Ventilation during CPR in the intubated cat
5 kg cat in arrest. It is already intubated with the cuff inflated and connected to a self-inflating bag with oxygen; a colleague is giving continuous compressions.
How should this cat be ventilated?
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A. About 10 breaths per minute, with an inspiratory time of 1 second and about 10 mL/kg, without stopping compressions
Correct. In the intubated patient, compressions and breaths are given simultaneously, without pauses, at about 10 breaths per minute.
B. 30 breaths per minute to correct respiratory acidosis as quickly as possible
Hyperventilation raises intrathoracic pressure, reduces venous return and coronary perfusion, and hypocapnia causes cerebral vasoconstriction.
C. 2 breaths every 30 compressions, stopping compressions to give the breaths
The 30:2 ratio is only used when the patient is not intubated (mouth-to-snout). Once intubated, compressions should not be interrupted to ventilate.
D. Do not ventilate during the first 10 minutes, because dissolved oxygen is sufficient
In dogs and cats arrest is often asphyxial or respiratory in origin, and oxygen ventilation is part of basic life support as soon as the patient is intubated.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In CPR with an intubated patient: 10 breaths/min, 1 s inspiration, about 10 mL/kg, simultaneous with compressions. The commonest error is ventilating too fast in the heat of the moment; a colleague can count out loud.
References: RECOVER clinical guidelines for veterinary CPR (2012)
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.