Cats… they say they have nine lives but when our fluffy feline gets sick we only realize how vulnerable cats may be.
Below you will find some important facts that wil help you better assess your cat’s physical condition:
Normal rectal temperature in adult cats: 100*F-102.5*F. Anything above or below contact your vet. .
In order to take your cat’s temperature efficiently you will need the following: a digital or mercury thermometer, Petroleum jelly or K-Y jelly and a towel.
Wrap the cat in a towel and put the cat on a table leaving only the tail exposed. Have a helper hold the cat in place. Lubricate the thermometer with either petroleum jelly or K.Y. jelly. If you are using a mercury thermometer do not forget to flick it so the mercury goes below 94 degrees. Lift the cat’s tail and gently insert the thermometer only for about one inch.
If you using a mercury thermometer hold in place for 2 minutes, if you are using a digital thermometer wait until it beeps. Don’t forget to offer a treat if your cat still has a good appetite. If this whole procedure seemed too complicated you will feel delighted in learning that it gets easier with practice. Lately some new ear thermometers specifically made for pets are on the market. These thermometers can be costly and the readings require to follow a special method.
Normal pulse in adult cats 140-240 beats per minute. Anything above or below contact your vet.
Your cat’s pulse may be felt by feeling the femoral artery located in the groin area. You can easily reach this area by pressing with your fingers right by the inside of the thigh exactly where leg and body join. You should find an area where the pulse can be felt. As an altenative simply feel at the left side of the chest by the rib cage and behind the elbow directly over the heart. To make it simpler count the number of beats for exactly15 seconds and then multiply that number by 4.
The pulse must be strong yet regular. A fast pulse or a slow pulse may indicate problems. Keep in mind that most cats exhibit a fast pulse when nervous or excited.
Normal respiration rate in adult cats 20-30 breaths for minute. Anything above or below contact you vet.
Your cat’s respiration rate is calculated by watching the expansion and contraction of the chest. Report both rapid breathing and slow breathing episodes to your vet as these symptoms may suggest trouble. Breathing should appear effortless. Report to your vet immediately panting episodes, wheezing, and shallow breathing. with no evident cause.
Normal gum color: pink. Any pale, red or bluish tint contact your vet.
Gums play a major role in indicating your cat’s health. A cat’s gums reflects a good level of oxygination to the mucous membranes. Ideally, they should be a nice bubble gum pink. Any other color contact your vet immediately.
Normal capillary refill time: 1-2 seconds Any longer or shorter contact your vet.
Another way of accessing a good level of blood circulation is by checking the capillary refill time. This can be easily accomplished by pressing a finger against a cat’s gums until it turns whitish. Once your finger is released count how long it takes to return back to its normal color. This usually ahould not take more than 1-2 seconds. Contact your vet if refill is less than 1 second or more than 3.