How to revive a cat? - briefly
If your cat is unresponsive and not breathing, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. To do this, lay your cat on its side, compress its chest gently but firmly at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, and give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
How to revive a cat? - in detail
Reviving a cat in distress or experiencing cardiac arrest requires immediate and precise action. It is crucial for pet owners to be well-informed about the steps involved in administering first aid to their feline companions. Here's a detailed guide on how to revive a cat:
-
Assess the Situation: First, ensure your safety and that of others nearby. If there are any obvious hazards such as smoke or electrical risks, remove them before attempting to assist the cat.
-
Check for Responsiveness: Gently approach the cat and check if it is responsive. Try calling its name or clapping your hands to see if it reacts. If the cat does not respond, proceed with the next steps.
-
Open the Airway: Carefully lift the cat's lip to open its airway. Be cautious as cats may bite when stressed. Ensure that nothing is obstructing the airway. Remove any foreign objects if present.
-
Perform Rescue Breaths: Place the cat on a flat surface, preferably with its head lower than its body to facilitate drainage of fluids. Cover one nostril and blow gently into the other. You should see the chest rise with each breath. Perform about 20-30 rescue breaths per minute.
-
Check for Pulse: While performing rescue breaths, check the cat's pulse by placing your fingers on its inner thigh or wrist area. If you do not feel a pulse, start cardiac compressions.
-
Administer Cardiac Compressions: Place both hands on either side of the cat’s chest, just behind the elbow. Compress the chest about 1/3 to 1/2 its width at a rate of 100-150 compressions per minute. Be firm but gentle, aiming for about 1 inch depth of compression for small cats and up to 2 inches for larger breeds.
-
Combine Breaths and Compressions: Continue rescue breathing (2 breaths) followed by cardiac compressions (1 set of 5 compressions). This cycle should be repeated until the cat shows signs of life or you reach a veterinary clinic.
-
Transport to Veterinary Care: Once you have started the revival process, transport the cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if the cat seems to recover, professional care is essential to ensure there are no underlying issues that require medical attention.
-
Monitor Recovery: If the cat regains consciousness, keep it warm and calm until you can get to a vet. Do not offer food or water unless instructed by a veterinarian.
Reviving a cat requires quick thinking and precise actions. It is advisable for pet owners to take first aid courses designed specifically for pets to be better prepared in case of an emergency.