ATTACK BY A CAT
Cats can do considerable damage to dogs. Usually the dog gets bitten and clawed around the eyes, nose and face, since he more or less leads with these parts.
Before you can give the dog first aid, you'll have to get rid of the cat. When a cat and dog tangle, the cat may use one of several tactics. He may claw the dog in the nose and head for the nearest tree or high fence. Or he may strike at the dog, arch his back and wait for the dog to make the next move. Finally, he may jump up on the dog's back and dig in with his claws.
In the first two instances, you can frighten off the cat by making threatening gestures and loud noises. Given the chance, the cat will be glad to get away. In the latter case, you'll have to get the cat off the dog's back. You may take some of the dog's hair and skin with the cat, but there's no help for it. Grabbing the cat by the tail will not work; he'll simply double up on your arm and sink his claws and teeth into you. The best way to get him off is by using a hose on him. In the absence of a hose, take a stick, slide it under the cat and propel him off.
First Aid
Cat bites are more dangerous than dog bites, since they are small and tend to close up. When they do close up, there is always the possibility of abscesses or tetanus. So, if no artery or vein is involved, let the cat bites bleed freely.
Unless the cat bites and scratches are very jagged and require stitches, let the dog lick those he can reach. You can treat those he can't get at. Just to be on the safe side, apply an antiseptic to each bite and scratch. Do this by rolling absorbent cotton around toothpicks, dipping these small swabs into metaphen and inserting the swab into the cat bite. You'll have to restrain the dog when you do this. It's a good idea to have the veterinarian give the dog a tetanus injection.
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