How to Provide Rescue & Reduce Risk for a Choking Cat

Animal Health

By Arden Moore
Photo provided by Arden Moore

eing prepared for medical emergencies in a pet care setting is paramount. Cat parents trust that you and your staff will know what to do in the case of an injury or illness. But what about a cat that is choking?

Step-By-Step Guide to Aid a Choking Cat

To clear the airway and enable the cat to breathe normally, follow these veterinarian-approved steps:

Approach the cat calmly so as not to cause them to panic and lash out at you.

Position the cat standing up on a sturdy table with their back braced against your front torso.

Hold the cat up with one arm around their upper abdomen.

With your other hand, tuck your thumb inside your palm while making a fist.

Position your closed fist at the end of the cat’s ribcage in the soft spot.

Listen for the stridor (inhale), then thrust your fist in and upward five times in a row when the cat exhales to try to dislodge the object.

After each series of five thrusts, open and inspect the mouth to see if you can dislodge any object.

Identifying Choking

When a cat under your care starts choking, it is vital to use your eyes and your ears so you can time when to render pet first aid. Choking actions and sounds differ from that of a cat experiencing a hairball. A cat will tend to shrug their shoulders and make quick gulping sounds before opening their mouth and releasing a hair-filled lump. In general, hairballs are normal, especially for longhaired cats, and tend to be due to excessive grooming and are not regarded as pet emergencies.

But when a cat starts to choke due to something partially blocking their airway, they will make a gasping sound, called a “stridor,” on each inhale. The cat will also tend to crouch and maybe lurch forward. This lurching and gasping combination are your cues to step in and perform the kitty Heimlich maneuver that consists of well-timed abdominal thrusts followed by mouth inspections.

Step-By-Step Guide to Aid a Choking Cat

To clear the airway and enable the cat to breathe normally, follow these veterinarian-approved steps:

Approach the cat calmly so as not to cause them to panic and lash out at you.

Position the cat standing up on a sturdy table with their back braced against your front torso.

Hold the cat up with one arm around their upper abdomen.

With your other hand, tuck your thumb inside your palm while making a fist.

Position your closed fist at the end of the cat’s ribcage in the soft spot.

Listen for the stridor (inhale), then thrust your fist in and upward five times in a row when the cat exhales to try to dislodge the object.

After each series of five thrusts, open and inspect the mouth to see if you can dislodge any object.

Alternatively, you can hold the cat while sitting in a stable chair with the cat’s head positioned down toward the floor and body between your knees. Keep the cat in place with your open hands on each side of their shoulders. Listen for the strider (inhale), then, on the exhale, press your hands in and down to try to use gravity to release any object stuck in the cat’s mouth.

If the cat collapses into unconsciousness, you will need to perform CPR that consists of chest compressions and rescue breaths (you breathing air from your mouth into the cat’s nostrils). It is best to also call the nearest veterinary clinic for further instructions.

How to Reduce Choking Incidents in Cats

Sadly, more than 200,000 cats and dogs die from choking each year, according to Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM.¹ This statistic inspired her to launch a website for National Pet Choking Prevention Day² that offers valuable articles and videos for pet professionals and pet parents. Officially, the day is held every June 22^nd, but the advice is valuable every day of the year.

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Learn More

image of a grey cat with vibrant orange eyes sitting in a plastic bag beside text that reads: Common Choking Hazards for cats

Baby bottle nipples
Baby carrots
Buttons
Dental floss
Food wrappers
Game pieces
Hair ties
Jewelry
Kibble pieces
Plastic bags
Refrigerator magnets
Rubber bands
Shoelaces
String
Tinsel
Window blind cords
Yarn

“I saw many choking cases involving dogs and cats during my career, and some of these cases did not have good outcomes, which is very sad, as this is something that is preventable,” says Dr. Morgan. “My mission is to empower and educate pet parents and pet professionals on ways to keep their pets healthy and safe.”

Many cats hone their hunting skills by stalking feather wand toys and other wiggling linear objects. To reduce the risk of choking in cats under your care, get into the habit of playing with wand toys and other linear toys, and then storing these items in cat-safe containers to prevent accidental choking.

Also, monitor cats at mealtime to step in if a fast-eating cat starts to choke on pieces of kibble. And definitely do a thorough check of each cat’s surroundings to remove any choking objects, such as rubber bands or hair ties.

References:

Dr. Judy Morgan’s Naturally Healthy Pets. https://drjudymorgan.com/
National Pet Choking Prevention Day. https://nationalpetchokingpreventionday.com/

Arden Moore, America’s Pet Health and Safety Coach, is a master certified pet first aid/CPR instructor and founder of Pet First Aid 4U. She teams up with Pet Safety Dog Kona and Pet Safety Cat Casey to teach veterinarian-approved classes in person, via interactive ZOOM, and self-paced online courses to pet professionals and pet parents all over the world. Register now and earn your two-year certificate at www.petfirstaid4u.com. Arden also is a best-selling author of more than two dozen pet books and host of the award-winning “Oh Behave Show” on Pet Life Radio. Learn more at www.ardenmoore.com

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