Baseline Vitals in Cats and How to Measure Them

Find out what’s normal for your cat and how to measure feline vitals.

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.

Normal Heart rate, Respiratory Rate, and Temperature for Cats

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.

How to Check Your Cat's Heart and Respiratory Rates and Temperature

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.

How to Take a Cat's Temperature

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:

Checking Mucous Membranes on Your Cat

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.

What to Do If Your Cat's Vitals Are Off

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."


You May Also Like These Articles:

Dealing with End of Life Issues for Your Cat

Caring for Your Senior Feline

Feline Senility: Cognitive Disorder in Cats

Is In-Home Euthanasia Right for You and Your Cat?

Decreasing Shelter Cat Euthanasia

How You Can Care for Your Cat After You're Gone

How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain

How To Take Your Cat To The Vet

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at CatHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. Just Answer is an external service not affiliated with CatHealth.com.