How to Save a Choking Cat

Co-authored by Jean Johnson

Last Updated: February 10, 2023 Approved

Be aware that true life-threatening choking in cats is very rare, largely because cats are usually discriminating about what they eat. This means they are at less risk of chewing or eating things that may cause choking than dogs, or even children. True choking occurs when an object blocks the back of the throat, especially the windpipe, and it is relatively unusual for a cat to eat something large enough to get stuck. However, cats sometimes make choking-type sounds when they are not actually choking. Because of this, the first thing you need to know is how to identify actual choking and then learn how respond if the cat is actually choking. ^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Determining if a Cat is Actually Choking

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1
Look for signs of choking. These are important to identify quickly. The signs of a choking cat include: ^{[2]
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- Inability to breathe ^{[3]
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  Jean Johnson. Cat Expert.}
- Coughing forcefully
- Drooling or gagging
- Pawing at the mouth ^{[4]
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  Jean Johnson. Cat Expert.}
These include an exaggerated breathing effort involving the whole body, while at the same time the cat makes a whistling noise as it tries to breathe out. These movements and sounds can be quite dramatic. ^{[5]
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Research source} Cats can make things harder for humans because they're fond of coughing up fur balls or retching up grass, each of which could mislead you into thinking that the cat is choking. In fact, retching is frequently confused with choking by cat owners, as it's a common symptom in cats. ^{[6]
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Ask yourself, "What was the cat doing immediately beforehand?". If the cat was asleep, or quietly walking across a room, and starts making choking noises then it is unlikely it is choking. This is because it didn't pick anything up in its mouth, so it hasn't had access to any thing to get stuck.
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Keep the cat calm during an episode that is only mimicking choking. These episodes can be caused by a cat taking a sudden deep breath and pulling part of the soft palate against the larynx (the entrance to the airway). Then repeated deep breaths keep suctioning the soft palate against the airway. Simply calming the cat and getting it breathing slowly usually does the trick.
- 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]
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  Airway evaluation and Flexible Endoscopic Procedures in Dogs and Cats. Vet Clin North Am Pract, Endoscopy, Vol 39.}
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Check the color of the cat's gums. If all else fails, you can look at the cats gums to determine if it is getting enough oxygen. Pink gums indicate it is getting plenty of oxygen and is in no immediate danger. Blue-tinged or purple gums indicate a lack of oxygen and an emergency. ^{[8]
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Jean Johnson. Cat Expert.}
- 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]
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  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.

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Giving First Aid to a Choking Cat

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Cats have an extremely sensitive larynx and if it goes into laryngeal spasm, the airway can be shut off completely, asphyxiating the cat. There is no time to be waiting for a vet's assistance. However, call the vet both for advice and to warn them that you will be coming in if possible.
Leave only the head exposed. This will support the cat and control its front limbs. ^{[6]
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3
Look in the cat's mouth. Angle the cat's head back slightly to be able to open up her mouth and see better inside. Use one finger to depress the lower jaw. Use tweezers to remove an object that is obvious. ^{[11]
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Jean Johnson. Cat Expert.} If you can't see what is causing the blockage or it's too deeply lodged or wedged in, do not attempt to remove it. ^{[6]
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- 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.
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Try to expel the obstruction. Use the palm of your hand to thump the cat gently but firmly between the shoulder blades. Alternatively, you can apply several quick, squeezing compressions on both sides of its ribcage. ^{[2]
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- 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]
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- 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]
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  Jean Johnson. Cat Expert.}
5
Treat an unconscious cat differently. Your cat may faint or become unconscious in response to the lack of oxygen. If so, do the following: ^{[14]
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- 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.
It is important to have the cat checked out to assess whether the obstruction caused any damage in the cat's throat. Keep it calm until you can get it to the vet.
Make sure that the method of transportation is as stress-free as possible (having a helper is vital if possible) and keep a good air supply coming into the car. Call the vet practice to let them know you're on your way.

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My cat keeps rocking his head forwards as if he's about to throw up. What does this mean?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This sounds like a cat trying to throw up rather than a choking cat. When the cat is actively retching, just leave him be. If he does this regularly, then it could be he has a straightforward problem such as a furball, or he could be ill and need to see a vet.

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Question

My cat tried to cough up a hairball, but couldn't. It seemed like she swallowed it back down. I gave her canned food immediately afterwards. Should I have waited?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It's wise to wait half an hour or so as an attempt to bring up a hair ball. This is because the stomach may be a bit more sensitive than usual, and it's more likely that food hitting the stomach lining may make her vomit. However, if she ate and kept the food down, no harm done.

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A flashlight, or some other form of directed light, may help you to find an obstruction when looking into the cat's mouth.

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A vet may need to place your cat under anesthetic to explore a blockage in a conscious cat. There may also be the need for X-rays and other tests. In addition, your cat may be stabilized through the use of an oxygen tent and drugs, depending on your vet's preferences.

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Warnings

A semi-conscious cat can still bite. Be careful.

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A choking cat is in severe danger of asphyxiating. It is vital you deal with the matter urgently.

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How to Save a Choking Cat

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Determining if a Cat is Actually Choking

Giving First Aid to a Choking Cat

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