If your cat cannot breathe, he may have an obstruction: Clear his airway. If something is lodged too far down and your cat's mucous membranes are blue, you can try a cat Heimlich maneuver. Press in and up sharply just below his rib cage, in the direction of his head. But be careful not to press too hard or you'll risk breaking your cat's ribs.

If there is no obstruction, but your cat is wheezing, coughing or not breathing at all, he needs emergency medical care.

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