If your cat ever has an emergency situation occur, you will need to evaluate his condition before you can take action with first aid. In order to know what's wrong with your kitty, you will need to have an idea of what is normal.
Cats' normal heart and respiratory rates and temperatures are different from humans'. Here is what you need to know:
If you are evaluating your cat's condition based on normal human values, you may panic when there's no need.
To take your cat's heart and respiratory rates, you will need a watch with a second hand or the timer on your phone.
Here are the steps for taking the heart rate of a cat:
Note: It can be difficult to take a heart rate on a cat. If you have any concerns with your cat's heart rate, go to the veterinarian. Using a stethoscope can make it easier for you to take your cat's heart and respiratory rates.
Here are the steps for taking the respiratory rate of a cat:
Practice taking heart and respiratory rates on your cat when there is no problem so that you will feel more comfortable and be more adept at it during an emergency.
You will need a digital thermometer with a flexible tip to take your cat's temperature at home. Here is how to measure a cat's temperature:
Your cat's mucous membranes, or gums, can tell you quite a bit of information during an emergency. Normal gums are pink and a bit moist. When you push gently into them with a finger, they blanch, but then turn pink again in 1-2 seconds.
The following situations with your cat's mucous membranes indicate that there is a problem:
Knowing whether your cat's gum color is abnormal requires being familiar with how they normally look. Making a habit of looking at your cat's gums periodically is a good idea, so you will be able to recognize when there is a problem. However, some cats don't like having their mouths handled and may bite, so use caution and don't proceed if your cat becomes agitated.
If your cat's heart or respiratory rate, temperature, or mucous membrane color are not normal, call a veterinarian right away.
If your cat is not breathing, you will need to perform rescue breathing.
If your cat does not have a heartbeat and isn't breathing, you will need to perform CPR.
You can learn more about basic first aid for various feline conditions here: "First Aid for Cats: An Overview."
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