A healthy cat’s heart beats fast by human standards. On average, an adult cat has a resting heart rate between 140 and 220 beats per minute. Putting our 60 to 100 bpm average beside it, a cat’s heart rate beats ours by a whole lot.

This “high” heart rate is normal for cats, and it’s also normal for their heart rate to rise even slightly when they get stressed, scared, or excited. So, if your cat just finished a sprint or had a stressful car ride, then a faster heart rate is to be expected.

But if your cat’s heart rate is consistently spiking and in the high ranges, then it’s a cause of concern. A consistently elevated heart rate can be linked to problems like heart disease, hyperthyroidism, dehydration, or even pain. In some cases, it can result in some serious complications. 

This consistent spike in heart rate is called tachycardia. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about tachycardia in cats, starting from the types right up to the treatment process. 

What Are the Types of Tachycardia in Cats?

Not all fast heartbeats are the same, as these can come from different parts of the heart. Here’s a quick overview of the common types:

Sinus Tachycardia

Sinus tachycardia in cats is the most common type, but the least dangerous one. It happens when the heart responds to something such as stress and anxiety, fear, pain, excitement, or overheating. 

Their heart will still be beating at a regular rhythm, just a bit faster than usual. The good news is that this type of tachycardia in cats often goes away once the trigger or stimulus is removed. So, if your cat’s heart races when you bring them to your car, be there for them.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

SVT is a type of feline tachycardia that begins in the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. The name “supraventricular” translates to “above the ventricles.” It’s characterized by very fast heartbeats, all while having an irregular rhythm.

Supraventricular tachycardia in cats is more serious than sinus tachycardia because it’s due to a problem with the heart’s electrical system. 

Ventricular Tachycardia

VT is the most dangerous type of tachycardia in cats. It begins in the lower part of the heart, which is the ventricles, hence the name. This often leads to an abnormal and unstable heart rhythm that results in impaired blood pumping. 

Ventricular tachycardia can result in sudden collapse, fainting, and death. 

What Are the Causes of Tachycardia in Cats?

Tachycardia in cats is a symptom, rather than a disease. In some cases, it's harmless, caused just by a few triggers and stimuli. In others, it can point to a series of health issues. Here are the common reasons why a cat’s heart rate might spike:

Stress, Fear, or Excitement

An elevated heart rate is a normal response to things your cat is scared of, such as car rides, unknown people, and new objects. It’s not dangerous on its own, but long-term stress is not a good thing. 

Pain and Severe Discomfort

Injuries, dental disease, and anything that might cause pain to your cat can increase their heart rate. If you notice your cat vocalizing or hiding because of a condition, then it might also be experiencing tachycardia. 

Heart Issues

Heart problems such as cardiomyopathy, heart failure, tumors, congenital heart disease, and valvular disease can all cause tachycardia in cats. These issues can disrupt the heart’s electrical system or its structure, causing an increased heart rate. 

Hyperthyroidism

This condition happens when the cat’s thyroid gland produces too many hormones, increasing the body’s metabolism. In turn, it also increases a cat’s heart rate. 

Anemia

Anemia happens when a cat doesn’t have enough red blood cells. To compensate, the cat’s heart will pump faster to deliver more oxygen to where it’s needed. 

Cancer

Cancer can also be the cause of feline tachycardia by causing internal bleeding, inflammation, or pressure on the organs. The tumors may also interfere with the lungs, disrupting circulation. 

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a disease that can affect fluid balance, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels, factors that can increase heart rate. As kidney function declines, the heart may work harder.

What Are the Symptoms of Tachycardia in Cats?

A consistently elevated heart rate may present other symptoms due to the strain it puts on the cat’s body. This may include:

• Rapid Breathing. Your cat may breathe faster than usual, even at rest. They might also not be willing to do much physical activity. 

• Lethargy or Weakness. Tachycardia may cause fatigue and lethargy in cats. They may sleep more than usual and seem uninterested in normal activities. 

• Restlessness or Anxiety. Some cats can be unusually alert, start pacing, or seem unable to settle down. They’ll often have trouble staying in one place at a time. 

• Pale or Bluish Gums. This is a sign of poor circulation, which is often linked to heart problems and anemia. 

• Collapse or Fainting. In severe cases, cats with elevated heart rates may suddenly fall or lose consciousness. 

• Loss of Appetite. Your cat may also not want to eat as much as it usually does. It may not even want to eat treats and favorite foods. 

• Behavioral Changes. Many cats may hide and appear distraught when they feel unwell. If there’s a sudden shift in how your cat acts around the house, that’s a cause for concern.