What should you do if something gets stuck in your cat's throat? - briefly
If your cat has something stuck in its throat, remain calm and act swiftly. Immediately call your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic for guidance, and try to keep your cat calm while you wait for professional help.
What should you do if something gets stuck in your cat's throat? - in detail
If your cat is choking, it is a critical and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate action. The first step is to remain calm, as panicking can hinder your ability to help your pet effectively. Observe your cat closely to confirm that it is indeed choking. Signs of choking in cats include pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, blue-tinged tongue or lips, and making choking or gagging noises. If you suspect your cat is choking, follow these detailed steps to provide assistance.
Assess the situation carefully. If the object is visible and lodged at the back of the throat, you may be able to remove it with your fingers. Wrap a towel or cloth around your cat to secure it and prevent scratches. Gently but firmly open the cat's mouth and use your fingers to sweep the back of the throat from the inside of the cheek to the tonsils to dislodge the object. Be cautious not to push the object further down the throat.
If the object is not visible or cannot be removed with your fingers, you will need to perform the feline Heimlich maneuver. Place your cat on its side with the head lowered and the back facing upwards. Find the soft hollow area just behind the ribcage on the left side of the cat's chest. Place both thumbs side by side at this location and press inward and upward with quick, forceful thrusts. Apply pressure in a quick, upward motion about five times. After each set of thrusts, check the cat's mouth to see if the object has been dislodged.
If the cat is small, you can hold it in an upright position with its head facing downward. Place one hand on the cat's back for support and use the other hand to apply quick, upward thrusts just behind the ribcage. Perform about five thrusts, then check the mouth for the object.
If the object is still not dislodged, you may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in addition to the Heimlich maneuver. Place your cat on a flat surface and perform chest compressions by pressing down on the chest with both hands, using a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths by sealing your mouth over your cat's nose and mouth and blowing gently until you see the chest rise. Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths until the object is dislodged or until you reach veterinary care.
It is crucial to seek professional veterinary help immediately, even if you successfully remove the object. Choking can cause significant trauma to the throat and respiratory system, and your cat may require medical attention to ensure there are no lasting effects. Keep your veterinarian's contact information readily available and have a plan in place for emergency situations.
Prevention is always better than cure. To minimize the risk of choking, keep small objects, strings, and other potential hazards out of reach of your cat. Regularly inspect your home for items that could pose a choking risk and ensure that your cat's toys are safe and appropriate for its size. Educating yourself on pet first aid can also be invaluable in handling emergencies effectively. Consider enrolling in a pet first aid course to gain the skills and confidence needed to respond to such situations.