What tests are needed if my cat has an irregular heartbeat?

Common tests include a physical examination, an ECG to record heart rhythm, chest X-rays to assess heart size, and echocardiography to check right ventricular structure and function. Your vet will recommend follow-up based on the results.

How can I tell at home if my cat's breathing is abnormal?

Measure breaths per minute while your cat is resting (normal is usually around 20-30). If breathing stays fast for a long time, your cat is open-mouth breathing, or breathing rapidly while asleep, take a video and seek veterinary assessment promptly.

How will the clinic monitor right ventricular function?

Vets commonly use echocardiography and ECGs to regularly monitor ventricular structure and heart rhythm changes, along with blood tests to track overall health. The recheck schedule depends on your cat's condition.

What information should I prepare before the vet visit?

It helps to bring symptom videos, breathing rate records, a timeline of episodes, recent blood test and imaging reports, and a list of all current medicines and supplements. Book a cardiology appointment in advance where possible.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost for this disease?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Feline Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Rapid Breathing, Tests & Care [2025]

Feline arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is a rare heart disease that can cause abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, ISFM, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek immediate veterinary care (emergency)

•Obvious difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
•Sudden collapse or prolonged loss of consciousness
•Purple gums with extreme weakness and inability to stand

Arrange a veterinary appointment as soon as possible (within 24-72 hours)

•Activity level has been clearly reduced for more than 24 hours
•Appetite is clearly reduced or the cat has refused food for more than two days
•A clearly irregular heartbeat is noticed at home or the cat has fainted

01What symptoms suggest something is wrong?

Common outward signs of arrhythmogenic right ventricular disease include changes in activity, breathing, and blood circulation.

Low energy, a clear drop in activity, or reluctance to exercise
Reduced appetite or ongoing refusal to eat, with changes in drinking habits
Rapid breathing or open-mouth breathing, even while sleeping
A swollen or enlarged abdomen, which may be related to fluid build-up in the belly
An irregular heartbeat or unusually fast or slow heart rate noticed at home
Episodes of collapse, fainting, or brief weakness

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Difficulty breathing or obvious open-mouth breathing
⚠️ Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness for an extended period
⚠️ Purple gums with extreme weakness and inability to stand

02How can I assess changes at home? Key observations and emergency warning signs

Home observations before the appointment can help your vet understand the condition and decide when treatment is needed.

Use your phone to record videos of symptoms and breathing from the front and side
Measure and record breaths per minute while your cat is resting, taking several readings
Track changes in appetite, water intake, urination, and bowel movements
Note changes in activity, exercise tolerance, and any triggers for episodes
Check whether the abdomen looks enlarged or whether touch causes pain or discomfort
If you notice abnormalities or worsening signs, arrange a cardiology assessment as soon as possible

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common tests

Common in-clinic tests and imaging help assess heart rhythm and right ventricular function.

Physical examination

listening to the heart and lungs, palpation, and blood pressure measurement

Blood tests and biochemistry

assessing whole-body metabolism and organ function

Chest X-rays

checking heart size, the lungs, and fluid in the chest cavity

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

recording heart rhythm and abnormal waveforms

Echocardiography

assessing right ventricular structure and contractile function

Advanced imaging, such as CT, or specialist testing if needed

04How is it treated and cared for after diagnosis? Medication, diet changes, and care guidance

Treatment depends on disease severity and requires vet-directed medication, regular follow-up, and home monitoring.

Give medications exactly as directed by your vet, with regular rechecks to monitor response
Use diet control and weight management to reduce the workload on the heart
Monitor and record breathing rate and activity changes at home every day
Schedule regular ECGs or echocardiograms to track changes in right heart function
Seek veterinary care immediately if signs worsen, and do not stop or change medication on your own
Consider a hospital with cardiology expertise for long-term follow-up

05What should I prepare before seeing the vet? Key details that help identify the cause quickly

Bring videos of the symptoms, including front and side views, so the vet can assess them

Record when signs began, how often they occur, how long they last, and possible triggers

Write down the number and timing of any collapse or breathing distress episodes

Bring recent blood test, chest X-ray, or echocardiography reports

List all current prescription medicines and supplements, including names and doses

Use a secure carrier and book a cardiology appointment in advance

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.