What is a "normal" heart rate for your cat? How long are cats pregnant for? Does a body temperature of 102.5F mean that your cat has a fever? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this article.
See Also:
Canine Physiology and Anatomy Facts - What's "Normal" For A Dog
Reference:
Merck Veterinary Manual, 9th edition
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 or how warm the ears feel is not reliable.
2. Respiratory Rate
16 - 40 breaths per minuteRespiratory 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 minuteWhen 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.
4. Duration of Pregnancy
On average, feline pregnancy lasts 63 days, but can vary from 57 to 69 days.
Learn more about:
pregnancy in cats
Veterinary Q & A Spay Surgery
5. Number of Teeth
Kittens have 26 teethAdult cats have 30 teeth
Kittens usually lose their deciduous (baby) teeth by 6 months of age, which are replaced by the adult teeth.
