Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home launches in-person cat first aid training courses

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has announced the launch of in-person Cat First Aid Training courses, designed to equip cat owners with vital skills needed to handle emergencies and common health issues with confidence.

With cats being prone to a variety of injuries and illnesses, the course aims to empower owners and ensure their feline companions receive immediate and effective care when needed most.

The full day course, priced at £110, will be held at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and covers a wide range of crucial topics to help cat owners deliver first aid.

Participants will be taught; how to respond quickly in cases of choking or suffocation, how to handle wounds with proper care and bandaging and how to identify and manage common medical conditions like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism.

The course also covers environmental hazards, including poisoning and electric shock, and provides guidance on maintaining a proper diet and nutrition to support a cat’s overall health.

Additionally, participants will learn how to perform a weekly health check to identify early warning signs of illness and injury in their feline friends, and how to assess vital signs and effectively evaluate their cat’s condition.

The course also includes essential life-saving skills such as recognising and responding to shock and performing CPR.

The course marks a significant development in cat welfare education, as it is one of the first in-person Cat First Aid courses to be offered in the UK.

The entire cost of the Cat First Aid Training provided by Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home goes directly to supporting the home and its mission.

Carla Harris-Tait, education officer at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Cats are incredibly good at hiding pain, so it’s vital that owners know how to spot subtle signs of distress and illness. This course provides them with the knowledge and confidence to take action, which could mean the difference between life and death for their cat.”

Lindsay Fyffe Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, added: “Our mission at the Home has always been to support pets and their owners, and this new training course is a vital step in achieving that. By equipping owners with these essential skills, we’re empowering them to be their cat’s strongest support system, ensuring their pet gets the care they truly deserve.”