Bandage and Splint Care for Cats

Why did my veterinarian apply a bandage or splint to my cat?

Bandages and splints protect the underlying tissues from self-trauma (such as licking), which will delay healing and may promote infection.

Bandages are mainly used to protect a wound, incision, or injury while it is healing. A bandage protects the wound surface from contamination with dirt or debris from the environment. It may be used to cover a layer of topical medication that was applied to the wound, preventing the medication from being rubbed or licked off. 

In some cases, a bandage is used to hold an injured part against another part of the body, such as bandaging an injured ear to the head or bandaging an injured or broken toe to the other toes on the foot.

Splints serve the same protective functions as bandages and have the additional benefit of preventing the injured part from moving. If a splint is used to support a fractured bone, it will be applied so that it immobilizes both the joint above the fracture and the joint below.

What parts of the body can be protected by bandages or splints?

Bandages can be readily applied to the head, neck, chest, tail, or lower legs of a cat. Splints are usually applied below the knee on the back leg or below the midpoint of the humerus (the bone that connects the shoulder to the elbow) on the front leg. 

The anatomy of the upper part of the front and back legs makes it difficult to apply a bandage or splint that will stay in place without slipping or causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. If it is necessary to protect or stabilize these areas, your veterinarian will apply some type of immobilizing sling.

Why are there so many layers in the bandage?

As a rule, cats do not like anything stuck to their hair or skin and will usually try to take it off. Therefore, bandages used for cats will always be composed of several layers of bandage material and, whenever possible, they will wrap entirely around the body part that is being protected.

The first layer of bandage material is a dressing layer. If the purpose of the bandage is to protect a surgical incision or a non-infected wound, the dressing layer will be made of a sterile material that will not stick to the wound. If the wound is infected, this layer will be made of a sterile material that will stick to the wound and help draw out the infection or it will contain medication or another agent to assist in controlling the infection.

The second layer keeps the dressing in place and provides some padding to the area to be protected. It will be rolled gauze, cotton, or synthetic cast padding. The thickness of this layer will vary according to the type of injury.

The third layer is usually made of a strong and stretchy material that sticks to itself without adhesive. The purpose of this tougher layer of material is to provide further protection to the underlying layers and to help prevent moisture from wicking through to the wound.

The final layer of bandage material will often be surgical tape, a strong adhesive material that tapes down the ends of the bandage and adheres to the fur so that it is difficult for the cat to remove the bandage.

How does a splint differ from a bandage?

A splint incorporates a hard or rigid material within the bandage to immobilize the area under the splint. Splints may be metal, plastic, or wood, and they may be straight or curved to the shape of the limb. Your veterinarian will first protect the surface of the injured area with a dressing and some padding, then will securely place the splint over the area to be protected and apply more layers of bandage material. The thickness of the padding layer, and thus the size of the splint, will depend on the location and type of injury.

How often does the bandage or splint need to be changed?

If the wound beneath the bandage is infected, the bandage will need to be changed one to two times per day until the infection is under control. Since the purpose of a splint is to help immobilize an injured body part, it is usually changed less frequently. In kittens that are growing rapidly, the splint may need to be changed weekly to accommodate their rapid growth. In adult cats, a splint may be left in place for several weeks if there are no complications. Your veterinarian will tell you how often the bandage or splint on your cat needs to be changed.

How do I care for the bandage or splint?

Check the bandage at least twice daily to ensure it is clean and dry and neither too tight nor too loose. If the toes are exposed below the bandage, check to ensure they are free of discharges or foul smells, that they are neither hot nor cold, and they have not become swollen or red. Any of these signs could indicate the bandage is too tight or the infection is spreading. For the same reasons, also check the area above the bandage to make sure that it is not swollen, red, chafed, or otherwise irritated. Finally, make sure the bandage has not slipped up or down.

Do not allow your cat to lick or chew at the bandage. If your cat continues to bother the bandage, it may be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar or cone) to prevent access to it.

Do not remove the splint or bandage unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. If your cat takes the bandage off, contact your veterinary clinic immediately to arrange a recheck appointment. If your cat left the bandage alone when it was first applied and then suddenly begins to chew at it, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice, as it may indicate that a problem is developing.

How can I accommodate my cat while wearing a bandage or splint?

It may be necessary to modify your cat's litter box so they can still get in and out with ease, especially with a splint. You may need a wider box or a box with lower sides to accommodate the increased bulk of the splint. To prevent the bandage or splint from becoming soiled with feces or urine, you may need to clean the litter several times each day. Finally, you may need to change the type of litter, especially if your litter clumps, as it could get stuck between your cat's toes or cling to a damp bandage.

Without exception, your cat must be confined indoors as long as the bandage or splint is in place. Your veterinarian may recommend confining your cat to a crate or cage to restrict activity.

When should I take my cat back to the veterinarian?

Your veterinarian will tell you how often to schedule routine bandage or splint changes. Contact the clinic or schedule a recheck appointment or a bandage change as soon as possible in the following circumstances:

• Your cat is chewing on the splint or bandage
• The bandage becomes wet or soiled
• The bandage smells badly or becomes soiled with blood or other discharges
• The bandage slips or appears to be too loose or too tight
• You notice swelling or change in color above or below the bandage