Learn Cat CPR

Any number of things can stop a cat's heart; electrocution, shock, accidental poisoning or an allergic reaction. Here is what you need to know to perform cat cpr.

CPR or, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation is a way to keep oxygen moving to the lungs and blood circulating throughout the body.

Basically, you will be breathing and pumping the heart of your cat to keep blood circulating. These instructions will work in an emergency but it is always a good idea to check with your vet to see what procedures would work best for your particular breed of cat.

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Procedure

• Phone your vet or get your cat in the car and have someone drive you to the animal hospital. You can perform the procedure on the way.
• If you find that your cat has stopped breathing use a finger to clear any objects from the mouth. Straighten the airway by tilting the head back. If you find an obstruction in the airway you must remove it before you can begin CPR. If you are unable to remove the object you will need to perform the Heimlich maneuver on the cat. Click here to learn how.
• With one hand hold the mouth shut. Place your mouth over the cat's mouth and nose. Make sure there is a tight seal.
• Blow into the nose. Check that you can see the chest expand. If the chest does not expand try again to blow into the cat's nose. Double check to make sure the airway is straight and there is no obstruction.
• When you see the chest expand release the cat's mouth so it can exhale.
• Place your hand over the cat's heart. If you can feel a heart beat repeat this breathing procedure once every 5 seconds until your cat is breathing again or help arrives.

If you do not feel a heart beat continue here:

• Lay the cat on it's right side. Place the heel of your fingers on the ribcage, below the elbow. Place the fingers of your other hand over the first hand.
• Press down 3-4 inches on the ribcage. Use smooth, quick movements. Each compression should last for less than 1/2 a second.
• The formula is 10-1. 10 chest compressions to 1 breath.
• After performing 1 round of CPR stop to check for heart beat. If you cannot detect a heart beat begin CPR again.
• Continue until the cat is breathing again or until help arrives.