How to Give a Cat CPR

If your cat is not breathing and has no heartbeat and pulse, you have immediately life-threatening situation. If brain tissue is deprived of oxygen for more than four or five minutes, permanent damage or death will occur. Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may keep the brain tissue from dying. A com-bi nation of heart massage and artificial respiration, CPR forces blood out of the heart by simulating the heart's pumping action. To be effective, it must be done rhythmically and in combination with artificial respiration. Veterinary aid is needed quickly as well, so send someone for help while you begin the treatment.

In human medicine, heart attacks (myocardial infarctions), choking, and strokes are common CPR emergencies. These are rare in veterinary medicine, how-ever, so there are only a few instances where CPR is needed. Electrocution, near-&owning, and collapse from congestive heart failure may require CPR. If your coatis unconscious, has no pulse or heartbeat, or is gasping for breath, or if its pupils are dilating, you need to administer CPR. If there is massive external or in-tern al bleeding, CPR will not be effective because there is not enough fluid in the blood vessels to carry the oxygen.

Respiration

Place your pet on its side. Clean the mouth of blood and mucus. Inhale air,put your mouth over the cat's muzzle, forming an airtight seal, and exhale. Give your pet a new breath every three seconds (twenty per minute), while massaging the heart.

Massage

Place the heel of one hand over the cat's chest, just in back of its elbow, and your other palm on top of that hand. Pump firmly and quickly, doing it once every second (sixty per minute). Hold each thrust for a count of two and release for account of one. Be careful not be break any ribs or to injure any rib fractures further.Have someone else feel for a femoral pulse (see page 17) as you massage. Discontinue the massage when the heartbeat is restored, but continue the artificial respiration until your cat breathes on its own.

APPLYING A TOURNIQUET

Seek veterinary aid immediately. A tourniquet should be used only if direct pressure is unsuccessful in stopping the bleeding. Never place a tourniquet over fracture or a joint.

You can use a handkerchief, a cloth belt, or a piece of cloth as a tourniquet. Adjust it about one inch above the wound by tying a loose loop around the limb.lace a short, strong stick in the loop and twist the tourniquet until the blood stops flowing.

Loosen the tourniquet every ten minutes to allow some circulation. Do not loosen it in the case of a snakebite. Treat the animal for shock as well.