What should you do if a cat chokes? - briefly
If a cat is choking, first carefully open its mouth to check for visible obstructions and remove them if possible; if unsuccessful, perform gentle abdominal thrusts or seek immediate veterinary assistance.
What should you do if a cat chokes? - in detail
If a cat is choking, immediate and calm action is essential to ensure its safety. First, observe the cat’s behavior to confirm it is choking. Signs include pawing at the mouth, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, or gagging. Approach the cat cautiously, as it may be panicked and could scratch or bite. If the cat is conscious and the object is visible and easily accessible, gently open its mouth and attempt to remove the obstruction using your fingers or tweezers, being careful not to push the object further down the throat. For smaller cats, you can hold them upside down by their hind legs and gently shake them to dislodge the object. For larger cats, place them on their side and apply firm, quick compressions to the ribcage, similar to the Heimlich maneuver for humans, to create enough pressure to expel the object. If the object is not dislodged or the cat becomes unconscious, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Do not attempt to remove the object blindly if it is not visible, as this could cause further injury. While transporting the cat to the vet, keep it calm and ensure its airway remains as open as possible. Preventing choking hazards by keeping small objects, strings, or bones out of reach is the best way to protect your cat from such emergencies.