Take a Class Resources Learn Pet First Aid First Aid for Cats Cat Choking
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  • How to Help a Cat Choking

    Helping a cat choking using abdominal thrusts with cat sitting.

    Signs your cat may be choking include anxiousness or acting frantic, cat stops breathing, gums may be blue or white, loud breathing sounds, pawing at the mouth, and struggling or gasping to breath.

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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Open the mouth and pull the tongue forward; sweep inside with your finger to dislodge an object.

    • Be careful not to push an object farther into the throat and always use caution to avoid being bitten.
    2

    If you cannot remove the object, give abdominal thrusts.

    • Lift the cat with his spine against your chest.
    • Clasp your hands together to make a fist just behind the last rib.
    • Push up quickly with your fist 5 times.
    • If your cat is struggling, hold the cat up by the scruff on the back of his neck and give thrusts with one fist.
    3

    If the object does not come out, suspend the cat by the hips with the head hanging down.

    4

    If the object still does not come out, use the palm of your hand to give 5 sharp blows to the cat's back between the shoulder blades.

    5

    Repeat steps 1-4 until the object is dislodged.

    6

    Check the cat's ABCs and begin CPR if needed.

    • Take the cat to a veterinary hospital immediately.
    • Even if you remove the object and your cat appears ok, always take your cat to the veterinarian.
    • Choking can lead to development of fluid in the lungs.

    Cat Choking FAQs

    What are the most common causes of choking for cats?

    Common causes include:

    • An ill cat choking on his vomit
    • An object stuck in the throat (e.g., toy or food)
    • Tongue swelling due to an allergic reaction
    • Trauma to the neck or throat

    What if the cat becomes unconscious?

    If the cat becomes unconscious, give 5 rescue breaths by covering and sealing the cat's entire mouth and nose with your mouth and gently exhaling until you see the cat's chest rise. Then give five abdominal thrusts before checking the mouth again.

    Continue rescue breathing as you go to the veterinarian. Start chest compressions if any concern that the heart may have stopped.

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    Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD

    Dr. Debbie Mandell

    Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

    About Red Cross Training Services

    More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.