What should I do if my cat stopped breathing? - briefly
If your cat has stopped breathing, immediately initiate CPR by performing chest compressions and rescue breaths. Simultaneously, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic for urgent assistance.
Initiating CPR and seeking professional help are crucial steps. Perform chest compressions by placing your cat on a flat surface, locating the heart, and applying firm, steady pressure at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths by closing the cat's mouth and breathing into the nostrils until the chest rises. Continue this cycle until veterinary help arrives or your cat shows signs of breathing independently.
What should I do if my cat stopped breathing? - in detail
If you find that your cat has stopped breathing, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly. The first step is to ensure your own safety and the safety of others around you. Cats that are not breathing may be disoriented or aggressive due to fear or pain. Approach your cat gently to avoid causing further stress or injury.
Once you have ensured safety, immediately check for signs of breathing. Place your hand or cheek near your cat's nose and mouth to feel for any air movement. Look for the rise and fall of the chest, which indicates breathing. If there is no breathing, proceed to perform feline cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The goal of CPR is to manually restore blood circulation and respiration.
To perform CPR on a cat, follow these steps:
- Lay your cat on a flat, stable surface.
- Check for a heartbeat by placing your hand on the left side of the cat's chest, just behind the elbow. Look for a pulse or feel for a heartbeat.
- If there is no heartbeat, begin chest compressions. Place your hands on either side of the cat's chest, just behind the front legs. Compress the chest firmly and quickly, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The depth of compression should be about one-third to one-half the width of the cat's chest.
- After 30 compressions, open the cat's mouth and look for any obstructions. If there are no obstructions, close the cat's mouth and breathe into the nose. Give two breaths, each lasting about two seconds. Ensure that the chest rises with each breath.
- Continue the cycle of 30 compressions followed by two breaths until you detect a heartbeat or your cat begins to breathe on its own. If possible, have someone else call a veterinary emergency clinic or animal poison control center for further instructions while you perform CPR.
It is essential to seek immediate veterinary care. Even if your cat starts breathing again, it is crucial to have a professional evaluate the underlying cause of the respiratory arrest. Cats that stop breathing may have suffered from a severe medical condition, such as heart failure, respiratory infection, or poisoning. Prompt veterinary intervention can improve the chances of a full recovery.
While performing CPR, stay calm and focused. Do not attempt to give your cat any medications or fluids unless instructed by a veterinarian. Keep your cat warm by wrapping it in a blanket or towel to prevent hypothermia. Avoid moving your cat unnecessarily, as this can cause further injury.
In summary, if your cat has stopped breathing, ensure safety, check for breathing, and perform CPR if necessary. Seek immediate veterinary care and follow professional instructions. Your quick and calm actions can significantly improve your cat's chances of survival.