How many of us would know what to do if our beloved cat or dog stopped breathing as the result of an accident or some other trauma?  One of the kittens in our care last year had a very lucky escape as foster mum Tracy knew exactly what to do and saved his life. Tracy told us how it happened:


“I was in my lounge watching tv and my 10-week-old foster kitten was playing on a cat tree on the other side of the room. I was alerted by an odd noise and turned to see that the kitten had managed to rip the fabric of the middle shelf of the cat tree and it was wrapped tightly around his neck and front paw, strangling him. I tried to tear the material to release him – no luck! I screamed for hubby to bring scissors while I supported the kitten but by the time hubby arrived he had stopped breathing, I cut him free, laid him on his right side and started compressions behind his front legs, 30 compressions and then I breathed in his nose – this I repeated. Luckily for me, he then twitched and his breathing restarted. We rushed him to the vet, where he was kept for a day under observation. Outcome – a full recovery!”.


There are many guides to CPR on the net and here are two links to the PDSA advice for dogs, and for cats. But it is important to know what to do BEFORE it is needed – no time to be checking the Internet when every second is crucial!


https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/cpr-for-dogs-and-puppies

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/cpr-for-cats-and-kittens