Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, is a version of artificial respiration that includes assisting the heart to BEAT. The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen moving to the lungs and blood circulating throughout the body. The directions contained here are for CAT CPR. While these instructions may be good in an emergency, it is wise to check with your VET to establish the procedure that is best for your CAT.
How to Administer CPR
If your CAT is NOT breathing use a finger to clear any mucus or other objects from the mouth. TILT the head back to straighten the airway passage.
Hold the mouth shut with one hand, and place your mouth over the CAT'S nose and mouth making sure the seal is tight.
Blow into the nose while watching to see if the chest expands.
If the chest DOES NOT EXPAND start over again by clearing the mouth. If the chest DOES EXPAND release your CAT'S mouth so it can exhale.
Repeat the breathing procedure once every five (5) seconds until your CAT is breathing normally, or until your Vet or other Emergency Technician is available to begin treatment.
IF YOU CANNOT DETECT A HEARTBEAT YOU MUST PERFORM ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARDIAC RESUSCITATION.
PUT your CAT on its right side.
PUT the fingers of your hand on the ribcage just behind the elbow.
PUT your other hand's fingers on top of the first hand's fingers.
Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements. Depending on the size of your CAT press down 3-4 inches using both hands. The compression should last no longer than 1/2 second.
Repeat this procedure a total of 10 times.
Then, if your pet is not breathing, perform CPR as described above.
Alternate between the chest compressions (10 in a row), and one breath into the pet's nose.
Based on information contained in The Illustrated Veterinary Guide for Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Other Exotic Pets, By Dr. Chris C. Pinney, DVM. Published by Tab Books)
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