Overview
Despite your best efforts to protect your cat, an accidental burn may still occur. Understanding the types of burns will help you assist your cat, but all burns, regardless of the source, should be treated by a veterinary professional.
There are three types of burns, including:
- Thermal
- Chemical
- Electrical
The causes of each type of burn vary, but the result is the same: your cat experiences pain and injury.
Thermal burn
Thermal burns are typically the most common type of burn and are caused by exposure to hot liquids or surfaces, fire, flames, or steam. Cats with light-colored fur or thin coats may also experience sunburn, another type of thermal burn. Cover the burn with a moist cloth and transport your cat to a veterinarian for treatment.
Chemical burn
Chemical burns are not as common as thermal burns and are often the result of a cat licking or swallowing some type of chemical-containing liquid such as a cleaning solvent or bleach. Symptoms may include a swollen tongue, unusual drooling, or refusal to eat or drink. Your cat may also suffer a chemical burn to the skin by coming in contact with a chemical substance. If possible, try to identify the source of the chemical to assist your veterinarian in treating the injury. A chemical burn to the skin should be covered with a non-stick dressing before transporting your cat to your veterinary facility.
Electrical burn
Electrical burns are by far the most serious types of burns and may result in respiratory distress or failure. Exposure to live electrical wires is the most frequent cause. Kittens that bite and chew electrical cords are susceptible to electrical shock and burns, often injuring the tongue and lips. If you believe your cat has suffered an electrical burn, take precautions to turn off the power source before attempting to assist the cat. Then transport the cat to your veterinarian to be treated.
Remember: All burns should be assessed and treated by a veterinary professional. Never apply ointment or butter to a burn, and never give any medication to your cat except on the advice of your veterinarian. (Emphasis added - Ed.)
A school teacher injured his back and had to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. It fit under his shirt and was not noticeable at all. On the first day of the term, still with the cast under his shirt, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in school.
Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, he opened the window as wide as possible and then busied himself with desk work. When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he took the desk stapler and stapled the tie to his chest.
He had no trouble with discipline that term.