10 Common Cat Injuries: Signs, Treatment & Prevention 

Cats are agile and inquisitive, which is part of what makes them so special and so enjoyable to live with. But these same traits can also put them at risk of injury. Knowing what to watch out for, where the risks lie, and when and how to take action, can make a significant difference to their long-term health and safety.

Table of contents

• Swallowed foreign objects
• Poisoning
• Road accidents
• Fight wounds
• Falls
• Tick paralysis
• Collar injuries
• Tail injuries
• Broken or torn nails
• Fractured teeth
• How pet insurance can support your cat’s health and wellbeing

1. Swallowed foreign objects

Cats can sometimes ingest things that are harmful to them, particularly kittens. Thread, string, dental floss, rubber bands, coins, small toys and cooked bones are among the most common culprits. Although some of these items may pass through without harm, others may cause very serious health issues such as obstruction, intestinal damage, or choking, which may require vet treatment and surgery.

Warning signs may include lethargy, vomiting, refusing food, difficulty breathing, or something visibly lodged in the mouth or under the tongue. Any of these signs warrant an immediate call to your vet.

To help prevent problems, don’t leave risky items where cats can get to them, keep bins secured, and avoid toys with small detachable parts or string.

2. Poisoning

Cats can be poisoned by ingesting toxic substances directly or by grooming contaminated fur. Common hazards include:

• Household cleaning products, antifreeze, and pesticides (including some insect repellents)
• Veterinary products (including some dog flea and tick control products), human medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Skin care and beauty products, essential oils, and reed diffusers containing toxic alcohols
• Rodent baits, recreational drugs, certain plants, and human foods such as onions, garlic, and chocolate

Lilies are particularly dangerous, as even small amounts can cause fatal kidney failure in cats.

If you suspect poisoning (or your cat has been in contact with a known toxin), call your vet immediately. Symptoms of poisoning vary widely and can include vomiting, seizures, pale or yellow gums, difficulty breathing, bleeding, or sudden lethargy. If it’s safe to do so, bring any packaging or a sample of the suspected substance with you to the appointment.

3. Road accidents

Cats allowed to roam freely are at risk of being struck by vehicles, both in urban and rural areas. Road trauma can cause serious and life-threatening injuries such as fractures, internal bleeding, and head injuries.

Internal injuries may also not be visible from the outside. A cat who appears to have walked away from a traffic collision can still be seriously hurt. Any cat struck by a vehicle needs to be urgently assessed by a vet. Transport the cat to the vet as safely and calmly as possible to minimise stress and discomfort. You may need to wrap them gently in a towel before placing them in a carrier. Let the vet staff know you’re on your way and provide them with as much information as possible so they can be ready to help when you arrive. Keeping your cat safely contained at home and supervising any outdoor access is the most effective way to prevent these injuries.

4. Fight wounds

Bites and scratches from other cats not only cause physical damage, but can also often introduce bacteria that can cause painful infections. When infection builds under the skin it can form an abscess, a swollen, pus-filled lump that usually requires draining, cleaning, and antibiotics. Infection of the skin and tissue under the skin without an abscess is called cellulitis and can also be very painful. Infections may also cause serious systemic problems, especially if left untreated.

Signs include swelling, heat, fever, loss of appetite, and foul-smelling discharge. If you suspect a fight wound, take your cat to a vet before an infection develops. Cats with outdoor access are at higher risk of cat fight injuries.

5. Falls

Cats can be seriously injured if they fall from a height, such as a balcony or open window (sometimes called high-rise syndrome). Many cats who experience these falls sustain significant injuries, including head, chest and abdominal trauma, as well as jaw, limb and pelvic fractures, which require emergency treatment.

If your cat falls from any height, seek immediate vet attention, even if they appear uninjured. To prevent dangerous falls, fit windows with cat-proof screens and ensure that balconies are properly enclosed.

6. Tick paralysis

Paralysis ticks are a serious hazard in parts of Australia. Their saliva contains neurotoxins that cause progressive muscle weakness. Early signs often include weakness in the hind limbs, which gradually progresses to the front legs. As the paralysis worsens, cats may develop difficulty swallowing, changes to their voice, coughing, vomiting and, eventually, respiratory failure. Tick paralysis is life-threatening, so prompt vet treatment is essential.

Using a tick prevention product prescribed by your vet and formulated specifically for cats is the best way to help protect your cat. Never use a dog tick product on a cat, as it can be toxic. If you notice any signs of tick paralysis, don’t offer food or water, and seek emergency vet care immediately. Daily coat and skin checks are also important, paying particular attention to the head (including the lips, nose, around the eyes, and inside and outside the ears), neck (including under the collar), tail and surrounding areas, legs (including the armpits and groin), and paws (including between the toes). If you find one paralysis tick, keep searching, as cats can have more than one.

7. Collar injuries

Collars without a quick-release mechanism can snag on items (like fencing) or become caught under a leg, leaving a cat unable to free themselves. This can present an immediate risk of injury, or even strangulation. In addition, if the collar is caught under a leg, over time, this can cause severe tissue damage and infection. Use only collars with a functional breakaway clasp, fitted correctly, and supervise outdoor access where possible.

8. Tail injuries

A cat’s tail can be injured in many ways, including by a door closing on it, during a fight, in a road accident, or if handled inappropriately. There may be no visible external wound, yet the injury can involve nerve damage, fractures, and associated damage to the pelvis or spine. A dragging tail, swollen tail, abnormal hind-leg movement, difficulty urinating or urine dribbling all require an urgent vet visit — and often diagnostic imaging and other tests. Keeping your cat safely contained, handling them gently, supervising interactions with children, and taking care when closing doors can significantly reduce the risk of tail injuries.

9. Broken or torn nails

Nails caught on carpet, furniture or outdoor surfaces can tear or break, which can be painful and may cause bleeding. Limping or persistent licking at a paw are common signs of damaged nails. Bleeding typically stops on its own, but your vet can advise whether further treatment is needed. Older cats tend to have slower nail wear and may need regular trimming to reduce the risk of catching and other issues associated with overgrown nails.

10. Fractured teeth

Hard objects, including bones and certain toys can fracture a tooth, as can road trauma. A fractured tooth is painful and, if left untreated, can lead to infection, an abscess, or gum disease. Pawing at the mouth, eating on one side, or excessive drooling are signs that should prompt a trip to the vet, who can assess the situation and advise on appropriate treatment, including extraction, if necessary.

How pet insurance can support your cat’s health and wellbeing

Many of the injuries described above require prompt vet care, and some need diagnostic tests and imaging, medical treatment, surgery, or specialist treatment. The costs can be significant and may arise without warning. Pet insurance helps manage those unexpected expenses, giving you the confidence to seek care quickly without worrying about the bill.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance, your policy also contributes to the RSPCA’s animal welfare work across Australia. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.