How to measure the temperature of a cat at home

In many homes, cats have become full members of the family that need to be taken care of. You need to monitor the cat’s health no less carefully than the health of the children, because the animal can’t say what and where it hurts. Elevated body temperature can be a serious indicator of a disease or some kind of disturbance in the animal’s body.

What is the normal temperature for cats

In fact, the body temperature of cats is different from human. Cats are warm-blooded animals whose normal body temperature ranges from 38 to 39 degrees. Small kittens and pregnant cats can experience a slight increase in temperature. If your pet has overeaten, the thermometer will also show a temperature above normal. Even the temperature may be elevated in cats at night or in the evening, as well as after taking certain medications.

The body is equally hot in cats of any breed. It seems to many that the sphinxes are particularly warm-blooded, because they are incredibly hot to the touch. But this is not so. It's just that this breed does not have wool, which smooths out a sharp drop in body temperature with the environment. Therefore, the sphinxes seem so hot.

If you notice that the cat is suspiciously hot, do not rush to panic. Perhaps she just overeaten or overheated in the sun. Measure the temperature every hour to monitor the dynamics. If the temperature gradually returned to normal - this is not a cause for concern, perhaps the cat was simply overexcited. Well, if a high degree persists or creeps up - this is a sign of illness. A temperature above 39.5 degrees is considered an indication for examination. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How to measure a cat’s body temperature

1. Electronic rectal thermometer. This device most accurately and quickly shows the body temperature of the animal. A modern electronic thermometer is inserted into the anus, after which you need to press the button. After a minute, the device produces a special sound, which indicates that the temperature measurement is completed. Initially, such thermometers were invented for infants, because it was not possible to hold a conventional measuring device under the arm of a child. But such devices have become widespread in veterinary medicine, because animals are also reluctant to go to this procedure. The advantages of an electronic thermometer are its speed, accuracy of results and safety. It is not as fragile as a regular mercury device, if you drop an electronic thermometer, nothing will happen to it. The only drawback is its relatively expensive price.
2. Universal electronic thermometer. This device differs from the previous one in that it can be used not only rectally. Such a thermometer measures the temperature of the human body under the armpit. A universal thermometer, unlike a rectal one, has a hard tip, therefore, when introducing it into the anus of an animal, one must be extremely careful. In terms of functionality, the thermometer is similar to a rectal one, the only thing is that it takes a little more time to get the result - about 3 minutes. Some modern models are equipped with a timer and sound signals. This device is also very accurate, waterproof and shockproof.
3. Mercury thermometer. This is an old, well-known device with which we have long been measuring temperature.Of course, he’s not quite suitable for measuring the temperature of a cat’s body, because you have to wait at least 5 minutes until he gives the correct result. And during this time the animal is nervous, it will take a lot of strength to keep it. However, if necessary, most often at home there is only a mercury device and you have to get out of the situation. In addition, a mercury thermometer is very fragile and unsafe if it breaks.

How can a cat measure temperature rectally?

Many say that they cannot torture their cat and measure its temperature. However, if you do not measure the body temperature of the animal in time, and if you do not detect pathology or the development of the disease, you can even lose your pet. Let's not talk about sad things, but any owner should know how to measure the temperature of the cat rectally. And if necessary, use this knowledge.

1. If there is no urgent reason, choose a time of day when the cat is in a calm and peaceful mood.
2. If the animal has a sharp temper, then it is advisable to find an assistant - it is very difficult to keep a wayward cat alone.
3. Find an old towel or other thick cloth. Gently but firmly wrap the animal so that only the tail and head remain open. Check if the cat's paws are fixed.
4. A clean and disinfected thermometer should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or baby cream (tip only).
5. Insert the tip of the thermometer into the anus of the animal with rotational movements. You do not need to poke deeply, no more than one centimeter deep. Hold the “patient” firmly.
6. Tilt the tip slightly so that it touches the inside of the rectal mucosa.
7. While it is time to determine the temperature, gently speak with the pet, calm him intonationally so that he does not accept the procedure as a punishment.
8. After the temperature has been measured, thoroughly wash and sanitize the thermometer. For a cat, it is better to have your device in a veterinary medicine cabinet.
9. Do not forget to reward your pet after the procedure with his favorite treat so that he quickly calms down and forget about his experiences.
10. If the body temperature of the animal for several days does not fall below 39.5 degrees - this is a real reason to consult a veterinarian.

How can a cat measure temperature without a thermometer

If there is no thermometer at hand, you can judge the cat’s elevated body temperature by the following signs.

1. Nose. Usually a cat has a wet and cold nose. As the temperature rises, it becomes hot and dry. But remember that an objective measurement can only be when the cat is awake and does not play outdoor games - for example, just resting. Indeed, during sleep, the nose of all cats becomes warm and dry, exactly the same as during active games. By the way, old cats, which are many years old, also suffer from dry nose, so this factor cannot be an absolute indicator.
2. When a cat has a fever, the third eyelid becomes visible not only when she is sleeping, but also during wakefulness. This is one of the clear symptoms of fever.
3. If the body temperature for the cat is abnormal, you will notice how the animal trembles, chills cover the body. The behavior of the pet also changes - he does not play, does not want to eat, drinks a lot. Sometimes a pet hides from the owners, gathers in a ball and sits on strained legs.
4. In addition to changes in diet and mood, a cat may suffer from other symptoms at high temperature, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Check the tray, you may have time to run to the doctor.

First Aid Cat at High Temperature

Fever in cats can be a sign of a simple malaise or a serious illness. In any case, you need to show the animal to a competent specialist who will make the correct diagnosis. Ideally, you should see your doctor the same day.

If the animal has a high fever, he is not recommended to give antipyretic drugs intended for humans.If you can’t see a doctor soon, and the temperature does not drop below 40 degrees, you can give the animal a tablet of analgin. Half or a quarter tablet is enough for kittens. This drug will relieve swelling. The cat must be saved from dehydration, so try to drink it as often as possible. Offer her milk or another favorite drink.

If you are going to the doctor, and the temperature rises quickly, then on the road you need to take pieces of ice and a wet cloth. Wrap the ice in a cloth and lay on the inside of the hips and neck of the animal. Wrap the pet with a wet cloth and go to the doctor, high fever is very serious.

Everyone knows that the veterinarian can be called to the house, but it is better to get to the clinic on your own. After all, often an increased body temperature of an animal is the consequences of a virus or infection, therefore it is better to immediately take tests, get the result and appropriate treatment. Take care of your favorites and they will repay you with love and devotion.

Video: how to measure the temperature of an animal