When a cat is hit by a car, every second matters. Road traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic injuries in cats, especially in urban areas like North Vancouver, where residential streets, busy intersections, and wildlife corridors increase risk. Even if your cat appears conscious or mobile after impact, internal injuries, shock, or internal bleeding may already be progressing.
Knowing the correct emergency steps before reaching a vet can significantly improve survival rates and reduce long-term complications. This guide explains what to do immediately, what not to do, and how to safely transport your injured cat to a North Vancouver emergency vet such as NorthCare Animal Hospital, which is open 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and can be reached at 604-984-1464.
Why a Car Accident Is Always a Pet Emergency
A cat hit by a vehicle should always be treated as a Pet Emergency, even if injuries are not visible. Cats instinctively hide pain, and many life-threatening conditions—such as pulmonary contusions, ruptured organs, internal hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury (TBI)—may not show symptoms right away.
Common Veterinary Trauma Diagnoses After Vehicle Impact
| Injury Type | Medical Description | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|---|
| Pulmonary contusions | Bruising of lung tissue | Can cause delayed respiratory failure |
| Pneumothorax | Air leaking into chest cavity | Prevents lungs from expanding |
| Internal hemorrhage | Bleeding inside abdomen or chest | Leads to shock and organ failure |
| Pelvic fractures | Breaks in pelvis or hips | Can damage bladder or nerves |
| Traumatic brain injury (TBI) | Brain swelling or bleeding | Causes seizures, coma, death |
| Soft tissue trauma | Muscle and organ damage | May mask internal injuries |
Step 1: Stay Calm and Ensure Scene Safety
Your reaction sets the tone for your cat’s survival. Panicking can worsen injuries.
Stop traffic if safe
Move your cat away from the road only if it can be done without further harm
Do not chase a frightened cat—injured cats may bite or scratch due to fear and pain
If your cat is aggressive or attempting to flee, use a towel or blanket to gently restrain them.
Step 2: Approach Carefully and Prevent Further Injury
Cats in shock may appear still, quiet, or limp. Others may vocalize loudly.
Do not:
Pull on limbs
Straighten the spine
Apply pressure to the abdomen
Give food, water, or medication
Do:
Keep your cat warm
Minimize movement
Cover with a towel or blanket
Spinal trauma is common in car accidents, so immobilization is critical.
Step 3: Check Breathing and Consciousness
Before transport, assess vital signs:
Is your cat breathing normally?
Is breathing shallow, labored, or open-mouth?
Are gums pale, blue, or white?
Open-mouth breathing in cats is always an emergency and requires immediate veterinary intervention. If breathing is labored, avoid pressing on the chest.
If your cat is unconscious but breathing, do not attempt CPR unless instructed by a veterinary professional.
Step 4: Control External Bleeding (If Present)
External bleeding is less common than internal bleeding but must still be addressed.
Apply gentle pressure with clean cloth or gauze
Do not use tourniquets
Do not probe wounds
Do not clean deep wounds at home
Heavy bleeding combined with lethargy may indicate hemorrhagic shock, which is fatal without rapid treatment.
Step 5: Immobilize and Prepare for Transport
Proper transport can prevent secondary injuries.
Best transport options:
Hard-bottom carrier
Box with ventilation holes
Rigid surface (board or blanket stretched between two people)
Keep the cat lying on their side, head slightly extended, and body supported.
Step 6: Go Immediately to a North Vancouver Emergency Vet
A cat hit by a car requires immediate veterinary diagnostics, including:
Emergency physical examination
Digital X-rays
FAST ultrasound scan
Bloodwork (PCV/TS, lactate levels)
Oxygen therapy
IV catheter placement
If you are in the area, go directly to North Vancouver at NorthCare Animal Hospital or, if closer, their West Vancouver location.
If your cat needs urgent care and cannot wait for an appointment, NorthCare provides Walk-in service for emergencies.
Why Immediate Emergency Care Saves Lives
Delaying care increases the risk of:
Internal bleeding progressing to shock
Respiratory failure
Organ rupture
Permanent neurological damage
Death within hours
Early stabilization dramatically improves outcomes.
NorthCare Animal Hospital is fully equipped for Pet Emergency cases, including trauma stabilization, imaging, and critical care monitoring.
What NOT to Do After a Cat Is Hit by a Car
Avoid these common but dangerous mistakes:
❌ Giving human pain medication (toxic to cats)
❌ Waiting “to see if they improve”
❌ Forcing food or water
❌ Bathing or cleaning deep wounds
❌ Letting the cat walk or jump
Even cats that “walk it off” often collapse hours later due to internal hemorrhage.
Veterinary Treatment You Can Expect
At NorthCare Animal Hospital, treatment may include:
Oxygen supplementation
IV fluids for shock
Pain management (opioids, gabapentin)
Anti-inflammatory therapy
Surgical intervention if required
Hospitalization and monitoring
Treatment plans are tailored based on injury severity, age, and overall health.
Recovery and Prognosis After a Vehicle Accident
Recovery depends on:
Speed of treatment
Type of injuries
Presence of internal bleeding
Age and underlying health
Many cats fully recover with prompt emergency care. Delays significantly worsen prognosis.
Preventing Future Accidents
While accidents happen, risk can be reduced by:
Keeping cats indoors or supervised outdoors
Using secure cat enclosures (catios)
Microchipping for identification
Reflective collars for outdoor cats
Avoiding free roaming near busy roads
When in Doubt, Treat It as an Emergency
If your cat has been hit by a car—even lightly—assume it is life-threatening until proven otherwise. Immediate veterinary care saves lives.
📍 NorthCare Animal Hospital
📞 604-984-1464
🕒 Open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🚑 Emergency & walk-in services available