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Why is my cat's heart rate fast, breathing weird, and always snoring?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 5 years and 7 months old | 6.9 lbs

Can i know please what is the normal heart rate for cats? I noticed with stethoscope that sometimes my cat has a very rapid heart rate Also i noticed that sometimes his respiratory rate while sleeping is fast and other times is slow...normal? My cat always snores when he is asleep or awake since he was a baby..why? Also many times i was thinking to measure his blood glucose..can i measure it with home glucometer for humans? What is the normal range? And how? Thanks a lottt!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 8th, 2017

A cat's normal heart rate is between 120-220 beats per minute. It is normal that a cat's breathing rate can change while they are sleeping, it can increase and decrease in response to depth of sleep and any dream they may be having at the moment. Some cats do snore, but that is usually when they are asleep. It's not normal for a cat to snore when awake, and if he's done it since he was a baby, it could be that he has a congenital defect causing it. I would have Tota examined by a vet for this issue.

There is no need for you to measure his blood glucose, and you should not do that on Tota. It requires a blood sample from him, and that can be difficult to get from cats. A vet will be best to determine if and when he needs his blood glucose checked (i.e. if he has diabetes), and will do the test themselves.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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