CPR on Cats

by The Feisty Feline


Here are the steps on how to perform CPR on a cat:

  1. Check for breathing and a heartbeat.
  • Place your cat on its back on a flat surface.
  • Look for the rise and fall of the chest.
  • Place your hand on the cat's chest, just behind its front legs.
  • Feel for a heartbeat by placing your fingers on the cat's left side, just behind its elbow.
  1. If your cat is not breathing or has no heartbeat, start CPR.
  • Place your cat on its side.
  • Place the heel of your hand on the center of the cat's chest, just behind its front legs.
  • Press down firmly and evenly on the chest, using your body weight to create pressure.
  • Compress the chest 100 to 120 times per minute.
  • After every 30 chest compressions, give your cat two rescue breaths.
  • To give rescue breaths, close your cat's mouth and gently extend its neck to open the airway.
  • Place your mouth over your cat's nose and mouth and blow gently.
  • Continue CPR until your cat starts breathing and has a heartbeat on its own.
  1. Get your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Here are some additional tips for performing CPR on a cat:

  • If you are alone, call for help before starting CPR.
  • If you have a pet first aid kit, use the supplies in the kit to help your cat.
  • Do not give up on CPR. Even if your cat does not start breathing or have a heartbeat right away, CPR can still save its life.

It is important to note that CPR is not a cure for all cat emergencies. If your cat is in cardiac arrest, it is still important to get it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. However, CPR can help to keep your cat alive until it can get to the veterinarian.

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