If you have a cat, there’s a good chance you may have to deal with a BB gun wound at some point.
A BB gunshot wound on a cat usually looks like a small, round puncture wound.
Depending on the location of the wound and the severity, there may also be bruising, swelling, or bleeding. In some cases, a BB gun pellet may still be lodged in the skin.
While cats may be cute and cuddly, they are also curious animals that like to explore their surroundings. This can sometimes lead to them getting injured by something like a BB gun.
If this happens to your cat, it’s important to know how to respond.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about BB gun wounds on cats.
How Is A BB Gunshot Wound Treated?
If left untreated, a BB gunshot wound can lead to infection, abscesses, and even death.
A BB gun pellet that is lodged in the skin can also cause ongoing pain and discomfort for your cat.
In addition, if the BB gun wound is located in a sensitive area such as the eye or chest, it can lead to serious complications.
Treatment for a BB gunshot wound will vary depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, the first step will be to clean and disinfect the wound.
If there is a pellet lodged in the skin, your veterinarian may need to surgically remove it. In some cases, antibiotics may also be necessary to prevent infection.
If the BB gun wound is severe, your cat may need to be hospitalized for further treatment. If the injury is not severe, you can treat the wound at home.
The first thing you need to do is clean the wound. This can be done with warm salted water.
You will also want to remove any foreign objects, such as bits of fur or dirt, from the wound.
Once the wound is clean, you will need to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. A clean cloth or bandage can be used for this.
You will also need to keep the wound clean and dry. This means changing the bandage regularly and keeping an eye on it for any signs of infection.
If you follow these steps, your cat should heal quickly and without any complications.
However, if you are at all concerned about the wound, please seek professional medical attention immediately.
BB gun wounds can be very serious, and it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Can A Cat Survive A BB gun Shot?
The prognosis for cats with BB gunshot wounds is generally good, especially if the wound is treated promptly.
However, some cats may experience long-term complications such as chronic pain or infection.
In rare cases, a BB gun wound can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to take any suspected BB gun injury seriously and seek medical attention right away.
What to Do If Your Cat Is Shot With A BB Gun
If your cat has been shot with a BB gun, it is important to administer first aid before seeking professional medical help.
If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth or bandage. If the object is still embedded in the skin, do not attempt to remove it yourself; leave that to the professionals.
Once at the vet, they will assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the object and repair any damage.
In other cases, antibiotics may be necessary to prevent infection.
No matter what, if your cat has been shot with a BB gun, it is important to get them to a vet as soon as possible for treatment.
With prompt and proper care, most cats will make a full recovery.
How long does it take For a BB gun Wound to Heal?
The healing process will vary depending on the severity of the wound. In most cases, however, the wound should heal within a few weeks.
If you have any concerns about the healing process, please speak to your veterinarian.
They will be able to advise you on what to expect and how to best care for your cat during this time.
How to Properly Care For a Wound Caused By a BB Gun
If the wound does not appear to be life-threatening, you can follow these steps to care for it at home:
- Clean the wound: Gently clean the area around the wound with warm water and a mild antiseptic. Do not scrub as this could further irritate the skin.
- Apply a topical antibiotic: Apply a small amount of an over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment or cream to the wound. This will help to prevent infection.
- Cover the wound: Place a bandage over the wound and secure it in place with tape or a gauze wrap. Be sure to check the bandage regularly and replace it as needed.
- Give your cat pain relief: If your cat is in pain, you can give them a small amount of over-the-counter pain medication designed for cats. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
- Monitor the wound: Closely monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any of these signs, seek professional medical help immediately. With proper care, most BB gun wounds will heal without complication. However, it is important to seek professional medical help if you have any concerns about your cat’s health or wellbeing.
Is Shooting A Cat With A BB Gun Illegal?
Shooting a cat with anything is not only cruel but also illegal in many states—a fact you may not know if you’ve never owned a cat or done any research on the subject.
If caught, those who engage in this behavior can be charged with animal cruelty and face jail time and/or a fine as punishment.
So please, spread the word: don’t shoot cats with BB guns.
Animal cruelty is a serious offense and should be reported to the authorities immediately.
If you witness someone shooting a cat with a BB gun, do not hesitate to call the police or animal control.
By taking action, you can help prevent another cat from being shot and injured.
The Cost of Veterinary Care for Cats that have been injured by BB guns
The cost of veterinary care for a cat that has been shot by a BB gun can be quite expensive.
If the cat is lucky and the BB only penetrates the skin, the cost may be as low as a couple of hundred dollars.
However, if organs are damaged or if the cat needs surgery to remove the BB, the cost can be several thousand dollars.
How to Prevent Your Cat from Getting Injured By a BB Gun
BB guns are dangerous to cats and can cause serious injury. It is important to keep your cat away from BB guns and other firearms.
BB guns can shoot pellets at high speeds, causing severe internal injuries or even death to cats.
Even if the pellet does not hit your cat directly, the impact can cause serious injuries.
Preventing your cat from getting shot by a BB gun is the best way to protect them. Keep guns stored safely and out of reach of cats.
If you must keep a BB gun in the house, make sure it is unloaded and locked up. Be sure to keep ammunition stored separately from firearms.
Do not shoot guns in areas where your cat may be present. If you are using a BB gun for target practice, set up targets in an area that is fenced off or away from your home to prevent your cat from being hit by a stray pellet.
Conclusion
BB guns can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that they pose a risk to pets.
If you own a BB gun, make sure you know how to use it safely and are aware of the risks involved.
And if your pet is injured by a BB gun, seek veterinary care immediately.
The cost of treatment may seem high, but it’s better than risking your pet’s life.
To help keep your pet safe from BB gun injuries, always keep them supervised when you’re using your gun and take steps to secure your backyard so they can’t wander in harm’s way.
Hi! I am Eleanor Price. I started this website after my cat, Louie, almost died from a case of botulism (a type of food poisoning often caused by bacteria that grow on food items). Turned out that my cat’s diet was the problem. I have made it my duty to provide the best information and recommendations about everything cat lovers need to know about their felines’ health and wellbeing. My goal is to find the most informative content on anything feline-related and share it with fellow hardworking kitty lovers.