How to Perform CPR on a Cat: A Life-Saving Guide for Pet Owners

No one wants to imagine their cat in a life-threatening emergency—but being prepared could make the difference between life and death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital skill every cat owner should know in case of drowning, choking, trauma, or cardiac arrest. While rare, these situations do happen—and your fast action can save your cat’s life.

Here’s how to perform CPR on a cat in an emergency.

Checks before CPR

• Always ensure both you and the cat are in a safe place before commencing CPR and neither of you are going to get hurt. Do not perform CPR if you are in an unsafe location. 

• Ensure you have someone available to help you transport the cat to the vet-- if this is not possible and you would be unable to get the cat to a vets, it is not recommended to start CPR

• Check to make sure the cat is conscious, vocalise as you approach them. If no response, gently rub their side, making sure you are ready to move away quickly in case the cat turns to bite or scratch if they are in pain or distress. 

• If the cat is unconscious, prepare to start CPR

  
  

Starting CPR

• Pull the cat's tongue forward to make sure their airway is not blocked, and check the back of their throat to ensure nothing else is blocking the airway.

• If something is present blocking the airway, remove it if possible and safe to do so. 

• If the airway is clear, check for breathing. Is the chest rising and falling? If breathing is present, the cat does not need CPR. 

• If the cat is not breathing, place a hand or ear on the LEFT side of the chest to feel for a heartbeat. If unsure about where to feel/listen, pull their front leg back and listen/feel where the elbow meets the chest.

• Wrap your strongest hand around the chest with your thumb on top and fingers underneath, and support behind their back with your other hand to prevent them from sliding around while CPR is being performed. 

• Give 30 compressions-- squeeze your thumb and fingers together at a rate of two squeezes per second. Compress the chest by one-third or one-half, then allow the chest to fully decompress and return to full size before the next compression. 

  
  

  

  Use a two-hand technique for large cats or one-handed for small or frail cats.

  
  

• Give 2 breaths -- extend the cat's neck fully so their nose is in line with their back and completely straight, keeping their mouth fully closed, form an airtight seal around their nose and mouth using your mouth and give them a breath. Allow the chest to fall again before administering the second breath. 

• Continue the above steps for 2 minutes, then check again for a heartbeat. 

• If still no heartbeat present, continue CPR while on the way to the vet. If the cat regains a heartbeat and begins to breathe, take them to the vet immediately.

Pro Tip: Add CPR Instructions to Your Pet First Aid Kit

Include a laminated CPR card with step-by-step instructions. Time is critical in emergencies—you don’t want to rely on memory.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to perform CPR on a cat is one of the most powerful tools a pet parent can have. While you may never need to use it, having the knowledge could one day mean the difference between losing a beloved friend and saving their life.