but a vet visit is still necessary to insure that a relapse doesn't occur.

Any chemical burns should also be treated professionally.  If a liquid chemical is the cause, rinse with warm water; if a powder is the culprit brush off the excess and go to the vet.  Take the container of the burn causing substance if at all possible so that the veterinarian can better know how to deal with the burn.

If your fur-friend has become burned, gently look under the fur and assess the damage.  If there are first and second-degree burns, immerse the affected parts in cold water for several minutes.  Don't put ice on the burns as it might do further damage.  Cooling the skin in the water will help keep the swelling and blistering down if done soon enough.  If there are third-degree burns or if second-degree burns cover a large part of the kitty's body, cover them loosely with a blanket and get them to a veterinarian immediately.  Do not remove burned skin or burst any blisters that develop.  Closed blisters can be covered with a dry bandage, but if they open, the area should be left open to air to heal.

Of the homeopathic remedies that should be considered, starting with Aconitum napellus is always a good choice to help calm the scared animal and relieve some of the pain.  The flower essence combination Rescue Remedy is also helpful.  Either can be given repeatedly up to four times until the cat is resting calmly.  Apis mellifica may be the second remedy given if the skin is puffy but no blisters have developed.  For second degree burns with blisters, Cantharis would be a better choice.  An electrical burn would indicate the use of Phosphorous. Lower potencies are usually best.

Herbally, there are several things that can be used externally on minor burns. Aloe vera is very soothing to burned skin and the juice from a crushed leaf can be applied as often as needed.  It will relieve a lot of pain if applied repeatedly.  Honey used as a poultice will also relieve pain and speed healing.  Infusions of calendula, stinging nettles or comfrey are also useful in cleaning the area and in relieving pain and reducing the time for healing to occur.  Vitamin E oil applied to the wound after it has started to heal can prevent scarring.

Flower essences also have their place in treating burn victims.  To keep your cat friend calm, Rescue Remedy can be used throughout the healing period.  Agrimony can be given to perk up a kitty that is in poor spirits due to needing a long healing time.

Be sure to provide access to clean water to your cat at all times so that they don't become dehydrated. Testing your kitty’s level of hydration frequently is important since many cats will not drink enough water to keep well. Pull up some of the skin on the kitty’s shoulder blades. If it springs back quickly, the skin is moist and the cat is not dehydrated. If the skin doesn't spring back into place quickly, then kitty may be dehydrated and you can give needle-less syringe drinks of water.

Burns do take a long time to heal, but with the proper care, they will heal well.
 
 

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