Inability to breathe[3] X Research source Jean Johnson. Cat Expert. Coughing forcefully Drooling or gagging Pawing at the mouth[4] X Research source Jean Johnson. Cat Expert.
Speak to the cat gently, try petting its fur, and even stroke it under the chin. Sometimes it helps to get the cat to swallow, which releases suction on the soft palate and allows the anatomy to realign correctly. To get a cat to swallow try offering it a super tasty treat. [7] X Research source Airway evaluation and Flexible Endoscopic Procedures in Dogs and Cats. Vet Clin North Am Pract, Endoscopy, Vol 39.
If the gums are blue or purple contact your vet immediately to warn them you are on the way. If the gums are purple or blue take a quick look inside the cat’s mouth. If you can’t see the obstruction or easily remove it, then don’t waste further time and take your cat straight to the vet. [9] X Research source Tracheostomies in the management of feline upper respiratory disease. Hedlund. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 24 (5) If you can see the obstruction and can remove it easily then you should.
Do not stick your fingers into the cat’s mouth. Not only could you be bitten but you might cause the choking object to be pushed in further. Having a helper to hold down the cat can be a huge help for you.
Sit down on the floor with the cat in front of you but facing away from you. Lift the cat’s hind legs and hold them between your knees. Place one hand on either side of the cat’s chest and squeeze with sufficient firmness to compress the chest by a third. Do not apply excessive force - it may break her ribs. When squeezing, use jerky movements. [12] X Research source The aim is to try to get the cat to cough. Squeeze four to five times; this should be enough to get her to cough out the obstruction. [13] X Research source Jean Johnson. Cat Expert.
Open up its jaws as wide as possible. There won’t be any damage from opening the jaws up wide. Look for an obstruction. If it is easy to see and not wedged in, use tweezers to remove it. In this case, you could use your fingers but only if you’re able to avoid putting pressure on the object, as it could wedge it further into the airway. Swab away any fluid using a clean cloth or tissue. Lie the cat on a slope with its head lower than its heart. This is to help any fluid in its mouth drain out, rather than flow back down the throat where the cat might inhale it. Don’t use cotton wool or balls, as these can stick to the throat. Once you’re certain that the throat and airway are clear, begin rescue breaths on your cat, using mouth-to-nose resuscitation. Applied quickly in the absence of an obstruction, this can save your cat’s life.
