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An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that is commonly used to assess the heart. Your cat’s heart beats because of an electrical impulse passing through the heart causing it to contract and pump blood. This impulse passes through the heart in a predictable manner that can be traced on an ECG recording.
By analyzing the electrical impulses passing through the heart, abnormalities within the heart can be found. These abnormalities may include issues such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), abnormalities in the size and structure of the various heart chambers, abnormal conduction, and other defects of the heart.
In most cases, an ECG can be performed in your veterinarian’s office as an outpatient visit. No special preparation is typically required for this procedure.
Your cat will be required to remain still for this test, either standing or laying down on an examination table. The ECG electrodes are applied to your cat’s skin, at the base of each of her four legs. Rubbing alcohol or a special conduction gel may also be applied to help the electrical impulses travel more easily from your cat’s body into the ECG electrodes.
> "No special preparation is typically required for this procedure."Once the electrodes are applied, your cat will be kept still for a brief period of time, in order to allow the ECG to record the electrical impulses passing through the heart. Your cat’s electrical conduction may be traced for less than a minute or for several minutes, depending on what abnormality your veterinarian suspects and how effectively your cat is able to remain still for a high-quality ECG recording. After the test is run, it may be interpreted in-house by your veterinarian or it may be sent out to a veterinary cardiologist for interpretation.
In some cases, the ECG machine may be attached to your cat and left in place for 24 hours or more. This test, called a Holter Monitor, can help your veterinarian detect arrhythmias that are occurring occasionally. See handout "Holter Monitor in Cats" for more information.
An ECG is often a component of the workup for any cat suspected of having heart disease. Clinical signs of heart disease that you may see at home, which might indicate a need for an ECG, can include any of the following:
Even if your cat is not showing signs of heart disease at home, your veterinarian may also recommend an ECG of your cat if physical exam findings are suggestive of heart disease. These findings may include:
An ECG may also be performed as a screening test in geriatric cats or cats that are undergoing anesthesia. Additionally, ECG monitoring is common in cats of any age when they are under general anesthesia.
An ECG can provide your veterinarian with a variety of information about your cat’s heart function.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Mar 21, 2023.
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