Furbabies
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Vital Statistics

Rectal Temperature

Adult Cat: 38.0 C - 39.1 C (100.5 F - 102.5 F)

Neonatal Kittens: 36.6 C - 37.7 C (98 F - 100 F)
Normal body temperature in kittens at birth is 36.6 C (98 F) and increases to 37.7 C (100 F) after one week.

Pulse (Heartbeat)

Adult Cat: 120 - 140 beats per minute
The heartbeat can be felt behind the left elbow between the third and sixth ribs.

Neonatal Kittens: approximately 200 beats per minute

Capillary Refill Time

Less than 2 seconds.

Respiration (Breathing)

Adult cat: 16 - 40 breaths per minute

Neonatal Kittens: 15 - 35 breaths per minute

Gestation (Pregnancy)

63 - 65 days

References

Aiello SE, The Merck Veterinary Manual, New Jersey: Merck & Co, 1998

Carlson DG & Giffin JM, Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, New York: Howell Book House, 1995

Hawcroft T, First Aid For Cats, Sydney: Lansdowne Publishing, 1994

McMichael M & Dhupa N, "Pediatric Critical Care Medicine: Physiologic Considerations" The Compendium, Vol 22, No 3, March 2000

Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

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