BODY TEMPERATURE of normal adult cat is 101.0F-103.0F; kitten temperatures may be 96.0F-101.0F.

This is a rectal temperature taken by shaking down a rectal thermometer to under 96F, lubricating it with Vaseline, and carefully placing it half way into the rectum of your pet. Hold the cat still, leaving the thermometer in place 2 or 3 minutes. Remove, clean with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol and read the thermometer.

Kittens 140-240 beats per minute

Adult Cats 140-210 beats per minute

The pulse can be taken either by finding it inside the hind leg near the groin or by holding your hand over the heart of the cat, an area along the left chest wall just behind where the elbow normally contacts the body.

RESPIRATORY RATE is 20 to 30 breaths per minute and is not specific for any breed. Panting should not be confused with normal respiration.

Puberty: 5-10 months of age: certain breeds like the Persian tend to mature more slowly, the Siamese at an earlier age.

Spay/neuter: Traditionally 6 months or older, some advise earlier age

First bred: On second or third heat, males and females best bred after 1 year of age

Gestation: 60-65 days, 63 days considered average

Litter size: Varies but usually 3-4 kittens. Up to 5-8 kittens possible.

Heat cycles: Cats come into heat as the days lengthen and if not bred, the cycle will end as the days shorten. The queen will cycle in and out of heat until she breeds or the season ends. This explains why a female cat can always seem to be in heat. Although a cat may outwardly seem to be "out of heat", internally her body may still be in a "ready" state.

Anestrus: The time between the heat cycle or the period of sexual inactivity. Usually lasts 4-7 months. Female will not attract or accept males.

Proestrus: The period as the female becomes sexually active. Not many outward signs in the cat but males may be attracted. The female may seem slightly more affectionate. There is minimal vulvar swelling and often no bleeding is noticed. Phase usually lasts 1-2 days.

Estrus: The "true" heat phase, the time when the female is receptive to breeding. Cats do not ovulate until bred. Heat does not end until she is bred or the "season" ends. Female attracts males, cries and calls loudly, teases, flirts and will allow copulation. Cats will often posture with the rump held up in a ready-to-breed position. Phase lasts 4-7 days. (This means the exhibition of outward signs lasts 4-7 days)

Metestrus: This phase lasts 7-14 days. The female may now exhibit no signs of heat although her body still is in a semi-ready state. Female is no longer receptive and may aggressively reject males. Will cycle back into proestrus as this phase ends.

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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.