How to feel a cat's pulse? - briefly
To feel your cat's pulse, gently place your fingers on the side of its neck, just below the ear. You should be able to detect a steady heartbeat in this area.
How to feel a cat's pulse? - in detail
Feeling a cat's pulse is an essential skill for pet owners, especially in cases of emergency or when monitoring your cat's health. Cats are known for their fast heart rates, which can average between 160 to 240 beats per minute (bpm). Here's a detailed guide on how to feel your cat's pulse:
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Preparation: Ensure that your cat is calm and relaxed. If necessary, wrap your cat in a blanket or towel to keep them still and secure. It might help to have an assistant who can hold the cat gently while you take the pulse.
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Location: The most common places to feel a cat's pulse are on the inner thigh (femoral artery) and under the left elbow (radial artery). The femoral artery is usually easier to find, especially in calm cats.
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Finding the Femoral Artery:
- Gently lift your cat’s hind leg and place it over your arm or lap for support.
- Locate the groin area where the thigh meets the body. You should feel a slight depression or indentation.
- Place your index and middle fingers gently into this groove, pressing lightly but firmly. You may need to apply a bit more pressure than you would expect, as cats have thicker skin and muscle than humans.
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Feeling the Pulse:
- Once you locate the artery, you should feel a steady rhythmic pulsing. This is your cat’s heartbeat.
- Count the beats for at least 15 seconds to get an accurate reading. Multiply this number by four to calculate the beats per minute (bpm).
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Alternative Location – Radial Artery:
- If you cannot find the femoral artery, try locating the radial artery under the left elbow.
- Gently lift your cat’s front leg and support it with your arm or lap.
- Place your fingers on the inner side of the elbow, pressing lightly until you feel the pulsing rhythm.
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Practice: It may take some practice to become comfortable and accurate in feeling your cat's pulse. Regularly check your cat’s pulse when they are calm to build familiarity with their normal heart rate.
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When to Seek Help: If you notice any irregularities such as a very slow or fast heart rate, weakness, lethargy, or other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately. These could be signs of underlying health issues that require professional attention.
By following these steps, you can effectively feel your cat's pulse and monitor their heart health.