Diseases are insidious, and sometimes not only people, but also pets are affected by them. In particular, we are talking about cats. Measuring the temperature will help you understand whether your animal is sick or if the oddities in its behavior are explained by something else. At the very least, you will decide what to do next: whether to call a veterinarian at home or whether it’s too early to sound the alarm.

Many people avoid measuring the temperature of cats on their own, because they often either have no idea about it or are afraid of accidentally harming their pet. However, there is nothing complicated in this process, and this article will clearly prove it to you.

How to measure a cat's temperature?

To measure the temperature of meowing patients, a regular medical thermometer is quite suitable. Typically they are divided into the following types. Electronic rectal, electronic universal and mercury. But you shouldn’t use new medical products, such as infrared thermometers or indicator strips.

Electronic rectal thermometer (“button”)

This thermometer is considered the most accurate. It is made specifically for babies and is a kind of “button”; a temperature sensor is installed at its base, which will tell you about the temperature changes occurring in the anus. The thermometer is crowned with a display on which the values ​​are displayed. A characteristic sound signal will indicate that the temperature measurement has been completed. As a rule, thermometers are intended for newborns and children under 3 years of age. Its advantage is that when applied it is not affected by external factors. At the same time, in order to find out the temperature of the sick person, it is not necessary to insert the thermometer to its full depth. Among the disadvantages are the high cost (about 300 rubles), a short period of operation and the inability to replace an expended battery with a new one.

Electronic universal thermometer

This thermometer is also suitable for measuring your pet's temperature rectally. When purchasing, avoid thermometers with hard tips. So as not to hurt the cat later. Such thermometers have a liquid crystal display, and the readings are accurate to hundredths. It is generally accepted that they are the safest because they can withstand strong impacts and are waterproof. As a rule, data on temperature changes when using universal electronic thermometers becomes available in within three minutes. More expensive models may have a number of additional functions: sound signal, timer, automatic shutdown, etc.

Standard mercury thermometer

Describe what a standard thermometer looks like, which everyone is familiar with early years, I think it will be superfluous. Among its main advantages are its low cost, ease of use and the absence of the need for any maintenance. However, this thermometer also poses a serious danger in the form of mercury contained in it. Since its body is glass, it can easily break from strong blow, causing mercury balls to fly around the room. If this happens, it is strictly forbidden to collect dangerous substance bare hands or a damp cloth. It is best to use a copper plate for this, and after this the room must be ventilated. The obvious disadvantages include the fact that the exact temperature when using a mercury thermometer will become known only after 10 minutes. It is unlikely that any cat accustomed to independence will agree to stand calmly with a thermometer in the anus for such a long period in their understanding.

Many people are accustomed to thinking that perfect condition The health of a cat can be judged by the moisture of its nose. This is not entirely true. After all, an animal’s nose can become dry during sleep, in older members of the cat family, and in those hours when the animal for some reason is anxious or hot. In addition, cats have a drier nose than their eternal enemies - dogs. In fact, it only seems cool and damp.

How to take a cat's temperature

You can find out the exact temperature of your pets only by immersing a thermometer in the animal's anus. To do this, the tip of the thermometer must first be lubricated with some oil or cream. After this, wrap the cat in a towel and hold her close to you so that she cannot move. Then lift your tail and sharply insert the thermometer into the cat's rectum. If the cat begins to squeeze the anus in an attempt to push out foreign object, then slowly push it forward, as if scrolling a little. Touch the tip of the thermometer to one of the walls of the rectum, but not very hard. After a few minutes, you can look at the readings. It is generally accepted that it is best to measure the temperature standing cat, but you can try to carry out this process when the animal is lying or sitting. If your four-legged patient begins to get nervous, tries to escape, scratch or bite you, then invite one of your family members who are at home at that moment to help you. And most importantly: try not to show the animal that you yourself are worried about whether you can take its temperature. Your excitement can be transmitted to the cat, which will undoubtedly bring with it new problems.

It should be emphasized that normal temperature in cats the average temperature is 38-39 degrees Celsius. An animal can be considered sick if the thermometer scale exceeds this figure. Although some increase is possible in cases where the cat is nervous or aggressive, it is not significantly different from established standards. After the process of changing the temperature is completed, be sure to say a few encouraging phrases to your pet about how well he was and how stoically he withstood all the “torment”. And do not forget to wash the thermometer after use. warm water with soap and then disinfect.

If you were unable to measure the temperature yourself, seek help from a veterinary specialist. Ask him to do this process while you are nearby so that you can remember the sequence of actions. It seems that it is unlikely that any “Doctor Aibolit” will refuse you this request, since wellness a quadruple patient is no less important for him than for you. With visual observation, you will subsequently be able to master this simple science on your own. And yet, it is better that cats of any breed and color, under the care of loving owners, do not get sick under any circumstances.

Body temperature is an indicator of the state of the body and a measure of the adequacy of the reaction to external and/or internal changes. This indicator is used in a comprehensive assessment of the cat’s condition if something is bothering it or significant, noticeable transformations occur in the body.

While for a person 36.6 degrees is a normal average temperature, for a cat it is a pathology that indicates severe hypothermia or a significant loss of strength. The normal temperature for domestic cats is 38.0-39.0°C (+ 0.5°C), and its fluctuations do not depend on the breed.

An elevated body temperature in a cat is considered to be 39.5°C or more. An increase in temperature (t°C) can be caused by infectious and non-infectious causes.
Non-infectious causes of increased t°C:

But before taking the animal to the veterinarian, the owner must understand for himself whether the cat’s temperature is elevated or not by measuring it. There are two ways to determine an animal's body temperature: measurement using special device– a thermometer and without using a thermometer. It is clear that without a thermometer you cannot get exact numbers of body t°C, but you can figure out whether to sound the alarm and run to the vet or take a wait-and-see approach.

Signs of increased body temperature in cats and ways to determine it without a thermometer

1. Condition of the nose. When the cat is calmly awake, it should be cool and wet. At motor activity The cat's nose may become warm and dry during sleep. But if the nose is dry and hot for more than a day, even with a decrease in physical activity, then most likely the pet has a fever.
2. Trembling in the body and chills in a pet at normal room temperature indicate an increase in body temperature.
3. Oddities in behavior: the cat is non-contact (), refuses food.
4. Tension of the muscles of the limbs is observed - the animal sits on all 4 legs and does not lie down.
5. Prominent third eyelid even when awake (usually only visible when the cat is asleep).

But the above signs are very subjective, so for accuracy it is better to use a thermometer.

Types of thermometers for measuring the temperature of a cat

1. Electronic rectal thermometer. Equipped with a temperature sensor and display, it emits a sound signal upon completion of t°C measurement. Accurate enough, it does not have to be inserted deep into the rectum. Disadvantages: expensive, short term service, the impossibility of high-quality disinfection and replacement of a failed battery.
2. Electronic universal thermometer. Accurate, inexpensive, lasts a long time due to its resistance to external mechanical influences, and can be disinfected many times. Disadvantages: you have to insert it into the rectum to a depth of at least 1 cm and hold it for at least 2 minutes, hence the pain syndrome.
3. Standard mercury thermometer. Glass, familiar from Soviet times, cheap and reusable. Disadvantages include the danger of mercury spillage due to the instability of glass external influences and long measurement times (5 minutes or more).

Algorithm for measuring a cat's temperature:

1. The owner must first understand for himself whether he can cope with such manipulation alone. If your pet is large, muscular, restless or has a fighting temperament, then it is better to ask someone to help.
2. Prevention of infection. The thermometer must be clean; if it has a sensor, then the latter should be sterilized before insertion into the rectum.
3. Paw fixation. Wrap the animal in a blanket, sheet or blanket. Only the head and tail with the anus remain outside.
4. For better insertion of the thermometer, lubricate its tip with Vaseline or other non-irritating oil.
5. Direct insertion procedure: lift the cat’s tail, and, holding her tightly to you, slowly and carefully, with smooth rotating movements, insert the tip with the sensor 1 cm deep into the intestine (preferably 7 mm, so that the animal does not feel so much pain).
6. An electronic thermometer will beep when measuring the body's t°C, while a mercury thermometer will have to be held for about five minutes.

Body temperature - the most important indicator state of the animal's body. The indicators in cats are comparatively higher than in humans, so some owners begin to panic when they feel a fever in their pet. In order not to expose the cat to stress and not to take it to the clinic, the temperature can be determined at home with or without a thermometer.

Normal indicators for a cat

Almost all diseases in animals are accompanied by feverish state, so first you need to measure the cat's temperature and determine whether it is appropriate normal indicators. According to allegations veterinary specialists, normal temperature in adult cats should range from 37.7 to 39.4 degrees. For young kittens aged from 2 weeks to 6 months, the figure reaches 39.5 degrees.

Before measuring your cat’s temperature, you should know that deviations of a few tenths of a degree occur due to the following factors:

• pregnancy of a cat - the value sometimes reaches high levels;
• being in a hot room - overheating sometimes leads to a significant increase in body temperature;
• time of day - in the evening, the indicator for some females increases by 0.2-0.3 degrees;
• overeating in kittens - increase by 0.5 degrees;
• pathological processes - infectious diseases are accompanied by a feverish state as a result of irritation of the brain by waste products of viruses and bacteria.

Reason to doubt in good condition pet is low temperature(hypothermia). Similar phenomenon observed during weakening of the body, cardiovascular diseases and bleeding. Hypothermia often occurs in the presence of infectious diseases.

An increase in temperature of several tenths is often observed when stressful situations, heatstroke, separation of a cat from her kittens and pregnancy. If the indicator is exceeded by one degree or more, then it is recommended to show the cat to a specialist.

It is possible to reduce a cat's temperature only after diagnostics and determination of the cause of hyperthermia.

Measurement methods

A mistake in measuring a cat’s temperature can cost the animal’s health and cause problems with treatment for the owner.

You can determine the temperature level at home using the following devices:

• rectal thermometer - electronic device, which works instantly and shows accurate results;
• electronic thermometer - often used as the main device for determining the temperature of pets;
• mercury thermometer - used in extreme cases and gives readings after 5 minutes.

According to experts, it is recommended to refrain from measuring temperature non-rectally. Sometimes you can do without a thermometer and use other accessible ways, which will be simpler but less accurate. This way you won’t be able to accurately determine the cat’s temperature, but you can find out possible violations in the pet's body.

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Rectal method

The indicators on the surface of the cat’s body and inside are different. Therefore, measuring the temperature under the arms or in the mouth does not make sense. The most popular method is rectal. Firstly, the measurements are the most accurate. Secondly, you may not have special skills to determine the temperature in the rectum. Rules for the procedure:

• Measurements should be taken at a time when pet sleeping
• The thermometer sensor must be clean to avoid injury and the possibility of infection.
• Depending on the nature of the cat, the owner may need an assistant, since it will be problematic for one person to hold it.
• Carefully wrap your pet in a regular blanket, leaving the head and back. It is important that all paws are secured.
• It is recommended to lubricate the sensor only, then slowly insert it into anus.
• It is not recommended to immerse the sensor too deeply (up to 0.5 cm) so as not to hurt the cat.
• Then the device should be tilted until it touches the wall of the rectum.
• After the sound signal, the sensor must be pulled out.

During the procedure, the cat should be calmed so that the animal does not perceive what is happening as punishment. Finally, it is recommended to feed your pet a treat to prevent the effects of stress.

After measurement rectally The device must be disinfected. Regardless of which thermometer for animals was chosen, it is enough to wipe the tip with alcohol.

A domestic cat that appears lifeless and gloomy may be suffering from a fever. If such suspicions arise, you need to check your pet's temperature at home.

What is the normal temperature for cats?

IN normal conditions, a cat has a body temperature between 38º and 39.2°C. Anything higher than 39.2°C is a sign of fever. Temperatures above 41°C may cause damage internal organs and therefore requires immediate veterinary care. A temperature lower than 37°C indicates hypothermia, usually caused by long-term exposure cold, which can also be fatal.

Cat owners have personal experience how your beloved cat behaves, so they will immediately notice when he feels unwell, confused or disoriented. But cats have proven to be masters at disguising their illnesses and injuries. Therefore, before checking your cat's temperature, you must first understand what is causing the fever. Then check for symptoms of illness before moving on to checking your temperature.

Here are the main causes of fever in cats:

Viral, bacterial or fungal infections

Allergy

Side effects of certain medications

There may be times when your pet gets a fever without apparent reason; this is called “fever of unknown origin.”

Symptoms of fever in cats:

Loss of appetite

Reduced water consumption

Depression

Reducing self-care

Shortness of breath or rapid breathing

Before you get too worried, keep in mind that a fever may be a natural defense - this is the answer immune system to suppress growth pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Checking your cat's temperature at home

There are ear thermometers specifically designed for veterinary use that are suitable for indoor cats. But they are expensive and hard to find. Most safe way taking your cat's temperature - using a pediatric rectal thermometer. It is recommended to use a digital thermometer instead of a glass mercury thermometer, as the latter may break during use.

Using a rectal thermometer for cats

Here's what you need to prepare before you start:

Pediatric rectal thermometer

Lubricant such as petroleum jelly or vegetable oil

Thick towel or blanket

Your cat's favorite treats

Start by turning on your digital thermometer. Lubricate the tip.

It is advisable that two people (those whom the cat trusts) take part during the procedure; the first will hold the cat in place, the second will insert the thermometer and measure the temperature.

Wrap your cat in a thick towel or blanket to prevent scratching. Try to relax your cat by gently stroking it and speaking in a calm tone.

Slowly lift the tail and insert the tip of the thermometer into the cat's anus. Be very gentle if you use a glass thermometer (I really recommend using a digital one).

The cat will likely squirm and try to escape or scratch. But you should carefully push the thermometer about 2-2.5 cm into the rectum.

Hold the thermometer until the beep sounds for two minutes if you are using a digital one. Now very gently remove it and check the readings.

Don't forget to clean the thermometer disinfectant solution before putting it away.

If your cat wants to, feed her a treat as a reward for putting up with this procedure.

Checking a cat's temperature without a thermometer

Obviously you can't accurately measure temperature without using a thermometer, but you can detect any anomalies using simple methods, such as these:

Feel the nose: If your cat's nose is very dry and hot, it is likely that the cat has a fever. To see if she is dehydrated, grab the skin at the nape of her neck and release. If the skin remains wrinkled, your cat may be dehydrated.

Feel your ears. Remember that their skin is warmer than humans, but look for a significant increase in temperature, this is a sign of a fever.

Touch your stomach. If your cat has a fever, the area will be warmer to the touch than usual. Of course, make sure the cat hasn't spent a lot of time lounging in the sun or near a heater/radiator.

If for some reason you are unable to determine your cat's temperature and suspect that she has a fever, contact your veterinarian without any delay. As mentioned earlier, cats tend to be very effective at masking their illnesses and it may be too late to help the animal if the owner does not immediately seek help. medical care. Therefore, keep an eye on your cat's general behavior to get a better idea of ​​its health.

Cats, like people, often have a fever when they are sick. Unfortunately, the methods used for humans are not suitable for cats. So, by touching an animal’s forehead, you cannot judge its temperature. The only one reliable way To accurately determine a cat's body temperature is to place a thermometer in her ear canal or rectum. Naturally, the animal will be against such a procedure, and you will have to force it. However, there are certain symptoms that indicate high temperature. They will advise you whether to measure your cat's body temperature, keeping coercive measures to a minimum. And then, if the temperature exceeds 39.44 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit), you should contact your veterinarian.

Steps

Symptoms indicating a high temperature

Take a closer look at changes in behavior. If a normally playful, active and friendly cat tries to be alone, this could be a sign of illness. A sick animal often tries to hide under a bed, sofa, table and other places where it will be difficult to find. Cats are cautious creatures, remaining cautious even during fun games. Once sick, your pet will feel vulnerable and want to hide in a secluded place.

Monitor your cat's appetite. If an animal is accustomed to eating at the same time, while absorbing a certain amount of food, then changes in this habitual schedule may indicate that it is sick. Check your cat's bowl throughout the day to monitor the amount of food in it.

Check to see if your pet is suffering from vomiting or diarrhea. Many cat diseases - ranging from mild cold and ending with much more serious ones - are accompanied not only elevated temperature, but also other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Inspect litter tray and the space around it. As a rule, cats try to hide traces of discharge. If your pet roams freely in the yard, try to follow him. Take a closer look at the places frequently visited by the cat to see if she has buried traces of her secretions there.

Take a closer look at the animal to see if it is showing signs of excessive apathy and lethargy. It is quite difficult to notice these signs, since cats are already quite lazy creatures. However, if the cat does not get up when you rustle the bag of food, this most likely indicates its apathy and lethargy. You should also be wary if the animal sleeps all day in the back room, although usually it loves company and accompanies you from one room to another. If your pet is excessively lethargic and apathetic, contact your veterinarian.

Lubricate the thermometer liquid oil or other water-based lubricant. KY Jelly brand lubricant or Vaseline work well. The process should be made as least unpleasant as possible for the animal. Lubrication will significantly reduce the risk of abrasions, tears and other damage.

Place the cat correctly. Take the animal under your arm (hold it like a soccer ball, the tail should be in front of you). Make sure your cat is resting his paws on a table or other hard surface. This will reduce the risk of being scratched.

Insert the thermometer into the animal's rectum. Push the thermometer about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) into the intestine. Do not immerse it more than 5 centimeters (2 inches). Hold the thermometer at a 90-degree angle so that it points parallel to the animal's rectum. Be careful not to tilt it at a different angle, as this may increase your cat's pain and discomfort.

Keep the thermometer in this position for about 2 minutes. Mercury thermometer should be kept a little longer. If you are using a digital thermometer, wait for the digital signal indicating the end of the measurement.

• Hold the cat firmly in place. She may squirm, try to scratch and bite. Try to hold her in place so she doesn't hurt herself or hurt you.

1. Find out the result. For a cat ideal temperature body temperature is 38.55 degrees Celsius (101.4 degrees Fahrenheit), but the temperature of a healthy animal can vary from 37.78 to 39.17 degrees Celsius (100 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit).

   • If your pet's body temperature is below 37.22 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) or above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), it is an indication that he is sick and requires medical attention.
   • If the temperature is close to 39.44 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher and your cat is showing signs of illness, you should also contact your veterinarian.

2. Clean the thermometer. Wipe it down warm water with soap or rubbing alcohol. If you used a disposable sleeve, remove it and wipe the thermometer. Before you put the thermometer where it is stored, you must clean it completely.