How to count a cat's pulse? - briefly
To count a cat's pulse, gently place your fingers on the side of its chest, just behind the front leg. Feel for a steady rhythm; typically, a healthy cat's heart rate ranges between 140 to 220 beats per minute.
How to count a cat's pulse? - in detail
To accurately count your cat's pulse, follow these detailed steps:
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Preparation: Begin by ensuring that your cat is calm and relaxed. You may need a helper to gently restrain the cat while you perform the check.
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Location: The most common places to feel your cat's pulse are on its femoral artery, which runs along the inside of the back leg near the groin area, or the radial artery, located just beneath the skin on the inside of the front leg above the carpal pad.
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Femoral Artery Method:
- Gently lift your cat's hind leg and place it over your arm to support its weight.
- Locate the femoral artery by feeling for a pulse with your fingertips. It should be easily palpable.
- Use a watch or timer to count the number of pulses in 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get the beats per minute (BPM).
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Radial Artery Method:
- Gently lift your cat's front paw and place it over your arm for support.
- Locate the radial artery by feeling for a pulse with your fingertips just above the carpal pad.
- Count the pulses in 15 seconds and multiply by four to get the BPM.
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Interpretation: A normal resting heart rate for cats typically ranges from 140 to 220 beats per minute (BPM). However, this can vary depending on factors such as age, breed, and overall health condition. If your cat's pulse is significantly slower or faster than this range, consult a veterinarian promptly.
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Regular Checks: Regularly checking your cat's pulse can help you establish a baseline for its normal heart rate and quickly detect any abnormalities.