CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving action during cardiac arrest - when the heart stops beating or beats ineffectively. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain how to perform CPR on a cat in distress.
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Content:
Can You Do CPR on a Cat
Yes, you can do CPR on a cat. Studies show that recognizing CPA or cardiopulmonary arrest is critical for successful CPR.
The three hallmark CPA signs are:
- The cat is not breathing
- The cat’s heart is not beating
- The cat is unconscious
Always make sure the situation checks the above-listed boxes before starting CPR. Performing CPR when not necessary can do more harm than good.
Also, remember CPR is life-saving, but as a Reddit user explains, it “does not fix whatever.” It is just first aid, and the cat still needs veterinary attention.
Once at the vet, it is helpful to have insurance, such as the Petcube Emergency Fund. The fund covers up to $3,000 for emergency vet bills and unlimited online vet access. Use this link to get the fund at a 27% discount.
How To Give CPR to a Cat
The instructions on how to give CPR to a cat are listed below.
- Step 1: Check the Surrounding and Get Ready
Ensure the surroundings are safe for both you and your cat. Ask another person for help, but do not overcrowd the situation. A Frontiers study found that the survival chances decrease if the number of people involved in the CPR efforts increases. - Step 2: Position the Cat and your Hands Properly
Lay the cat down on either side on a flat, firm surface. Wrap your dominant hand around the cat’s chest (thumb on top and rest of fingers underneath) and place the other hand on the cat’s back to prevent it from sliding. - Step 3: Start with Chest Compressions
Squeeze the chest at the rate of two compressions per second (the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive” can help you control the pace). When compressing, squeeze the chest by one-third to a half and let it return to full size before starting a new compression. - Step 4: Give Breaths between Compressions
After 30 chest compressions, stop and give the cat two breaths. Extend the cat’s neck (to line the nose with the back) and make an airtight seal between your and the cat’s mouth. Watch the chest rise as you blow and let it fall flat before giving the next breath. - Step 5: Continue the Pattern and Check for Heartbeat
Keep the pattern of 30 compressions followed by two breaths until the cat is alert or help is available. CPR is exhausting, and if possible switch with someone after two minutes. - Step 6: Seek Vet Help (Have Someone Drive while you do CPR)
“While CPR continues, the cat should be taken as quickly as possible to the nearest veterinarian for more advanced care,” says Jennifer Coates, DVM, in a PetMD article.
Use insurance or the Petcube Emergency Fund at the vet to lessen the costs.
Conclusion
As a devoted cat parent, it is your responsibility to learn how to perform CPR. Hopefully, your cat will be healthy and will never need it, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.