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How to Perform CPR on Your Cat: A Vet-Approved, Step-by-Step Guide for Emergencies

Published on: January 14, 2026

An infographic showing the steps to perform CPR on a cat.

When a cat collapses or stops breathing, every second counts. Knowing how to perform cat CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can save a life before you reach the vet. Although no one wants to think about their kitty in danger, being prepared is one of the most powerful things you can do as a cat parent.

This complete guide is based on RECOVER Veterinary CPR Guidelines – the only global, evidence-based standards for pet resuscitation – along with recommendations from the American Red Cross and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

If your cat is unconscious, not breathing, and has no detectable heartbeat, here’s exactly what to do.

What Is Cat CPR and When Should You Use It?

Feline CPR is an emergency procedure combining chest compressions and rescue breathing to manually circulate blood and oxygen when the heart and lungs have stopped working.

You should only begin CPR if your cat is:

  • Unresponsive and unconscious
  • Not breathing
  • Not showing signs of a heartbeat or pulse

It must never be used on a conscious or breathing cat. If you’re unsure, check quickly — in an emergency, speed matters.

Step 1: Check Responsiveness and Breathing (2–3 seconds)

Gently call their name, tap their shoulder, and watch for:

  • Chest movement
  • Air from nose or mouth
  • Any normal breathing pattern

If there is no breathing or only gasping, treat it as respiratory arrest.

Step 2: Check for a Pulse (No Longer Than 5 Seconds)

The easiest place to feel a pulse is the femoral artery, located on the inside of the thigh near the groin.

If a pulse cannot be felt and your cat is not breathing, start CPR immediately.

Vet Source: RECOVER CPR Guidelines state that delays in initiating compressions significantly reduce survival.

Step 3: Position Your Cat Correctly

Lay your cat on their right side on a firm surface. This positions the heart uppermost for the most effective compressions.

Step 4: Perform Chest Compressions (Vet Standard)

✔ Hand placement:

Place your hands over the widest part of the chest, not directly over the heart.

For kittens or small cats, you may use:

  • A “one-hand clamp” (thumb on one side, fingers on the other), or
  • Two-finger compressions

✔ Compression depth:

One-third to one-half the width of the chest.

✔ Compression rate:

100–120 compressions per minute. A good rhythm is the tempo of Stayin’ Alive.

✔ Allow full recoil:

Let the chest return fully to natural shape between compressions — this restores vital blood flow.

Vet Source: RECOVER (2012, revised 2020) identifies full recoil as essential for circulatory effectiveness.

Step 5: Provide Rescue Breathing

If you’re able and trained, combine breaths with compressions.

How to give rescue breaths:

  1. Gently close the cat’s mouth.
  2. Extend the head slightly to open the airway.
  3. Place your mouth over the cat’s nose and create a seal.
  4. Blow gently for 1 second — only until you see the chest rise.

Breathing schedule:

  • 30 compressions, then 2 breaths (30:2 ratio)
  • If two people are present, compressions continue uninterrupted while giving 1 breath every 6 seconds.

Vet Source: This method mirrors the RECOVER recommendation for small animal CPR.

Step 6: CPR Cycles & Reassessment

Perform CPR in 2-minute cycles.

Every 2 minutes, briefly reassess:

  • Pulse
  • Breathing
  • Signs of movement

If no signs return, resume immediately. If another person is present, swap compressions every cycle to avoid fatigue.

Step 7: Continue Until…

Stop ONLY if:

  • Your cat begins breathing
  • You detect a pulse
  • A veterinarian takes over
  • You physically cannot continue

Survival improves dramatically when CPR begins within the first 1–2 minutes of collapse.

What Happens After CPR?

Even if your cat wakes up or begins breathing again, this is still a medical emergency. Transport them to a veterinarian immediately. Post-CPR complications are common and require oxygen therapy, monitoring, and bloodwork.

Common Questions About Cat CPR

Does CPR hurt cats?

CPR may cause rib fractures — even when performed correctly — but it is still the only way to save a cat without a heartbeat.

Can I perform CPR on a choking cat?

No — treat choking first (feline Heimlich), then use CPR if the cat becomes unconscious.

Can kittens receive CPR?

Yes, but use gentler compressions and two-finger placement.

Vet-Approved Sources

These are the gold-standard references for animal CPR:

  • RECOVER Initiative: Evidence-Based Veterinary CPR Guidelines (2020) – https://recoverinitiative.org
  • American Red Cross: Cat & Dog First Aid
  • American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Pet Emergency Planning Resources
  • Cornell Feline Health Center: Emergency Care Guidance

These organisations provide the foundational research used by veterinarians worldwide.