What is the average heart rate or pulse for a cat?

The average heart rate for a cat typically falls between 120 to 140 beats per minute (bpm). This range is considered normal and reflects the higher metabolic rate and physiological needs of cats compared to larger animals. Cats are generally more active and have a higher heart rate due to their nature as small, agile hunters.

In contrast, the other ranges presented do not align with the accepted norm for a cat's heart rate. The 80 to 100 bpm range is more aligned with larger, slower-moving animals, the 160 to 180 bpm range may apply to very young kittens or highly stressed cats, and the 100 to 120 bpm range is also lower than what is typically observed. Thus, the range of 120 to 140 bpm accurately reflects a healthy adult cat's heart rate under normal resting conditions. Understanding the normal heart rate helps in assessing the overall health and well-being of cats in a veterinary clinical environment.