FREE SHIPPING on ALL Books and DVDs! Use Coupon Code LIBRARY0225 at checkout! Shop Now >
10% OFF on ALL Training Supplies! Use Coupon Code HANDSON0225 at checkout! Shop Now >
10% OFF on ALL Emergency Preparedness Supplies! Use Coupon Code PREPARE0225 at checkout! Shop Now >
Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.
Use a digital thermometer. Lubricate the thermometer with a water-based lubricant or petroleum jelly. Insert the tip into the rectum (just beneath the tail). When the thermometer beeps, remove it and read the number.
Normal body temperature for a cat is 99.5—102.5°F (37.5°C to 39.17°C)
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Watch your cat and count the number of times the chest rises and falls in one minute.
Normal beathing rate is 20 – 30 breaths per minute.
Learn about causes, symptoms, and emergency steps of cat breathing problems.
You can feel your cat’s heartbeat at the point where the left elbow touches the chest (about the fifth rib). Lay your cat down on her right side and place your hand over this area to feel and count heartbeats.
Normal heart rate is 160-220 beats per minute.
You can feel your cat’s pulse by lightly touching your middle and index fingers to the inner thigh. Lay your cat down, gently lift her upper hind leg away from the lower hind leg, place your two fingers as high up as possible on the inside of either leg, just where the leg meets the body wall. Feel for a recess in the middle of the leg approximately halfway between the front and back; this recess is where the blood vessels run and where you will find the pulse.
Normal pulse rate is 160-220 beats per minute.
Press on the gums and observe how soon the gums return to their normal pink color.
Normal capillary refill time is 1 to 2 seconds.
To check the color of the mucous membranes, life your cat’s upper or lower lip, and observe the color of his gums or inner lip. They should be pink.
Pull up on the skin between the shoulder blades and it should spring right back. If it stays tented this is a sign of dehydration.
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Register Now!
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.
