Cat cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be performed to seize the golden time to save cats experiencing cardiac arrest, the New Taipei City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office said on International Cat Day yesterday.
According to office director Yang Shu-fang (楊淑方), there are more than 80,000 registered cats in New Taipei City.
Aside from daily care, cat CPR also plays a key role in increasing their chances of survival, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest, which can cause absence of breathing, heartbeat, pulse or consciousness, she said.
Photo courtesy of the New Taipei City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office
Office veterinarian Chiu Fang-yi (邱芳儀) said that cat CPR is the last resort in emergency care when a cat’s vital signs have ceased, so the cat’s condition must be observed and judged before such measures are administered.
Cat CPR is recommended when a cat has no breathing — meaning no chest movement and no airflow from its nose and mouth — no heartbeat or pulse — meaning no palpable heartbeat or femoral pulse — and no response or consciousness — where glassy eyes or dilated pupils without reaction can be observed, she said.
Cat CPR should also be conducted if a cat has cardiac arrest caused by drowning, electric shock, heat stroke or airway obstruction, Chiu added.
While performing CPR, place the cat on its side on a firm, flat surface, and check for breathing and pulse, she said.
If the cat is not breathing, put your hand over the cat’s heart, cover its chest with your thumb and the other fingers, and then perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times per minute, Chiu said.
After 30 compressions, close the cat’s mouth, cover its nose with your mouth, and then gently blow air into its nose until its chest slightly rises, she said.
Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and two resuscitation actions and stop if the cat regains consciousness, Chiu said, adding that the next step is to seek immediate veterinary care.
Medical attention can be sought while CPR is being performed if possible to maximize the golden time for rescue, Yang said.
The office has collaborated with the Taiwan Sports Safety and First Aid Skill Training Association to launch a basic life-support program for saving adults, children and pets, she said.
Further information can be sourced from the office’s Web site at https://reurl.cc/daVY1k, she added.
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