What should I do if my cat isn't breathing? - briefly
If your cat isn't breathing, immediately perform chest compressions by placing both hands on the ribcage and pressing firmly at a rate of 100-150 compressions per minute. Then, give rescue breaths by gently closing your cat's mouth and blowing air into its nostrils. Repeat this cycle until you reach veterinary care or your cat starts breathing again.
What should I do if my cat isn't breathing? - in detail
If you find your cat not breathing, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Check for Breathing and Pulse: Gently pick up your cat and check if there is any movement in its chest or belly indicating breathing. You can also feel for a pulse by placing your fingers on the inside of your cat's thigh, just behind the leg. If you cannot detect any breath or pulse, immediate action is necessary.
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Clear the Airway: Ensure that nothing is blocking your cat’s airway. Open its mouth gently and look for any obstructions such as food or foreign objects. If you find something, carefully remove it with your fingers or tweezers. Be cautious not to push the object further into the throat.
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Perform Rescue Breathing: If your cat is still not breathing after clearing the airway, perform rescue breathing. Hold your cat’s mouth closed and blow gently into its nose until you see the chest rise. Give one breath every 2-3 seconds for a total of about 10-15 breaths.
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Perform Chest Compressions: If there is still no sign of breathing, start chest compressions. Place your cat on a flat surface and position your hands over the heart, which is located in the lower half of the ribcage near the left elbow. Press down firmly and quickly at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
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Contact Your Veterinarian: While performing these steps, immediately contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal clinic for professional help. Time is of the essence in such situations.
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Transport Safely: If you need to transport your cat to a veterinary facility, do so as gently and quickly as possible. Make sure your cat is kept warm, using a blanket or your own body heat if necessary.
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Follow Up with Professional Care: Even if your cat starts breathing again, it is essential to take it to a veterinarian for a thorough checkup. There may be underlying issues that need professional diagnosis and treatment.
Remember, these steps are crucial in the event of an emergency, but they should not replace regular veterinary care. Always keep your cat’s vaccinations up-to-date and schedule routine checkups to ensure overall health and wellbeing.