Oh my goodness, that sounds like a very stressful situation for both you and your feline friend! The good news is that cats are incredibly resilient creatures, but there are still a few things to watch out for after such an incident.
First, check your cat for any obvious injuries such as cuts, bruises, or swelling, which might require immediate veterinary attention. Look for any signs of distress, such as limping, excessive vocalization, or difficulty breathing. Cats can also experience shock, so watch for signs like weakness or lethargy.
In terms of at-home care, ensure your kitty is dry and warm. Wrap them in a soft towel and gently pat them dry. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting if they'll tolerate it, but be careful not to frighten them with the noise. Offer a cozy space with blankets where they can rest and feel secure.
Keep a close eye on their behavior over the next 24-48 hours. Eating, drinking, grooming, and using the litter box normally are all good signs. If you observe vomiting, diarrhea, or any abnormal behavior or physical discomfort, it’s best to speak to a vet.
For peace of mind and professional advice, I'd recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. They can provide guidance specific to your cat's situation and make sure everything is okay.
Update to: I accidentally washed my cat in the washing machine.
I'm back with an update and a fresh plea for advice because things are still pretty tense over here. As some of you might remember, I had the absolute nightmare experience of my cat, Whiskers, getting into the washing machine and I turned it on without realizing he was in there. I'm still feeling sick with guilt just writing that. Thankfully, I caught it early, and he wasn’t in there for long, but now I'm really concerned about his behavior afterwards. He's been super skittish and won’t come near the laundry room at all, which I totally understand, but he's also been unusually quiet and seems to sleep more than usual. I’ve been keeping him warm and giving him tons of cuddles (when he lets me), but I’m worried there might be something else wrong. Could he be stressed or traumatized? Should I take him to the vet just to be sure? Any similar experiences or advice would really help. Thanks so much, my heart's kind of in pieces over this and I just want to make sure he’s okay.
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