Question
Hunter was recently diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy (a heart condition that led to fluid accumulating in his heart and lungs).
We were instructed to monitor his condition by measuring his breathing rate regularly. To do this, we should count the number of breaths (an inhalation and exhalation) that he takes in a minute. We were instructed to do this when he is relaxed or asleep.
When he's relaxed he's usually purring. Does purring affect his breathing rate? Should we only measure his breathing rate when he's not purring?
Answer
I spoke to my vet this morning. He said that some cats have their breathing rate affected by purring (because they get into a purring rhythm), but other cats do not.
The breathing rate that I should be measuring is really when he's asleep (and he won't purr while he's asleep).
Answered By - Zaralynda