How to Check Your Cat’s Vital Signs

How to Check Your Cat’s Vital Signs at Home: A Guide to Keeping Your Feline Healthy

As a cat owner, it’s important to keep a close eye on your feline friend’s health. One way to do this is by checking your cat’s vital signs at home. Vital signs are key indicators of your cat’s overall health, and monitoring them can help you catch any potential health problems early on. In this article, we’ll go over how to check your cat’s vital signs at home and what to look for.

Cat’s Vital Signs
Cat’s Vital Signs


Temperature

Normal feline body temperature is between 100.5°F and 102.5°F (38.1°C - 39.2°C). To take your cat’s temperature at home, you’ll need a rectal thermometer specifically designed for cats. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly and gently insert it into your cat’s rectum. Hold it in place for a minute or until it beeps. If your cat’s temperature is outside the normal range, contact your veterinarian.

Heart Rate

A normal feline heart rate is between 140 and 220 beats per minute. To check your cat’s heart rate, place your hand over their chest near their left elbow. Count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds, then multiply that number by 4 to get the beats per minute. If your cat’s heart rate is outside the normal range, contact your veterinarian.

Respiration Rate

A normal feline respiration rate is between 16 and 40 breaths per minute. To check your cat’s respiration rate, watch their chest rise and fall for one minute. If your cat’s respiration rate is outside the normal range, contact your veterinarian.

Gum Color

A healthy cat’s gums should be pink in color. To check your cat’s gum color, lift their lip and press your finger against their gums. The spot where you pressed should turn white, and then return to pink within two seconds. If your cat’s gums are pale or yellow, it could be a sign of anemia or liver disease.

Capillary Refill Time

Capillary refill time (CRT) is the amount of time it takes for the gums to return to their normal pink color after pressure is applied. To check your cat’s CRT, press your finger against their gums and watch how long it takes for the spot to turn white and then return to pink. A normal CRT is less than two seconds. If your cat’s CRT is longer than two seconds, it could be a sign of dehydration or a circulatory problem.

By regularly checking your cat’s vital signs, you can stay on top of their health and catch any potential health problems early on. If you notice anything unusual during your cat’s checkup, contact your veterinarian right away. Remember, your cat’s health is in your hands, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep them healthy and happy.

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