Routine Cat Health Checks You Can Do at Home

🧩 Why Regular Checks Matter

• Catch health issues early

• Helps your vet with accurate information

💧 Dehydration Test

• Gently pinch the scruff — skin should spring back

• Slow return = dehydration → call the vet

🌡️ Checking Temperature

• Normal: 100.4–102.2°F (38–39°C)

• Below 99.5°F or above 103°F? Veterinary care is needed

❤️ Measuring Heart Rate

• Normal resting rate: 120–140 bpm

• Feel inside thigh or over chest; count 15 seconds × 4

🫁 Breathing Rate

• Normal: 20–40 breaths/min

• Labored or open-mouth breathing = emergency

📋 Record the Numbers

• Keep a small notebook or phone note with your cat’s normal rates

• Great help in emergencies or vet calls