How to listen to a cat's heart? - briefly
To listen to a cat's heart, place your stethoscope on the left side of its chest, just behind the elbow. You should hear a steady rhythm; if it's irregular or too fast (over 200 beats per minute), consult your vet.
How to listen to a cat's heart? - in detail
Listening to a cat's heart involves a series of careful steps that require patience, practice, and the right equipment. Here’s how you can effectively listen to your cat’s heart:
Firstly, ensure you have the necessary tools at hand. You will need a stethoscope with a bell-shaped end suitable for animal use. A regular human stethoscope may not be effective as it lacks the necessary sensitivity and frequency range required to detect feline heartbeats accurately.
Begin by positioning your cat in a comfortable and relaxed state. It’s best to do this on a flat surface where you can easily access both sides of the cat’s body. Gently restrain the cat if necessary, using a towel or another person to help keep it calm and still.
Next, locate the heart area on your cat. The feline heart is located slightly further back and lower than in humans, typically around the fifth intercostal space (the space between the ribs). You can feel for the heartbeat by placing your hand gently over this area.
Place the stethoscope's bell-shaped end on the cat’s chest, just behind the left elbow. This is where you are most likely to hear the heartbeat clearly. Ensure that the stethoscope makes good contact with the skin; a small amount of gel or lubricant can help improve sound transmission if the fur is thick.
Listen carefully for the heartbeat. Feline heartbeats are typically faster than human heartbeats, ranging from 140 to 220 beats per minute (bpm) depending on the cat’s age and level of activity. Count the beats over a full minute to get an accurate measurement.
While listening, pay attention to any irregularities or unusual sounds such as murmurs, which could indicate underlying heart conditions. If you detect anything abnormal, consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Finally, remove the stethoscope gently and thank your cat for its cooperation. Reward it with a treat or some affection to reinforce positive behavior during future examinations.
By following these steps meticulously, you can effectively listen to your cat’s heart and monitor its cardiovascular health closely.