How to help a choking cat? - briefly
If your cat is choking, quickly and firmly grasp its hind legs and suspend it upside down while supporting the head and neck with your other hand. Perform five sharp blows between the shoulder blades, then check for an obstruction in the mouth.
How to help a choking cat? - in detail
When a cat is choking, swift and appropriate action can be lifesaving. Here’s how you can assist your feline friend in such an emergency:
Firstly, remain calm and assess the situation. Cats may exhibit signs of distress such as difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth, or making choking sounds. If the cat is unconscious, check for a pulse by feeling its chest.
If the cat is conscious, try to dislodge the object causing the obstruction. Open the cat’s mouth gently and look inside for any visible blockage. Be cautious as cats may bite when stressed or in pain. Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to carefully remove the object if it’s easily accessible.
If you cannot see or reach the object, do not attempt to push it further down the throat. Instead, perform the Heimlich maneuver:
- Place the cat on its side with its back facing you.
- Locate the soft spot just below the cat’s last rib.
- Apply firm, quick thrusts with the heel of your hand, similar to how you would perform CPR. Repeat this process up to five times.
If the object is dislodged and the cat begins to breathe normally, monitor it for any signs of distress or injury. Contact your veterinarian immediately for further guidance.
In case the Heimlich maneuver does not work and the cat becomes unconscious, begin CPR:
- Place the cat on a flat surface on its right side.
- Locate the heart, typically found slightly behind the left elbow.
- Apply gentle but firm pressure with your thumb or two fingers, compressing the chest about 1/4 to 1/3 of its width.
- Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
- After every compression cycle, check for signs of breathing and pulse.
- If no breath or pulse is detected after two minutes of CPR, stop and call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal clinic.
Throughout this process, it’s crucial to remain calm and focused. Ensure that you are not causing additional stress or harm to the cat. Always follow up with a veterinary professional to ensure the cat receives proper care and monitoring.