What is the respiration rate for cats?

What is the respiration rate for cats?

• A. 12-20/min
• B. 20-30/min
• C. 30-40/min
• D. 40-50/min

Answer: (B)

The typical resting respiration rate for a healthy adult cat is about 20 to 30 breaths per minute. This is the rate you’d expect when the cat is calm, not panting, and at rest in a quiet environment. To check it, watch the chest or abdomen rise and fall for a full minute and count each breath, making sure the cat isn’t after exertion or stressed from handling. Keep in mind that kittens and stressed cats can breathe faster, and normal rates can vary a bit between individuals. If you notice a cat breathing more than about 40 breaths per minute while at rest, or if breathing is labored, shallow, or has other signs of distress, that could indicate a medical issue and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

The typical resting respiration rate for a healthy adult cat is about 20 to 30 breaths per minute. This is the rate you’d expect when the cat is calm, not panting, and at rest in a quiet environment. To check it, watch the chest or abdomen rise and fall for a full minute and count each breath, making sure the cat isn’t after exertion or stressed from handling. Keep in mind that kittens and stressed cats can breathe faster, and normal rates can vary a bit between individuals.

If you notice a cat breathing more than about 40 breaths per minute while at rest, or if breathing is labored, shallow, or has other signs of distress, that could indicate a medical issue and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.