What a scary experience. Made me think too that I have no idea what to do if the same thing happens to me.

I did a google search on 'choking in cats' and this web site came up.

http://getbirdbrains.tripod.com/cpr.htm

Looks like the Heimlich can be applied to cats and dogs too - the prospect of broken ribs isn't nice, but better than having a pet choke to death.

As far as your babies eating each other's food, the only thing I can think of is feeding them in separate rooms at the same time until Basil is big enough to fight for himself.