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Cat Bleeding
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Emergency Steps
1Apply direct pressure using gauze over the bleeding site. If blood soaks through, apply more gauze.
- Direct pressure is the safest way to stop bleeding until you reach a veterinary hospital.
2If blood is spurting, hold the area just above the wound with your hand.
- If it is flowing heavily but not spurting, hold the area just below the site. Hand positions may help close off the blood vessels.
3Wrap gauze or other soft material around the wound. Secure with tape.
- Check repeatedly for swelling, which indicates the bandage is too tight and you need to loosen it.
4Elevate the wound if the leg does not seem to be broken.
- Continue to apply direct pressure.
5Take your cat to the vet immediately.
Cat Bleeding FAQs
What if direct pressure does not work?
Apply direct pressure, adding more gauze and bandage as you take your cat to the veterinarian.
What are pressure points I can use to help control bleeding?
You may try the pressure point technique, but it should be used as a last resort if the cat’s life is in danger. Apply firm, even pressure using three fingers on the same side where bleeding is occurring:
- For the front limbs, press up and into the armpit; for back limbs, press on the inner thigh where the leg meets the body.
- For the head, press at the base of the lower jaw (the angle just below the ear).
- For the neck, press in the soft groove next to the windpipe (feels round and hard) just below the wound.
Release pressure slightly for a few seconds, at least every 10 minutes. Be sure you do not restrict breathing.
Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
About Red Cross Training Services
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.