APPROACHING AN INJURED CAT

An injured cat should be approached cautiously, since a quick approach may be seen as a threat. Even your own cat, may not understand that you are trying to help them. The best way to approach, is to calmly crouch down and move slowly toward the cat, without looking it directly in the eyes. Use a soft voice when speaking, as a loud voice will frighten the cat, causing it to run away - NEVER try to sneak up on it.

Once you get close enough, drop a large towel or blanket over the cat. Quickly tuck all the edges underneath the cat, and pick it up. If the animal is struggling, you can tie the corners of the blanket/towel together to make a sack. A pillow case can be used for this as well.

ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION - WHEN IS IT NECESSARY?

Artificial respiration is necessary when a cat has stopped breathing, or is breathing irregularly or with difficulty. Should the cat have stopped breathing all together, the brain, heart, and other organs are deprived of oxygen, therefore, artificial respiration should be performed before attending to anything else. Possible causes for a cat to stop breathing, or to have breathing difficulties are:

  • that the cat was trapped in an unventilated space

  • has inhaled smoke or carbon monoxide

  • a foreign object being stuck in the cat's throat, resulting of obstruction of the air passage

  • water in the lungs

  • compression of the airway from a collar that is too tight, or has been caught on something

  • respiratory muscles may be paralyzed following electrocution

  • the lungs may have collapsed due to a piercing chest wound

HOW TO PERFORM ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION

The first step, is to remove any foreign material in the air passage or lungs. Should the cat have drowned, any oil or mud must first be wiped away from the mouth and nostrils. Next, drain the lungs by holding the cat upside down. Any obstructions in the throat will cause the cat to choke, cough or gulp. Foreign bodies should, if possible, be removed quickly, using tweezers, and any vomit or blood at the back of the cat's throat should be wiped away.

In the event there is a penetrating chest wound, air can be heard passing through the opening and blood coming from the wound appears foamy. Bloody foam will also be coughed up and appear in the mouth and nostrils. It is important to seal this wound quickly, by plugging with a piece of (preferably sterile) gauze, making sure it is airtight.

With the cat lying on its side (head preferably lower than the rest of the body in the case of a drowned animal),

  • remove any collar

  • make sure the head and neck are stretched well forward

  • place your hands on the chest wall over the ribs

  • press down firmly to expel the air from the lungs, being careful not to exert too much pressure, or you will crush the cat's ribs

  • release the pressure, allowing the chest wall to expand and fill the lungs with air

Repeat this procedure every five seconds, since pressing too rapidly will not allow oxygen to remain in the lungs long enough to diffuse into the blood.

References:
The Cat Care Question and Answer Book Barry Bush BVSc PhD FRCVS
The Well Cat Book Terri McGinnis, DVM
Practical Guide to Cat Care - Sheldon Rubin, DVM