Summarize:

For a snakebite from a venomous snake, keeping your cat calm and quiet is the best first aid that you can administer to your cat before she receives veterinary care. The more agitated and active she is, the more quickly the venom could spread through her body and make her even sicker. It is actually recommended that keeping your cat calm and quiet is the  only  first aid that you should administer on your own.  Do not allow your cat to walk or run around as this will increase her heart rate and stimulate more blood circulation. Keep in mind that your cat may snap at you or try to bite you because of the amount of pain that she’s in. Gentle pressure will help control the bleeding from the bite wound. An example of first aid that you should  not  administer is cutting the wound open to suck out the venom or drain the wound. Not only is this ineffective, you would cause more pain and suffering for your cat. In addition, the venom could be venomous to you.  Do not apply a tourniquet or compression bandage in the area near the bite wound. Do not apply ice to the bite wound. The ice does not slow the spread of the venom and can actually damage the skin. Do not wash the wound if the bite was from a venomous snake. Washing the wound could increase the absorption of the venom. The action most likely to save your cat's life is getting her to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If possible, transport your cat in her carrier or a large box in which she can comfortably lie down. To help keep her calm and still during the drive to the veterinarian, loosely wrap your cat in a large towel or sheet. The effects of snake venom are usually irreversible and often begin immediately after the snakebite. To increase the chances of your cat’s survival and treat the effects of the snake venom, your cat will need immediate veterinary treatment. Your veterinarian may have a snakebite detection kit, which would allow him or her to identify what type of snake bit your cat. However, in the event that your veterinarian does not have the kit, you will need to provide as much information as you can about the snake bite, such as a description of the snake, how much time has passed since the snakebite, and what clinical signs your cat started to show after being bitten. Although clinical signs and the appearance of the snakebite may seem like enough to start treatment, your veterinarian will want to run diagnostic tests to fully assess the severity of the snakebite. For example, your veterinarian will run blood tests to see how well (or poorly) your cat’s blood is clotting. He or she may also take a urine sample (snakebites can lead to blood being in the urine). Depending on how well-equipped the veterinary clinic is, your veterinarian may want to perform an electrocardiogram to assess your cat’s heart beat. Because of how quickly snake venom can spread and cause damage in your cat’s body, your veterinarian may want to begin some forms of treatment immediately to stabilize your cat. Do not be surprised if your veterinarian needs to start treatment to stabilize your cat before he or she gets a more detailed history from you. One form of immediate treatment is intravenous fluids, which will bring your cat’s blood pressure back up (very important if your cat has gone into shock).  Antivenin works by neutralizing the snake’s venom and is most effective when administered within the first six hours of a snakebite. It can help to prevent bleeding disorders and reduce the amount of swelling at the bite wound. Keep in mind that antivenin is not a vaccination and will not protect your cat from future snakebites. Your veterinarian will likely administer a steroid, which will minimize further tissue damage, control shock, and prevent a possible allergic reaction from antivenin administration. Steroids are usually given only in the first 24 hours after a snakebite.  Your cat may also need oxygen supplementation and additional breathing support, depending on her level of respiratory distress when you get her to your veterinarian.  If your cat is suffering from serious blood circulation problems (little to no clotting, low blood cell counts), she will need to be treated with blood replacement products and other appropriate treatments.  Antibiotics are usually not necessary, since wounds from snakebites rarely become infected. The prognosis for your cat varies depending on how much venom was injected, the species of snake, and how time has passed since the snakebite happened. Fortunately, nearly 80% of pets will survive snakebites if they receive immediate veterinary treatment. Provided that your cat has a good prognosis, she will likely recover in 24 to 48 hours. This recovery may take longer (at least several days) depending on the extent of tissue damage. Your veterinarian may recommend that your cat stay at the hospital overnight for an observation. She would need stay overnight if she needs continued intensive treatment. Once your veterinarian is confident that your cat has recovered well from the snakebite, he or she will send her home with you. When your cat is well enough to come home, you will need to be responsible for her at-home care. Your veterinarian will probably prescribe a pain medication to control the pain from the snakebite. Your cat may need additional medications, depending on her clinical signs and results of the diagnostic tests.
Keep your cat calm and quiet. Do not administer first aid other than gentle pressure. Take your cat to your veterinarian immediately. Provide as much history as you can about the snakebite. Allow your veterinarian to diagnose your cat. Approve of your veterinarian’s recommended treatment plan. Ask your veterinarian about your cat’s prognosis. Care for your cat when is released from the veterinary hospital.