If your kitten is not breathing, it's a critical emergency requiring immediate action to save their life. While contacting your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital is your absolute first step, you can perform crucial first aid during this time.
Immediate Action: First Steps When Your Kitten Stops Breathing
Time is of the essence when a kitten isn't breathing. Remain calm and follow these steps carefully, contacting your vet throughout the process.
1. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately
Before attempting any first aid, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital. They can provide real-time guidance and prepare for your arrival. Keep their number readily accessible.
2. Check for a Pulse
Determining if your kitten has a pulse will guide your next actions.
- Locate the femoral artery: Gently place two fingers under your kitten's lower leg, near the groin area.
- Feel for a pulse: Push down firmly but gently. You should be able to feel the femoral artery, and hopefully a pulse.
If you feel a pulse but the kitten isn't breathing, proceed to clearing the airway.
If you do not feel a pulse and the kitten isn't breathing, proceed with extreme caution, considering CPR while en route to the vet.
3. Clear the Airway (If Pulse is Present)
If your kitten has a pulse but isn't breathing, their airway might be obstructed.
- Lift the kitten: Gently lift your kitten to help re-position them.
- Pull the tongue forward: Carefully open your kitten's mouth and gently pull their tongue forward. This action helps to open the airway by moving it away from the back of the throat.
- Observe: Sometimes, this simple step is enough to clear any minor obstruction or stimulate breathing. Watch for chest movement or gasps.
4. Performing Rescue Breaths (If Still Not Breathing)
If clearing the airway doesn't immediately start breathing, you may need to provide rescue breaths.
- Position: Lay your kitten on their side or back.
- Close the mouth: Gently hold your kitten's mouth shut with one hand.
- Administer breaths: Place your mouth over both of your kitten's nostrils, forming a seal. Give two small, gentle puffs of air (for kittens, use only enough air to see their chest rise slightly – too much force can damage their lungs).
- Monitor: After the two breaths, watch for chest movement. If they don't breathe on their own, continue giving one gentle breath every 3-5 seconds.
- Continue until: Maintain rescue breaths until your kitten starts breathing on their own or you reach the veterinary clinic.
5. When to Consider CPR (If No Pulse and No Breathing)
If your kitten has no pulse and is not breathing, they are in cardiac arrest. While CPR can be life-saving, it requires specific training and must be done with extreme care on a small kitten due to their fragility. This should only be attempted if you have been trained or are receiving real-time instructions from your veterinarian.
- Compressions: For kittens, compressions are typically performed by placing two fingers over the middle of their chest and pressing down gently but firmly, about 1/3 of the chest width. Aim for 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Breaths: Alternate compressions with rescue breaths (30 compressions to 2 breaths).
Always prioritize getting to the vet, as they have advanced equipment and medications.
Emergency Steps Overview
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Call Vet Immediately | Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital. They will guide you. Find a local emergency vet here. |
| 2. Check for Pulse | Place two fingers under the kitten's lower leg (femoral artery) to check for a heartbeat. |
| 3. Clear Airway | If a pulse is present but no breathing: Gently lift the kitten and pull their tongue forward to open the airway. |
| 4. Perform Rescue Breaths | If still no breathing after clearing airway: Hold mouth shut, place your mouth over nostrils, and give two small, gentle puffs of air. Continue one puff every 3-5 seconds until breathing resumes or you reach the vet. |
| 5. Consider CPR | If no pulse and no breathing: Perform chest compressions (two fingers, middle of chest, 100-120 per minute) alternating with rescue breaths (30 compressions to 2 breaths). Only if trained or directed by a vet due to high risk for kittens. Learn more about kitten CPR here. |
Why Might a Kitten Stop Breathing?
Understanding potential causes can sometimes help in prevention, but in an emergency, immediate action is paramount.
- Choking: Small objects, food, or hairballs can obstruct the airway.
- Trauma: Injuries from falls or accidents.
- Toxicity/Poisoning: Ingestion of household chemicals, plants, or certain foods.
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Anaphylaxis can lead to airway swelling.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Severe respiratory infections, heart conditions, or neurological issues.
- Birth Complications: Newborn kittens may experience respiratory distress if not stimulated to breathe after birth.
Preventing Breathing Emergencies
While emergencies can be unpredictable, some measures can reduce risks:
- Kitten-Proof Your Home: Remove small objects, toxic plants, and secure cabinets.
- Supervise Play: Especially with toys that could be swallowed.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Ensure your kitten is healthy and vaccinated, which helps prevent severe infections.
- Proper Nutrition: A healthy diet supports overall health and a strong immune system.
