Knowing how to give a cat CPR can make all the difference in an emergency. Here’s a safe step-by-step guide (but always call a vet immediately if your cat is unresponsive):
🐱 Step 1: Check responsiveness
- Gently shake or call your cat’s name.
- Look for breathing (watch the chest) and check for a heartbeat by placing two fingers behind the front leg (just above the elbow).
🐱 Step 2: Open the airway
- Lay your cat on their right side on a flat surface.
- Extend the head and neck gently to straighten the airway.
- Make sure the mouth and throat are clear of any obstructions.
🐱 Step 3: Rescue breaths (if not breathing)
- Close the cat’s mouth.
- Place your mouth over the cat’s nose and mouth together (they’re small enough to cover both).
- Blow gently until the chest rises — their lungs are tiny, so don’t blow too hard.
- Give 1 breath every 4–5 seconds (about 12–15 breaths per minute).
🐱 Step 4: Chest compressions (if no heartbeat)
- Place one hand around the cat’s chest with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other.
- Compress the chest about 1/3 to 1/2 its width.
- Give compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute (same rhythm as the song “Stayin’ Alive”).
🐱 Step 5: Combine compressions & breaths
- Perform 30 chest compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths.
- Continue the cycle of 30:2 until the cat starts breathing on their own or you reach a vet.
⚠️ Important notes:
- Cats are fragile, so use gentle pressure — too much force can cause injury.
- Only perform CPR if your cat is not breathing and has no heartbeat.
- Even if your cat recovers, they’ll need urgent veterinary care.
- Rebel DK does not assume responsibility for CPR performed on a cat.