How to Perform CPR on a Cat

Believe it or not, performing CPR on a cat is as easy as doing it on a dog. Normally, a cat in mortal danger won't fight you and that helps you do what you need to do to save his life. By learning how to perform CPR on a cat now rather than the day tragedy strikes, you'll increase kitty's chances of saving all those nine lives.

Instructions

1

Call an available friend to meet you at your location and drive you and your cat to the vet. Meanwhile, you will want to assess the situation and start CPR if appropriate.

2

Check the cat's vital signs as you will only perform CPR on cats if they're not breathing or chest compressions if their heart isn't beating. Remove the cat's collar, open his mouth and pull his tongue forward so you can check his throat for any objects or mucus that might be blocking the airway. If the cat has been underwater, turn him upside down by the hips and gently swing his body a few times to drain out any fluid.

3

Position the cat on her right side, elevating the body slightly higher than the head and keeping the head and neck straight to open the airway.

4

Place your mouth over just the cat's nose, not his mouth. Blow into his nose about three seconds. You should feel air come out his mouth and see his chest expand.

5

Perform chest compressions on the side of the rib cage if you can't find a heart beat. You do this by placing your fingers on the ribcage, right behind the cat's elbow and fingers from your other hand on top of your first hand. Be "gently firm" and press down 3 or 4 inches with compressions lasting no longer than second.

6

Repeat the compressions up to 10 times. If your cat is still not breathing, alternate between 10 chest compressions and 1 breathe. Continue to watch for signs your cat is breathing on her own and/or her heart is beating once again.

7

Transport your cat to the vet immediately after he responds to your efforts, even if your friend has not arrived or you were unable to get driving assistance. The vet will work to stabilize your cat's condition and prevent further complications.

Believe it or not, performing CPR on a cat is as easy as doing it on a dog. Normally, a cat in mortal danger won't fight you and that helps you do what you need to do to save his life. By learning how to perform CPR on a cat now rather than the day tragedy strikes, you'll increase kitty's chances of saving all those nine lives.

Instructions

1

Call an available friend to meet you at your location and drive you and your cat to the vet. Meanwhile, you will want to assess the situation and start CPR if appropriate.

2

Check the cat's vital signs as you will only perform CPR on cats if they're not breathing or chest compressions if their heart isn't beating. Remove the cat's collar, open his mouth and pull his tongue forward so you can check his throat for any objects or mucus that might be blocking the airway. If the cat has been underwater, turn him upside down by the hips and gently swing his body a few times to drain out any fluid.

3

Position the cat on her right side, elevating the body slightly higher than the head and keeping the head and neck straight to open the airway.

4

Place your mouth over just the cat's nose, not his mouth. Blow into his nose about three seconds. You should feel air come out his mouth and see his chest expand.

5

Perform chest compressions on the side of the rib cage if you can't find a heart beat. You do this by placing your fingers on the ribcage, right behind the cat's elbow and fingers from your other hand on top of your first hand. Be "gently firm" and press down 3 or 4 inches with compressions lasting no longer than second.

6

Repeat the compressions up to 10 times. If your cat is still not breathing, alternate between 10 chest compressions and 1 breathe. Continue to watch for signs your cat is breathing on her own and/or her heart is beating once again.

7

Transport your cat to the vet immediately after he responds to your efforts, even if your friend has not arrived or you were unable to get driving assistance. The vet will work to stabilize your cat's condition and prevent further complications.