How to Revive a Cat
Cats may stop breathing when exposed to excessive smoke, water or gas, or to electric shock or lightning. In such cases speed is essential in reviving the cat. Stoppage of breath in cat can be seen by the obvious failure of the cat to breathe at all, the symptoms of breath stoppage include unconsciousness, weak or absent pulse, irregular heartbeats.
FIRST AID FOR SMOKE OR GAS EXPOSURE
Remove the cat from the area filled with gas or smoke. Work quickly, taking precautions that you are not overcome. Keep low to the floor or ground. Once the cat is in the fresh air, start applying artificial respiration. Place the cat on its side, with forelegs stretched out in front, hindlegs out at the back. Take your handkerchief and pull out its tongue to prevent it from interfering with breathing. Next, place your hands on the cat’s chest: press down, release, waits. Repeat this sequence rhythmically. Don’t give up too quickly. If the cat responds, it will begin to breathe slowly and shallowly, and then gradually increase its respiration rate and depth. Treat for shock when the cat revives and get it to a veterinary surgeon.
FIRST AID FOR DROWNING
Although most cats dislike water, they can swim for a certain length of time. But they can also drown. After a cat has been rescued from the water, hold it upside down to drain out any remaining water. Then place it on its side and use artificial respiration. Treat for shock when it revives and then take it to the vet.
FIRST AID FOR ELECTRIC SHOCK OR LIGHTNING
Cats are often electrocuted by live wires and electrical appliances. Although they are rarely struck by lightning, it is a potential hazard. The symptoms for electric shock are the same as for stoppage of breath due to smoke, gas or drowning. There may also be burns. Treat first for breath stoppage. Should the cat lie across a live wire, lift it off the wire with a dry board or broom. Be careful not to push or slide it, and thus cause more burns. Get the board or stick under the cat and lift it off the wire with a scooping motion. If the wire is on top of the cat, take the stick or board and flip it off. If possible, shut off the current. Next, use artificial respiration. When the cat revives, treat for shock. If there are burns, they should be treated. (See Burns and Scalds, below.) Take the cat to a vet.