cat's breath per minute

Cat’s Breath Per Minute

Did you know how important to know a cat’s breath per minute, that can help your veterinarian treat your pet’s heart disease and other diseases that can hit ur cat by counting their breathing rate at home, and watching for other clues that your pet is not doing as well as you think? Using simple techniques, you can learn how to become an invaluable part of your pet’s healthcare team.

What is The Respiratory Rate of Cats

the cat’s breath per minute it is the resting respiratory is the number of times your cat takes a complete breath (in and out) within a 60 second period while at rest or sleeping (as opposed to when active, playing or dreaming). Respiratory rates should be monitored in cats with significant heart disease and the risk of developing congestive heart failure (fluid in or around the lungs).

This type of monitoring helps to catch the earliest signs of congestive heart failure before the condition develops into an emergency situation potentially requiring hospitalization and oxygen therapy.

Cat’s Breath Per Minute

A cat’s breath per minute is 16 to 40 breaths per minute.2 Normal respiratory rates are assessed when the cat is at rest. To count your cat’s breathing rate, watch the rise and fall of the body wall (rib cage) as the cat is lying down or sitting. Start your count from zero. Count for 30 seconds and then multiply by two that will give you the cat’s breath per minute.

A cat that is in pain is experiencing heart or respiratory problems, is suffering from heatstroke, or is stressed, will usually have an increased respiratory rate. It is important to gauge the overall situation and condition of the animal to assess the respiratory rate. It is not normal for a cat to pant or breath with its mouth open. If you see this, your cat should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Other situations you should be aware of when it comes to a cat’s respiratory system, the same as with humans, are upper respiratory infections and respiratory system allergies.

cat's breath per minute
Respiratory Rate of Cats

How to Measure a Cat’s Breath Per Minute

Wait until your cat is sleeping soundly (i.e. not dreaming), and not panting or purring.

Count the number of times the chest rises and falls (1 full rise and fall equals 1 breath) over 60 seconds.
Do this at least once a day for 7 days, and record your cat resting respiratory rate on your calendar.

This will help you determine your cat’s average resting respiratory rate.

Most dogs and cat’s breath per minute ranging between the mid-teens to mid-20s. In general, a resting respiratory rate over 35-40 breaths per minute is considered abnormal. Specifically, for your individual pet, any increase more than 20% above their average resting respiratory rate is considered abnormal.

If you discover an elevated resting respiratory rate in your cat (without any evidence of difficulty breathing, increase in cough, or change in the character of cough), recheck their resting respiratory rate again in 30-60 minutes. If your cat resting respiratory rate remains elevated, please contact your veterinarian or the cardiology service at BluePearl Veterinary Partners as soon as possible.

At any time, if your cat has an increase in respiratory effort, increase in cough or change in the character of cough, or if your pet has a productive cough, please contact your veterinarian or the cardiology service at your nearest BluePearl veterinary hospital immediately.

For more information on this subject, speak to the veterinarian who is treating your cat.

Why should I evaluate my cat’s breathing rate at home?

Increases in your cat’s breathing rate while resting quietly or sleeping is a very important early clue (clinical sign) that your cat may be developing heart failure and needs to see your veterinarian. Your observations can help limit how sick your cat becomes, reduce the chances that your cat will ever have to stay overnight in the hospital, and help reduce the costs associated with heart failure treatment.

Sources :
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/home-breathing-rate-evaluation
https://bluepearlvet.com/medical-articles-for-pet-owners/monitoring-your-pets-respiratory-rate/

1 thought on “Cat’s Breath Per Minute”

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