What should I do if my cat stops breathing? - briefly
If your cat stops breathing, immediately check for a heartbeat and start performing feline CPR. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic right away for further instructions.
What should I do if my cat stops breathing? - in detail
If your cat stops breathing, it is a critical and life-threatening emergency. Immediate action is essential to improve the chances of survival. The first step is to remain calm and act quickly. Panic can cloud judgment and reduce the effectiveness of your response. Assess the situation to ensure your safety and that of your cat before proceeding.
Place your cat on a flat, stable surface. Ensure that the area is clear of any obstacles that could hinder your ability to perform resuscitation. Check for any visible signs of injury or obstruction in the airway. If there is an object blocking the airway, carefully remove it using your fingers or tweezers. Be cautious not to push the object further down the throat.
Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by checking for a heartbeat. Place your hand on the left side of the cat's chest, just behind the elbow. Feel for a heartbeat. If no heartbeat is detected, start chest compressions. Place the cat on its right side. Locate the heart, which is situated just behind the elbow on the left side of the chest. Place your hand over the heart area and compress the chest firmly and quickly. The compression rate should be about 100-120 compressions per minute. Compress the chest to about one-third to one-half of its width.
After 30 compressions, administer two rescue breaths. Tilt the cat's head back gently and lift the chin to open the airway. Seal your mouth over the cat's nose and mouth, ensuring a tight seal. Breathe gently but firmly into the cat's lungs until you see the chest rise. Allow the chest to fall before administering the next breath. Continue this cycle of 30 compressions followed by two breaths until you detect a heartbeat or until veterinary help arrives.
If possible, have someone else call a veterinary emergency clinic or animal poison control center while you perform CPR. Provide them with details about the incident, including any known toxins or injuries. Follow any additional instructions given by the veterinary professional.
Transport your cat to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic as quickly as possible. If you are alone, perform CPR until you can safely transport the cat. Place the cat in a secure carrier or wrap it in a blanket to keep it warm and stable during transport. Drive carefully but swiftly to the veterinary clinic.
Upon arrival at the veterinary clinic, inform the staff immediately about the situation. They will take over the resuscitation efforts and provide any necessary medical interventions. Be prepared to provide a detailed history of the events leading up to the cat stopping breathing, as this information can be crucial for the veterinarian's diagnosis and treatment plan.
In summary, if your cat stops breathing, act swiftly and decisively. Perform CPR, seek veterinary help immediately, and transport the cat to an emergency clinic. Your prompt and correct actions can significantly improve the chances of your cat's survival.