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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
Resuscitating a cat: what to do when your pet stops breathing
A sudden emergency in which your cat stops breathing is extremely stressful for the animal and for you. Resuscitation, or CPR, is a set of actions aimed at restoring the basic vital functions of breathing and circulation. In cats, resuscitation is used when breathing or circulation stops suddenly, which can happen for a range of reasons: injury, serious illness or an acute allergic reaction. It is an emergency procedure carried out the moment you establish that there is no breathing and no pulse, in order to keep oxygen reaching the organs and prevent serious damage, particularly to the brain. Cat owners armed with this knowledge can act quickly, which is crucial until professional veterinary help arrives.
Assessing your cat’s condition
There are several simple but effective ways to work out whether a cat is breathing. First, put your ear to its chest, ideally on the left side, where you have the best chance of hearing a heartbeat. If you are still unsure whether the cat is breathing, you can also try to feel for a pulse over the femoral artery, on the upper part of the hind leg. Watching the chest is another useful check. See whether it rises and falls at regular intervals. You can also hold a small mirror to the cat’s nostrils: if it mists up, the cat is breathing.
A normal resting respiratory rate for a cat is usually between 20 and 30 breaths per minute. Bear in mind, though, that the rate varies with age, health, activity and the animal’s emotional state. Younger or more active cats may breathe slightly faster, while older or unwell cats may have a lower rate.
Preparing for resuscitation
The first step is to create the right conditions for yourself and your cat. Make sure the place where you will carry out resuscitation is quiet and free from noise and stressful stimuli. Positioning the cat correctly is essential: ideally on its right side, with the limbs flexed at the elbows and the mouth open, which makes the airway easier to reach. Remember, though, that in some cases moving the cat or changing its position is inadvisable, particularly if you suspect an injury.
Staying safe
The safety of both the cat and the owner is extremely important. Under stress, when a cat is in shock or very weak, it may behave unpredictably: growling, scratching or biting. Make sure the animal is on a stable, firm surface and, if possible, steady its head to avoid being injured by the cat during resuscitation.
Carrying out resuscitation
Begin CPR with chest compressions. Use one hand to compress the chest just behind the elbow at a rate of about 110-120 compressions per minute. Remember that each cycle should last a full 2 minutes, followed by a 5-second pause. Within each minute of those two cycles, alternate 30 chest compressions with 2 breaths. Breaths should be given at a rate of about 10 per minute, each lasting roughly 1 second.
If someone is on hand to help, working together makes resuscitation much easier. Your helper can take over the chest compressions while you give the rescue breaths. Keep going until the cat’s vital functions return or until the veterinarian arrives to provide the help needed in this difficult situation.
By staying calm and working methodically, you improve your pet’s chances of pulling through.
Getting to the veterinary clinic
Once you have finished resuscitating your cat, take it to a veterinary clinic straight away, whether or not you managed to restore its vital functions. Even if the cat seems to be coming round and improving, professional veterinary help is essential to assess its condition and prevent possible complications. The vet will carry out a thorough examination to help establish why breathing stopped so suddenly and will recommend further treatment. Remember that time is critical: the sooner you get to the clinic, the better your cat’s chances of a full recovery.
In closing
In a crisis such as a cat that has stopped breathing, what counts is not only knowing the principles of resuscitation but also staying calm and determined. Having the knowledge and being ready to act at moments like these can work wonders. Regular training in animal first aid, and an understanding of what is normal for your own pet, are invaluable. Make sure you have details of the nearest veterinary clinics and the phone numbers of specialists to hand, so that you can react quickly in an emergency. By looking after your cat’s health both day to day and in emergencies, you can genuinely support its wellbeing and safety.