Cases of dangerous choking cats are very rare because cats are very picky in eating food. Compared to dogs and young children, cats are less likely to chew and eat objects that can cause them to choke. Choking occurs when an object blocks the back of the throat, especially the windpipe, and is relatively rare in cats. However, cats often make choking sounds even when they are not actually choking. Therefore, the first thing you should know is how to recognize the actual choking condition and learn how to deal with it.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Determining Whether a Cat is Choking or Not
Step 1. Look for the signs
Symptoms of choking are important to identify quickly. Signs of a choking cat are:
- Can't breathe
- Cough hard
- Saliva and nausea
- Scratching his mouth
Step 2. Watch for signs similar to choking
The signs include difficulty breathing (which can be seen all over his body), and making a whistling sound when he tries to breathe. These movements and sounds can be quite dramatic. The identification process can be more difficult because the cat likes to cough from fur balls or vomit grass and can be mistaken for a symptom of choking. Because it is a common symptom experienced by cats, people who own cats often mistakenly think that the cat making the sound is choking.
Step 3. Check if the cat might actually be choking
Think back to what the cat did before. If your cat is sleeping, or walking around a room, and starts making choking noises, it's probably not choking. This is because the cat does not eat or put anything in its mouth and does not have access to objects that might choke it.
Step 4. Calm the cat when the cat is experiencing symptoms similar to (but not) choking
This condition can be caused by a cat suddenly taking a deep breath and pulling the soft palate to cover its larynx (the entrance to the respiratory tract). Repeated deep breaths can pull the soft palate out of the airways. To fix this, calm down and make the cat breathe slowly.
- Talk to the cat gently, try stroking his fur or the bottom of his chin.
- Sometimes, a cat who is assisted to swallow will be able to bring the soft palate and anatomy back into position. To get back to swallowing food, try offering your cat a really good treat.
Step 5. Check the color of the cat's gums
If all else doesn't work, you can look at your cat's gums to determine if the cat is getting enough oxygen. Pink gums indicate that the cat is getting plenty of oxygen and is not in danger. Blue or purple gums indicate that the cat is deprived of oxygen and is in an emergency.
- Call your vet right away if your gums are blue or purple.
- If the gums are purple or blue, pay close attention to the inside of the cat's mouth. If you can't see the object that's blocking it or can't remove it, don't waste time and take your cat to the vet immediately. Remove the barrier immediately if you can see it and remove it easily.
Part 2 of 2: Giving First Aid to a Choking Cat
Step 1. Resolve the situation immediately
Cats have a very sensitive larynx and if the larynx spasms, the airway can actually close and make it impossible for the cat to breathe. There won't be enough time to wait for the vet's help. However, contact your veterinarian for advice and (if possible) to notify you of your arrival.
Step 2. Cover the cat safely using a thick material, such as a towel
Make sure the head is not covered. This will support the cat and control its front paws.
Step 3. Examine the cat's mouth
Tilt the cat's head back slightly so that its mouth can be opened and seen. Use one finger to hold the lower chin. If you see an object, lift it up with tongs. Don't try to remove it yourself if you can't see the barrier because it's too deep or pinched.
- Don't put your finger in the cat's mouth, because in addition to being bitten, objects that are choking the cat can also be pushed away.
- It would be very helpful to have someone help you restrain the cat.
Step 4. Try removing the barrier
Hit the cat's shoulder blade gently but firmly with the palm of your hand. Or, you can also perform compression techniques on both sides of the ribs. To do this, perform the following steps:
- Sit on the floor and position the cat in front of you, but without facing you.
- Lift the cat's back leg and hold it with your knee.
- Place one hand on one side of the cat's chest and press it with sufficient force. Don't press too hard so you don't break the ribs. When pressing, use a jerking motion.
- The goal is to try to make the cat cough. Do the technique four to five times; this frequency will be enough to make the cat cough and expel the barrier.
Step 5. Treat an unconscious cat differently
If your cat faints or loses consciousness due to lack of oxygen, take the following steps:
- Open the jaw as wide as possible. This will not hurt the cat. Look for objects that make the cat choke. Lift the object with tongs if it is easily visible and not too deep. In this case, you can use your fingers. However, do not press the object so that its position does not get deeper.
- Wipe up any liquid that may arise with a clean cloth or tissue. Lay the cat down until its head is lower than its heart. This will help keep the liquid in his mouth flowing and not being swallowed back down his throat. Do not use cotton because the cotton can stick to his throat.
- Once you are sure that his throat and airways are clear, start mouth-to-nose resuscitation. If the barrier is removed and resuscitation is carried out immediately, the cat's life can be saved.
Step 6. If you manage to lift the object the cat is choking on, make an appointment with the vet immediately
The cat should be examined to determine whether the obstruction that caused it to choke is causing a sore on its throat or not. Calm the cat until you take him to the vet.
Step 7. If you are unable to remove the barrier, take the cat to the vet immediately
Make sure that the transportation method is as stress-free as possible (if possible, ask someone else for help) and keep the air condition in the car. Call your vet to let them know you are on your way.
Tips
- When you see a cat's mouth, you can use a flashlight or other focused object to find the object that is choking him.
- If the cat is conscious, the veterinarian may have to sedate the cat to determine its condition. The cat may also have to undergo X-rays and other tests. Depending on the veterinarian's decision, the cat may also be stabilized with oxygen and medication tents.
Warning
- Be careful. A semi-conscious cat can still bite.
- A choking cat can experience asphyxia (die from lack of air). These conditions must be addressed quickly.
