Cat Ailments A to Z - Electrocution

This probably happens so much more then we are aware.

Electrical Injuries Can Result In:

• Burns around Mouth
• Burnt Hair-Fur/Singed Hair-Fur
• Singed Whiskers 
• Seizures
• Muscle Tremors
• Collapse
• Pulmonary Edema
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Cataracts 
• Tachycardia

Alterations to the Electrical Conduction in:

• Heart
• Muscles
• Tissue

Common Signs of Serious Electrical Injury

• Coughing
• Tachypnea
• Orthopnea
• Rales
• Dyspnea
• Cyanosis

What to do if you witness a cat being electrocuted ( besides freaking out and screaming )
 TURN OFF THE POWER
I realize this is not instinctual - you probably want to go directly to your kitty but STOP
If a cat has been electrocuted it may cause the jaws to clamp shut.
The live wires are still running electric currents through the cats body and you will get electrocuted.
You can not help your cat if you are laying injured on the ground beside them.

It may be simpler to just kick off the breaker.. being able to be alert enough to shut off the right outlet may be hard- when it doubt just go dark 
Yes it would be smart to have a flashlight handy..great idea.. but if you forget to plan ahead... just relax and find one after you have turned off the power.. in the dark... you have done it before. 

Assess cats alertness and breathing 
If your cat has lost consciousness, clear its airway as best as you can, and if necessary, provide breathing assistance and/or oxygen.

Wrap that kitty up and get it to the Vet.



What if you saw something happen but it did not seem to result in a catastrophic injury?

That is not something I am willing to decide - that is your call.
Just remember -
Cats are masters of hiding pain
You have no idea what is going on internally


How to prevent this from happening 

 

Hey, that stuff is kinda neat! Amazon has everything...

Also

Baby Proof

You have a tiny toddler teething - it just happens to be a kitten.

Kittens are better then babies!