DOG CPR
CAT CPR
How to Perform CPR on a Cat/Kitten
By Dr. Karen Becker
The following steps are adapted from a PetMD post, and apply to an unconscious cat or kitten who isn’t breathing:
- Open his mouth and carefully remove any visible obstructions in his airway.
- Gently pull his tongue to the front of his mouth, then close the mouth and gently hold it shut.
- Make sure his neck is straight and breathe short puffs of air into his nose, one breath every 4 to 5 seconds.
- Give 3 to 5 breaths, then check for a heartbeat and breathing again. If a heartbeat is present but breathing is absent, continue breathing at a rate of approximately 10 breaths per minute.
- If you still can’t feel a heartbeat, continue CPR and add artificial respiration (AR) as described in the remaining steps.
- Lay your cat on his side (either side is fine) on a flat surface.
- Place the thumb and fingers on either side of his chest, behind his elbows and over the heart. Give a quick squeeze to compress the chest to about one-third of its normal thickness.
- Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, giving 2 breaths for every 30 compressions.
- If there’s someone available to help, have them perform AR while you do CPR, switching off every 2 minutes to reduce fatigue.
If you’re able to successfully resuscitate your cat, it’s still important to take it to your vet’s office or an emergency animal clinic right away for observation, further treatment if necessary and to determine the underlying cause for the emergency.
