Cats like all mammals have a heart that pumps blood throughout their bodies. The average heart rate for a cat at rest is between 140 and 220 beats per minute. A cat’s heart rate can increase when they are excited scared or exerting themselves physically.
What is a normal heart rate for a cat?
A cat’s normal heart rate is between 140 and 220 beats per minute.
What factors can affect a cat’s heart rate?
Factors that can affect a cat’s heart rate include age breed health status and level of activity.
How does a cat’s heart rate compare to a human’s?
A cat’s heart rate is about twice as fast as a human’s.
Why do cats have such fast heart rates?
Cats have fast heart rates because they are small animals with high metabolisms.
What is a heart rate that is too fast or too slow for a cat?
A heart rate that is too fast or too slow for a cat is considered abnormal.
What are some signs that a cat’s heart rate is abnormal?
Signs that a cat’s heart rate is abnormal include weakness lethargy fainting and collapse.
What should you do if you think your cat’s heart rate is abnormal?
If you think your cat’s heart rate is abnormal you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
What is a heart murmur?
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that can be heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope.
What can cause a heart murmur in a cat?
Heart murmurs in cats can be caused by valvular disease heartworm disease or other heart conditions.
What are some signs that a cat has a heart murmur?
Signs that a cat has a heart murmur include exercise intolerance shortness of breath and fainting.
What is a cardiac ultrasound?
A cardiac ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart.
Why is a cardiac ultrasound used?
A cardiac ultrasound is used to diagnose heart conditions such as heart murmurs valvular disease and heartworm disease.
How is a cardiac ultrasound done?
A cardiac ultrasound is done by placing a transducer on the chest and taking pictures of the heart.
What are the risks of a cardiac ultrasound?
The risks of a cardiac ultrasound are minimal and include discomfort from the transducer and the possibility of a false-positive result.
What should you do if your cat has a heart condition?
If your cat has a heart condition you should take them to the vet for treatment.
