How to Calculate Cat Breathing Rate

Cat Resting Respiratory Rate Calculator

Count one breath for every full rise and fall of the chest.

15 Seconds 30 Seconds 60 Seconds (Full Minute)

function calculateBreathingRate() { var breaths = parseFloat(document.getElementById('breathCount').value); var seconds = parseFloat(document.getElementById('timeFrame').value); var resultContainer = document.getElementById('rrr-result-container'); var valueDisplay = document.getElementById('rrr-value'); var statusDisplay = document.getElementById('rrr-status'); var adviceDisplay = document.getElementById('rrr-advice'); if (isNaN(breaths) || breaths <= 0) { alert("Please enter a valid number of breaths."); return; } var bpm = (breaths / seconds) * 60; bpm = Math.round(bpm); resultContainer.style.display = 'block'; valueDisplay.innerText = bpm + " BPM"; if (bpm = 15 && bpm 30 && bpm <= 40) { resultContainer.style.backgroundColor = "#fff3cd"; statusDisplay.style.color = "#856404"; statusDisplay.innerText = "Slightly Elevated"; adviceDisplay.innerText = "Monitor your cat closely. Ensure they are fully at rest and not purring. If the rate stays consistently above 30, contact your vet."; } else { resultContainer.style.backgroundColor = "#f8d7da"; statusDisplay.style.color = "#721c24"; statusDisplay.innerText = "High Respiratory Rate"; adviceDisplay.innerText = "Warning: A resting breathing rate over 40 BPM is concerning and may indicate respiratory distress or heart issues. Contact your veterinarian immediately."; } }

How to Calculate Cat Breathing Rate (Resting Respiratory Rate)

Monitoring your cat's Resting Respiratory Rate (RRR) is one of the most effective ways to track their cardiovascular and respiratory health at home. For cats with known heart conditions or asthma, this simple check can be a lifesaver.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wait for Deep Rest: The measurement is only accurate when your cat is calmly resting or, ideally, sleeping. Do not measure right after play, eating, or while they are purring.
2. Observe the Chest: Watch the rise and fall of the ribs or flank. One "breath" equals one full inhalation (up) and one full exhalation (down).
3. Set a Timer: Use a stopwatch or your phone. While 60 seconds provides the highest accuracy, you can count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, or 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
4. Record the Results: Use the calculator above to determine the Breaths Per Minute (BPM).

Understanding the Results

A healthy cat should typically breathe between 15 and 30 times per minute while sleeping. It is normal for the rate to be lower (around 10-12) during very deep sleep, but it should rarely exceed 30 when inactive.

BPM Range	Status
15 – 30 BPM	Normal / Healthy
31 – 40 BPM	Elevated (Monitor / Consult Vet)
Over 40 BPM	High (Emergency Range)

Examples of Calculation

• Example 1: You count 7 breaths in 15 seconds. (7 x 4 = 28 BPM). This is Normal.
• Example 2: You count 22 breaths in 30 seconds. (22 x 2 = 44 BPM). This is High and requires immediate veterinary attention.

When to Call the Vet

If you notice your cat's RRR is consistently above 30-35 BPM, or if they are using their abdominal muscles to breathe (effortful breathing), you should contact your veterinarian. Other red flags include open-mouth breathing (panting), blue-tinged gums, or extreme lethargy. Keeping a daily log of these numbers can help your vet adjust medications for conditions like Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).