The recovery position is a first aid technique that helps an unconscious person or animal breathe more easily and prevents choking by keeping their airways open.
When should you use the recovery position?
The recovery position should be used when a cat is unresponsive and breathing. If they are not breathing you need to put them into the recovery position they are at risk of choking and dying.
Putting them in the recovery position
If you are sure that they are unresponsive and breathing, you want to help them maintain an open airway. Lay them on their side, extend their head back slightly to keep the tongue forward off the back of their throat and their airway clear. Gravity encourages their tongue to flop forward and the contents of their stomach to drain out. Keep the airway clear and allow the animal to keep breathing.
While they are in the recovery position
Keep checking that they are breathing, by feeling their breath using the back of your hand in front of their mouth or by holding a wisp of fur in front of their nostrils to see if it moves as they exhale.
If you are concerned that they may be going into shock, raise their hind quarters slightly and support their body so it remains straight.
Once they are on their side, keep checking that they are breathing.
Read what to do if your cat stops breathing here.
First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.