What to do if a cat was strangled?

What to do if a cat was strangled? - briefly

If you find your cat has been strangled, immediate action is crucial. Here's what to do:

  1. Stay Calm: Panic can escalate the situation. Try to remain calm and composed.

  2. Check for Pulse and Breathing: Gently place your hand on the cat's chest to feel for a heartbeat or pulse. Check if it is breathing by observing its chest movements.

  3. Perform CPR if Necessary: If there's no pulse or breathing, start CPR immediately. For cats, compressions should be done at a rate of 100-120 per minute. Use two fingers to press firmly on the cat’s chest, about an inch deep. Perform rescue breaths by closing the cat’s mouth and blowing gently into its nose.

  4. Remove the Choking Object: If you can see the object causing the strangulation, carefully remove it using tweezers or your fingers. Be cautious not to push the object further down.

  5. Seek Veterinary Care Immediately: Even if your cat starts breathing again, take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet can assess any internal injuries and provide necessary treatment.

What to do if a cat was strangled? - in detail

If you find your cat has been strangled, immediate action is crucial to save its life. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Assess the Situation:

    • Check if the cat is still breathing. Look for chest movement or listen for breath sounds.
    • Feel for a pulse by placing two fingers on the side of the cat's chest, near the elbow.
    • If there are no signs of life, proceed with rescue breaths and chest compressions.

  2. Rescue Breaths:

    • Gently open the cat's mouth and pull its tongue forward to ensure the airway is clear.
    • Close the cat's nostrils with your hand to create a seal, then blow into the cat's nose until you see the chest rise.
    • Perform rescue breaths once every 3-5 seconds.

  3. Chest Compressions:

    • Place the cat on its side on a firm surface.
    • Locate the heart by placing your hand on the cat's right side, just behind the elbow.
    • Using one or two hands (depending on the cat's size), press firmly and rapidly on the heart, compressing it about 1/3 to 1/2 of its width.
    • Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-150 per minute.

  4. CPR Combination:

    • After every 30 chest compressions, give two rescue breaths.
    • Continue this cycle until the cat shows signs of life or professional help arrives.

  5. Check for Obstructions:

    • If the cat begins to breathe on its own but is still not fully conscious, check for any obstructions in its throat that may have caused the strangulation.
    • Gently open the cat's mouth and look inside for any foreign objects or signs of swelling.

  6. Seek Veterinary Care:

    • Even if the cat appears to recover, it is essential to take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
    • The vet can assess any internal injuries, provide necessary treatment, and monitor the cat's recovery.

  7. Prevention Measures:

    • To prevent future incidents, ensure that potential hazards such as string, ribbon, or other small objects are kept out of reach.
    • Educate yourself and others in your household about the dangers of strangulation and how to keep cats safe.