Cat Care: Guide To Vital Signs

Just like their human counterparts, much information concerning general health can be determined by the vital signs of a cat. To a pet owner a cats vital signs can be an important tool in determining if the animal is well, in minor distress, or needs to be taken to a veterinarian immediately. For those unfamiliar with checking the vital signs in cats there is no cause for worry, they are easy to read and understand once the basics are grasped. Pulse, respiratory rate and body temperature are the main three components of taking a cats vital signs, but other factors such as hydration and a cats color should be examined as well, as they are good indicators of associated health issues. It is always best to take a cats vital signs more than once separated by at least 30 minutes, as their information can be affected by recent activity and even mood swings that can give a false impression.

A cats body temperature should be taken rectally, using a digital thermometer whenever possible. A normal body temperature for a cat is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and a minor fever should not be cause for alarm unless it persists for an extended period of time. A minor fever in a cat may be part of the healing process associated with a minor and temporary illness, and a sign that the cat is on the way to recovery. More prominent fevers in cats can be the signs of a much more serious illness, such as trauma, poisoning, tissue damage or infection and should be taken seriously. A low body temperature in cats is an alarm that a cat needs veterinary assistance immediately without delay.

The normal heart rate in cats is usually between 120 and 200 beat per minute, although it can swing wildly due to recent activity. A cat's heart rate is usually taken on the inside of the cat's thigh at the femoral artery. At home, especially in a sick and agitated animal it may not be practical to obtain a heart rate in this manner without a human getting injured. A cat's heart rate can also be taken on the cat's chest by placing a finger about 4 to 5 inches below the cat's chin. Too high or too low a heart rate when taken repeatedly at rest can be problematic and requires further professional intervention.

A cat's respirations are usually 30 to 100 breathes per minute, however this can be misleading at times. Respirations are affected by both pain and anger in cats, so the best way to measure them is to get an average over 4 to 8 hours. When referring to a cat's color, the term is in regards to the color of the mucous membranes in the gums and eyes.

The appropriate coloring is pink, and whitening can be a sign of anemia. If this is the case a cat requires veterinary assistance to address the issue. A pet owner should always error on the side of caution when attempting to understand a cats vital signs. Very minor discrepancies should be monitored closely, while excessively high or low readings should spell a trip to the vet.

published 2 years ago

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