The actions taken immediately after a cat has had an accident or suffered from a sudden illness can save its life. Sometimes, illness has been present for a while but it is discovered at the sudden onset of signs that constitute an emergency. Cats, of course, cannot explain verbally what happened to them or what they feel, but certain signs reveal vital information to help determine a course of action. Is the cat breathing? Is its heart beating? Is it bleeding? Is its temperature normal? Is it behaving abnormally? Cats in pain are frightened and often try to run away and hide. To administer help, the owner must forcibly restrain the animal with blankets or bags to avoid being bitten or scratched. Speaking softly to the cat, using its name, and handling it with a firm but gentle grip will often calm a pa - -led cat enough to allow treatment. An understanding of the normal structures and functions of a cat's body is needed for comparison when attempting to determine what is wrong with a cat that is in pain or unconscious. The key objectives of first aid are the following:
1. To preserve life.
2. To alleviate suffering.
3. To promote recovery.
4. To prevent aggravation of the injury or illness until veterinary assistance can be obtained.

CHECK FOR NORMAL VITAL SIGNS
It is essential to know the normal temperature, pulse, and breathing rate of your cat to accurately judge the severity of illness or injury. Cats vary, as people do, but these are general guidelines:
Temperature 100.4'F-102.5'F
Pulse 160-240 per minute
Respirations 20-30 per minute

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
1. Remove the cause of the injury if possible.
2. Clear airways so the cat can breathe. Remove any collar or harness from the cat's body. Clear the nose and throat of any foreign material, blood, or fluids. Place the animal in the position that makes breathing as easy as possible.
3. Give artificial respiration if the patient is not breathing.
4. Treat cardiac arrest with CPR immediately (see "Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation,"). Often a sharp blow on the side of the chest, just behind the shoulder, will suffice. Continue CPR until the cat's heart is pumping on its own and the cat is breathing
5. Stop or control bleeding as soon as possible. Use pressure bandages, pressure points, or tourniquets as needed.>br> 6. Cover any wounds with clean, dry dressings.
7. Keep the patient warm with blankets, box, or in a warm car, etcetera.
8. Do not move or manipulate the patient unnecessarily. An injured animal will usually assume the least painful position, with the injured part uppermost. When it is necessary to move the patient, support and protect the injured area to prevent further damage and pain. Use blankets, rugs, and boards or boxes to support an animal being transported.
9. Treat for shock If the cat is unconscious, place its head slightly lower than the rest of its body to treat shock and to prevent the patient from inhaling fluids or materials in the mouth. Do not give anything by mouth, not even water or medicines. If the cat is conscious and not seriously injured, give small amounts of drinking water.
10. Promptly transport the cat to a veterinary facility for professional care.
11. If possible, have someone phone the veterinary hospital or surgery, while you are on the way, to alert the staff of your need for emergency care. The person who calls should give a brief description of the injuries, so the hospital personnel can make preparations for your arrival.
12. Don't speed on the way! A patient that won't survive a few minutes probably can't be saved, and the rough ride to the hospital may aggravate injuries. Risking an additional accident-to yourself or your pet-is not justified by any emergency.

For a reference point, you should determine these rates for your cat when it is healthy, and keep a record in your first-aid kit. Excitement or exercise will increase the normal rates, as in humans, so your most valid measurements will be obtained when the cat is at rest. A good time to measure normal pulse and respiration is when you and your pet are relaxing together in the course of a normal day.

To find the pulse, press your first two fingers against the inside of the upper hind leg, where the large femoral artery is found. Count the pulse for at least sixty seconds. You can also see or feel the heartbeat on the chest wall directly behind the cat's 11 elbow." in an emergency situation, the heartbeat or pulse should be taken and reported to the veterinarian. An extremely fast pulse may indicate a state of shock. A weak pulse indicates a dire situation, which should receive immediate veterinary attention.

To determine the breathing rate or respiration, watch the cat's chest movement. Count either inhalations or exhalations (not both) for one minute. Rapid breathing can indicate shock or lack of oxygen. Labored breathing may be a clue that there is an obstruction or severe chest injury. Shallow breathing is a sign of weakness or chest pain. irregular breathing is a-very serious sign, calling for an immediate veterinary examination. Among the many problems it could indicate are fractured ribs and punctured or collapsed lung.

Unless your cat is unusually docile, you will need a helper to hold it while you take its temperature. Do not attempt to take the temperature of a cat with breathing difficulty