Cat Choking: What to Do and How to Prevent It
When it comes to our feline friends, we’re used to seeing them cough up hairballs or occasionally gagging on something they’ve eaten. But what if your cat is doing more than just coughing? What if they’re choking? Cat choking is a rare but serious situation that every pet parent should be prepared for.
While cats are generally agile and careful, they can sometimes choke on food, toys, or other household items. In this article, we’ll dive into how to recognize the signs of a choking cat, what typically causes it, what to do if your cat is choking, and how to prevent this from happening in the first place.
Causes of Cat Choking
Cats can choke on a variety of things, some more common than others. Understanding the causes of choking in cats can help prevent a life-threatening situation before it happens.
Food Blockages
Just like humans, cats can sometimes choke on food, especially if it’s too large or they try to swallow it too quickly. Unchewed dry cat food, table scraps, or chunks of meat can become lodged in a cat’s throat.
Hairballs
Cats are meticulous groomers, and they often swallow loose hair. Usually, these hairs form hairballs that a cat coughs up without any problem. However, sometimes a hairball can get stuck in the throat, leading to a cat choking on a hairball.
Foreign Objects
Cats are curious by nature and may chew on string, yarn, rubber bands, or small toys. These items can easily get lodged in their throat, causing choking. Broken pieces of toys, particularly those with small parts, are common culprits.
Bones
Some pet parents may give their cats bones, thinking it’s a tasty treat. Unfortunately, small bones can break apart and become sharp, increasing the risk of a cat choking.
Vomiting
Occasionally, a cat may gag and vomit, especially after eating too fast. While vomiting itself isn’t a sign of choking, regurgitated material can become a choking hazard if it doesn’t exit the body properly.
Choking Cat: Signs to Watch Out For
Recognizing the signs of choking in cats is essential, as choking is a time-sensitive emergency. Cats don’t have the same ability to signal for help as humans do, so you’ll need to observe their behaviors and physical changes carefully.
Here are some common signs that indicate your cat may be choking:
Gagging or coughing. A cat trying to dislodge something from their throat may gag, retch, or cough. If your cat is coughing with their tongue out, it could be a sign of something stuck in their airway.
Pawing at the mouth. Cats in distress will often paw at their mouths, trying to remove the object that’s obstructing their airway.
Labored breathing or noisy breathing. If a cat has something stuck in their throat, they may struggle to breathe, leading to wheezing, gasping, or a distinct cat choking sound.
Gums turning blue or pale. A lack of oxygen due to choking can cause your cat’s gums to turn blue or very pale, a condition called cyanosis. This is a sign of a severe emergency.
Pacing or panicking. A cat who is choking may pace around, appear agitated, or frantically move as they try to dislodge the object on their own.
Eye changes. Choking cats will often have eyes that are widely dilated from their “fight or flight” hormones surging as they panic. The forceful coughing might also make their eyes appear more watery.
Silent choking. In some cases, the cat may not be able to make any sound at all. This silent struggle is one of the most dangerous types of choking and requires immediate attention.
Cat Heimlich and More: How to Help a Choking Cat
If your cat shows any of these choking signs, you must act quickly. Here’s what to do if a cat is choking:
Check the mouth for obstructions
The first thing to do if your cat is choking is to gently open their mouth and check if you can see the object causing the problem. This is known as a mouth sweep.
Carefully tilt the cat’s head back and open their mouth. Use your fingers to gently sweep inside the mouth, only if you can clearly see the object. Be cautious not to push the object further down or injure your cat.
Warning: Cats in distress might panic and bite, so take care while performing the mouth sweep. It may help to tuck your cat between your elbow and the side of your body to help restrain them, then use one hand to open the mouth and the other to sweep. If the object is lodged deeply or you cannot see it, avoid fishing around blindly.
Perform the cat Heimlich maneuver
If a mouth sweep doesn’t dislodge the object and your cat is still choking, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver. The Heimlich maneuver for cats is an adapted version of the Heimlich maneuver used for humans, specifically designed to help felines in choking situations.
How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Cat
1. Stay calm. If you remain calm, there’s a better chance your cat will, too.
2. Hold the cat. With the cat’s back against your chest and feet hanging, hold them firmly but gently.
3. Thrust the stomach. Using quick, upward thrusts, press on the cat’s stomach about five times.
4. Check the mouth. After the first set of thrusts, gently sweep the cat’s mouth again.
5. Check for breathing. If the object is dislodged, the cat should start breathing more normally and their gums should return to a pink color.
6. Precautions. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, especially on small cats. The cat Heimlich maneuver should be a last resort if the cat is in imminent danger and other methods have failed. If performed incorrectly, it could cause injury.
When to See a Veterinarian
If the Heimlich maneuver doesn’t work or if you’re unable to dislodge the object quickly, it’s critical to contact an emergency vet immediately. Even if you successfully remove the object, you should still call your veterinarian for a follow-up appointment after a cat choking incident. Choking can cause damage to the throat, esophagus, or respiratory tract, so it’s important to ensure there are no internal injuries.
Additionally, frequent choking could indicate underlying health problems, such as:
Throat abnormalities. Infections, tumors, and cysts can occur around the throat and lead to structural changes that can predispose a cat to choking.
Dental issues. Cats with bad teeth or gum problems may struggle to chew properly, leading to a higher choking risk.
Gastrointestinal issues. Problems with the digestive tract may cause a cat to vomit or regurgitate food frequently, increasing the chance of choking.
A veterinarian can examine your cat for injuries and recommend further treatments or dietary changes if needed.
How to Prevent Choking in Cats
While choking in cats can be a terrifying experience, the good news is that you can take several precautions to minimize the risks. Here are some tips for preventing cat choking:
Monitor food intake. Feed your cat appropriately sized food to reduce the risk of choking. Avoid giving them large chunks of food or bones. Consider using a slow feeder for cats who scarf down food quickly.
Hairball prevention. Regular grooming can help minimize the number of hairballs your cat produces. Consider using hairball-control cat food and ensure your cat is well-hydrated.
Supervise playtime. Always supervise your cat when they’re playing with toys, particularly those with small parts that could break off and pose a choking hazard. Make sure toys are sturdy and appropriate for your cat’s size.
Keep strings and small items out of reach. Cats are curious and may chew on string, yarn, rubber bands, or other small objects. Keep these items out of your cat’s reach.
Properly dispose of trash. Cats can be attracted to food wrappers, bones, or other items in the trash. Make sure your garbage is sealed and kept away from your cat.
Although choking in cats is relatively rare, it’s a serious situation that requires immediate attention. Knowing common cat choking signs and how to perform the cat Heimlich maneuver can make all the difference in saving your pet’s life. Remember, prevention is key, so take steps to reduce potential choking hazards in your home and keep your cat safe and healthy.
