1. Body Temperature

Feline “normal” body temperature range is 100.5 – 102.5 Fahrenheit (38 – 39.2 Celsius).

A body temperature below 100 or above 103F warrants a call to your veterinarian. Cats may become stressed in the veterinary office (or car ride to the office), creating a higher-than-normal body temperature temporarily.

Gauging body temperature by the moistness of the nose is not reliable. Sometimes a fever can be noticed by how warm the ears feel, but this is also not a reliable method.

 

2. Respiratory Rate

16 – 40 breaths per minute

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths per minute. Normal respiratory rates are assessed when the cat is resting.

A cat that is in pain, having heart or respiratory problems, suffering from heatstroke, or stressed will usually have increased respiratory rates.

It is important to gauge the overall situation and condition of the animal to assess the respiratory rate.

3.  Heart Rate

120-140 beats per minute

When stressed, heart rates will increase. This will normalize as the cat calms down in healthy animals. Cats that suffer from heart conditions (cardiomyopathy) or diseases such as hyperthyroidism will have increased heart rates — over 200 beats per minute in some cases.