TL;DR: Cat apnea is a life-threatening emergency where breathing stops completely, requiring immediate transport to an emergency veterinarian for life-saving intervention.
What is cat apnea and why is it dangerous?
Apnea is the medical term for the complete cessation of breathing. When a cat stops breathing, oxygen is no longer reaching their vital organs, which can lead to rapid organ failure and death. This condition is distinct from dyspnea (difficulty breathing) as it involves a total lack of respiratory movement.
Is my cat stopping breathing a veterinary emergency?
- Yes, this is a life-threatening emergency with the highest level of urgency.
- If your cat is not breathing, every second is critical; you must immediately transport your cat to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
- Call the hospital while you are en route so the medical team can prepare for your arrival.
Why should I provide a video of my cat's breathing episode to the vet?
- While your primary focus must be getting to a vet, a short video of the event can provide invaluable diagnostic clues.
- It helps veterinarians determine if the episode was caused by respiratory arrest, a cardiac event, or a neurological issue like a seizure.
- If it is safe to do so without delaying your departure, showing a video to the triage team helps them choose the most effective life-saving interventions immediately upon your arrival.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
If a cat is unconscious and not breathing, the owner should first ensure their own safety and adequately restrain the cat before proceeding. The owner should close the cat's mouth, place their lips over the cat's nostrils, and initially give 3-4 strong breaths. If spontaneous breathing does not resume, the owner should continue rescue breathing at a rate of 10 breaths per minute. If the cat is cyanotic and collapsed, suspect an upper airway obstruction; the owner should attempt a Heimlich maneuver or sudden chest compression to relieve the obstruction and then manually clear the airway. Mouth-to-nose resuscitation and chest compressions may provide enough respiratory and circulatory support to maintain life during transport to a veterinary facility.
Chapter: Emergency, General Principles
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1659)