15 Seconds (Multiply by 4)
30 Seconds (Multiply by 2)
60 Seconds (Full Minute)
function calculateCatRR() {
var count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('breathCount').value);
var seconds = parseFloat(document.getElementById('timeSeconds').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('rrResult');
var bpmDisplay = document.getElementById('bpmValue');
var interpDisplay = document.getElementById('interpretation');
if (isNaN(count) || count <= 0) {
alert('Please enter a valid number of breaths.');
return;
}
var bpm = (count / seconds) * 60;
bpm = Math.round(bpm);
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
bpmDisplay.innerHTML = bpm + " BPM";
if (bpm < 15) {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#f1f2f6';
bpmDisplay.style.color = '#2f3542';
interpDisplay.innerHTML = "Below Average: This is lower than the typical resting rate. If your cat is lethargic or difficult to wake, consult a veterinarian.";
} else if (bpm <= 30) {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#e1f5fe';
bpmDisplay.style.color = '#0288d1';
interpDisplay.innerHTML = "Normal: A resting or sleeping respiratory rate between 15 and 30 breaths per minute is considered healthy for most cats.";
} else if (bpm <= 40) {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#fff3e0';
bpmDisplay.style.color = '#f57c00';
interpDisplay.innerHTML = "Elevated: This is on the high side. Ensure your cat is truly at rest/asleep. Monitor closely and re-test in 30 minutes.";
} else {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#ffebee';
bpmDisplay.style.color = '#c62828';
interpDisplay.innerHTML = "High (Potential Emergency): A rate over 40 BPM while sleeping is a clinical sign of respiratory distress or heart failure. Please contact an emergency vet immediately.";
}
}
How to Calculate Your Cat's Respiratory Rate
Monitoring your cat's Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR) is one of the most effective ways to track heart health and detect early signs of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or asthma. While many vital signs require specialized equipment, you can measure respiratory rate at home with just a stopwatch.
Steps for Accurate Measurement
Wait for Deep Sleep: The measurement is only accurate when the cat is completely at rest or, ideally, sleeping. Do not measure after play, eating, or purring.
Identify One Breath: One breath consists of the chest rising and then falling. Count this full cycle as "one."
Count for the Set Duration: Use a timer for 30 or 60 seconds. Counting for a full 60 seconds is the most accurate method.
Use the Formula: If you counted for 30 seconds, multiply by 2. If you counted for 15 seconds, multiply by 4.
What is a Normal Respiratory Rate for a Cat?
A healthy cat should breathe between 15 and 30 times per minute while sleeping. It is normal for the rate to be slightly higher if the cat is awake but resting, but it should almost never exceed 40 breaths per minute during sleep.
Example Calculation
If you observe your cat sleeping and count 7 breaths over a period of 30 seconds:
Breaths counted: 7
Time: 30 seconds
Calculation: 7 breaths × 2 = 14 BPM
Result: 14 BPM (Within normal resting range)
When to Call the Vet
If you consistently record a sleeping respiratory rate higher than 30 breaths per minute, or if you see a single reading higher than 40 breaths per minute, contact your veterinarian. Other warning signs include open-mouth breathing, using abdominal muscles to breathe, or blue-tinted gums.