How to measure a cat's temperature: practical advice. How to measure a cat's temperature Normal cat temperature on an electronic thermometer

Body temperature is one of the important indicators state of the body in both humans and animals. But cats have a normal temperature higher than human, so inexperienced owners can be seriously frightened, deciding that they have fluffy pet heat. To avoid panicking for no reason, learn more about signs of illness in cats, including fever, in advance. And it’s imperative - how to measure a cat’s temperature - otherwise how will you know that the animal is sick? The temperature of cats is measured at home; for this it is not necessary to subject them to additional stress and take them to the veterinary clinic only to measure the cat’s temperature with a thermometer.

By the way, you can do without a thermometer and measure your cat’s temperature in other ways, simple and accessible, although less accurate. They will not allow you to know exactly what the cat’s temperature is, but they will let you know about problems with its health. But knowing how to measure the temperature of cats with a thermometer and without a thermometer, you can surely and without errors determine whether the cat is healthy. And, if necessary, take action in time and contact a veterinarian. We, for our part, have already managed to consult with such a specialist and find out first-hand exactly how to measure a cat’s temperature.

What is the cat's temperature? Normal temperature in Sphynxes and other cat breeds
Forget the usual numbers 36.6 when we're talking about about the cat. More precisely, if a cat has a temperature of 36.6, it means that she is experiencing extreme hypothermia and/or decline vitality. Because normal body temperature in cats is considered to be from 38°C to 39°C, depending on the age and condition of the animal. For example, kittens have an even higher temperature: 38.5-39.5 °C, especially if they actively run and play.

But breed has almost no effect on a cat’s body temperature! The common belief that Sphynxes, Rexes and other extremely short-haired cat breeds have a hotter body is just an illusion. To the touch, these animals really seem “hotter” than Persians and other fluffy animals, because their fur does not soften the temperature difference between their body and the body of the owner. But the actual temperature is approximately the same for everyone healthy cats. It increases only in special cases:

Hot weather. Thermoregulation of cats works on the same principle as in all warm-blooded organisms. If the air is hot, then the cat's body heats up to adapt to the environment.
Evening time. Closer to the night, the body temperature is actually slightly higher than in the morning after waking up. But not by much: about 0.3-0.5 degrees.
Pregnancy. Pregnant cats have a slightly higher body temperature. This is normal if all other health indicators are normal.
Taking certain medications and foods, in particular, affecting the brain thermoregulation centers. Or much simpler: if the kitten has eaten too much.
Disease- the most common and dangerous reason temperature rise. The disease may carry infectious nature and demand prompt medical attention.

As you can see, if a cat has a fever, this does not mean that the cat is sick. Perhaps she was simply overheated in the sun or ate too much of her favorite treat. Therefore, heart rate, breathing rate, nose moisture, behavior - more sure ways determine if the cat is sick. But the rise in temperature cannot be ignored either. And be sure to know how to correctly measure a cat’s temperature yourself, at home.

How to measure a cat's body temperature? Thermometer for cats
The misperception of hairless cats' body temperature as elevated is not just a misunderstanding. Such a mistake can cost your pet’s health, and you a lot of hassle with its treatment. A responsible owner knows how to check if a cat’s temperature has risen, and always has the following equipment in the veterinary kit:

Rectal thermometer for cats no different from a similar device for children. This electronic device responds quickly, does not require patient perseverance, and provides the most accurate readings (compared to other types of thermometers). Buy rectal thermometer It is not available in every pharmacy, and it is not cheap.
Electronic universal thermometer Can replace a rectal thermometer and is often used to measure the temperature of pets. Its readings are quite accurate, but to obtain them you will have to hold the cat in a stationary position with the sensor in anus at least 1-2 minutes. You can measure the cat’s temperature with an electronic thermometer from your first aid kit, but be sure to disinfect it afterwards, or even better, get a separate thermometer for the cat.
Universal mercury thermometer If it is suitable for animals, it is very conditional. Such a thermometer is better than nothing if you need to measure your cat’s temperature urgently. But keep in mind that it will give readings no earlier than in 5-6 minutes, and that it is very fragile, so for safety reasons you will have to hold the cat especially tightly.

Among medical equipment You can find such innovations as infrared and non-contact thermometers, but they are not suitable for animals. But it is better to prepare a blanket, bedspread or large thick towel if you have to measure the temperature of a cat with character.

How to take a cat's temperature rectally?
Temperatures inside and on the surface of a cat's body vary greatly. Therefore, measuring a cat’s body temperature under the arms or in the mouth, like a human, is useless. Instead, cats (and other animals) have their rectal temperature taken. On the one hand, such measurements are good for their accuracy. On the other hand, it requires considerable skill to measure a cat's rectal temperature:

Try to choose a time when the cat is sleeping and/or in a calm mood.
Use a thermometer with a clean, preferably sterile probe to avoid injuring or infecting your pet while taking the temperature.
You may need the help of a second person - this depends on the nature of the animal and its size (whether you can hold it alone).
Carefully but tightly wrap the cat in a blanket or blanket, leaving only the head (for breathing) and butt outside. The main thing is to fix all the paws.
Lubricate the thermometer sensor with oil or Vaseline. This is enough for sliding; the cat does not need to be lubricated.
Lift the cat's tail (she will probably try to lower it and press it to her body) and carefully and slowly insert the thermometer into the anus.
Do not immerse the sensor too deeply to avoid causing pain to the animal. A depth of 0.5-0.7 cm is sufficient. After insertion, tilt the thermometer slightly so that its tip touches the wall of the rectum.
To make inserting the thermometer easier, rotate it slightly to the right and left, as if using smooth screwing movements.
When using an electronic thermometer, wait for the beep and remove the sensor.
The mercury thermometer will have to be kept in the cat's rectum for at least 3-4 minutes.

Throughout the entire procedure, talk gently to the cat, coax and calm it in a quiet voice so that it does not perceive the actions performed on it as punishment. After you've finished taking your cat's temperature and released him, give him praise and treats to help reduce the effects of stress.

How to take a cat's temperature without a thermometer?
After using the thermometer to measure rectal temperature For a cat, immediately disinfect the device. For any type of thermometer, it is enough to wipe the tip with alcohol, sterillium or a similar antiseptic. But what if there is no thermometer at hand at all, or the cat does not allow it to be used to measure temperature? Is it possible to measure a cat's temperature without a thermometer?

The nose is the main indicator of the health status of all animals, incl. and cats. Normally it should be cool and moist. Dry and hot nose cats indicate an increase in body temperature.
You can focus on the dryness and temperature of the nose only when the animal is awake and not keen on playing, hunting, etc. active activities. During sleep, a cat’s nose may be dry, but after running and jumping, it may be warm.
Chills, trembling in the body, when the air temperature in the room is normal room temperature, is a sign of ill health and that the cat’s body temperature has apparently jumped.
When the temperature rises, the cat behaves inappropriately: hides from people, takes a tense position, does not lie down and sits on all four legs, and/or refuses food and water.
If your cat has a fever, the third eyelid becomes visible while awake. IN in good condition it is not noticeable and covers eyeball only during sleep.

These symptoms are typical, but not exact signs. elevated temperature in an animal. However, they are serious enough that you should not ignore what is happening and contact your veterinarian immediately. The doctor will not only be able to accurately interpret the cat’s condition, but will also be able to correctly measure the cat’s temperature. This is the only way to make sure your pet is healthy or, knowing the diagnosis, to provide him with medical care. And care and understanding will allow you to quickly and correctly lower your cat’s temperature and restore her strength, health and vigor.

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 whether 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 their cats’ temperatures 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 technologies, 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 be dry both during sleep, and in older representatives of the cat family, and in those hours when the animal, for some reason, is anxious or feels 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 the normal temperature in cats is on average 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.

If a cat lives in the house, the owner is obliged to monitor its health fluffy pet. Numerous diseases are accompanied feverish state. Therefore, the owner needs to know how to measure the cat’s temperature on their own. Timely identification of this parameter will help to quickly take measures to help qualified assistance animal.

Read in this article

Types of thermometers and their features

You can measure your pet's body temperature using special measuring devices - thermometers. There are various modifications and types of thermometry devices.

Based on the measurement principle, there are mercury, electronic and infrared thermometers. Depending on the method of measurement, there are universal, rectal and ear devices.

Until recently, the most common one was the mercury thermometer. The device is inconvenient because in order to measure the temperature correctly, the animal must be held for at least 5 minutes. If the device is in contact with the body for less time, the readings may be incorrect. When performing thermometry using a mercury device, it is necessary to securely fix the pet to avoid injury to the rectum.

The danger of such a measuring device lies in the toxicity of mercury vapor if its integrity is damaged. If there is no safer device in the house, you can measure the cat’s temperature with a mercury thermometer, being careful.

Before being puzzled by the question of how to measure a cat's temperature, the owner should know that there are modern thermometers based on electronic principle. Such devices are characterized by accuracy and simplicity of the procedure. Electronic gadgets for measuring temperature can be of the following types:

Types of electronic thermometers	Brief description	Photo
Rectal	The device is inserted into the anus, then the button should be pressed. After approximately 60 seconds, a beep will sound indicating the completion of the measurement. The electronic rectal device is characterized by measurement accuracy. This thermometer has high speed parameter measurement, ease of use and safety. Some devices allow you to measure for 10 seconds. If the thermometer is damaged or dropped, unlike its mercury counterpart, the electronic device does not pose a danger to others.
Universal	These electronic gadgets can be used not only rectally, but also measure the temperature in the cat’s armpit. However, it should be borne in mind that measurements with such a device should be carried out for at least 3 minutes. Only in this case the indicator will be correct. The device, as a rule, has a liquid crystal display that displays readings in hundredths of a degree. Some models electronic device equipped with additional useful features: storage of last measurements, timer, ability to measure room temperature, automatic shutdown. All devices are safe and shock resistant.
Infrared ear thermometers	Tip of this device designed in such a way that it safely allows you to measure the temperature in the auricle. The advantage of a modern measuring device is fast speed measurements (up to 30 seconds), ease of use and safety. Thermometry in the auricle does not cause the animal much concern. In addition to ear devices, there are non-contact infrared thermometers that allow you to determine the body temperature of an animal at some distance from it.

Normal indicators for a cat

Every competent owner should know what the normal temperature of cats is in order to sound the alarm in time and receive timely help in a specialized institution in case of a serious illness.

Veterinary experts believe that in adult domestic cats the normal temperature should be in the range from 37.7 to 39.4 C. In young kittens aged from 3 weeks to 4 - 5 months, the normal temperature can be 39.5 C.

When doing thermometry, you should be aware that deviations of several tenths of a degree can occur due to the following factors:

Pet pregnancy. The body temperature of many cats is interesting position is slightly higher than in non-pregnant females.

Hot season or conditions of detention. Overheating of an animal can lead to a short-term increase in body temperature.

Times of Day also affects the measured indicator. By evening, the temperature of some individuals may increase by 0.3 degrees.

Overeating in young kittens often accompanied by an increase of 0.5 degrees.

Development of the pathological process. Typically infectious and inflammatory diseases are accompanied by a feverish state due to irritation of the brain by waste products of viruses and bacteria.

If found high temperature the cat has hyperthermia, don’t panic right away. An increase in the indicator may be due to heatstroke in the hot season, when the pet is pregnant. Often an increase in body temperature of several tenths of a degree occurs in animals when stressful situations, in kittens - during weaning from the mother, during overeating. However, if the indicator is exceeded by one degree or more, you should not hesitate to visit a veterinary institution.

A specialist will advise you on how to lower your cat’s temperature after necessary diagnostics and identifying the cause of hyperthermia in the animal. The owner's task is timely detection pet's ailments.

You should not give your cat antipyretic medications on your own. Many human fever medications are contraindicated for use in animals.

In addition, by lowering the temperature without using specific treatment In case of infectious diseases, you can waste time and worsen the condition of a sick pet.

The owner should be alerted low temperature in a cat (hypothermia). This phenomenon is observed when the body is weakened, there is malignant tumors, problems with cardiovascular system, with bleeding. Hypothermia is often observed against the background of immunosuppressive processes in infectious diseases.

Signs in an animal that should alert you

Thermometry domestic cat should be carried out upon detection the following signs and symptoms:

the animal avoids communication, tries to retire, hides in secluded places, often the cat looks for a cooler place;

decreased or completely absent appetite;

at the pet's increased thirst or observed full ;

vomiting and other signs of indigestion accompany not only infectious diseases, but also a cold;

watery eyes;

frequent;

the coat is dull and tousled;

rapid or difficult breathing;

trembling throughout the body, chills;

mucous membranes are pale or yellowish;

The nose and paw pads are dry and hot to the touch.

If the owner detects at least one symptom, he should show concern and wonder how to measure the cat’s temperature on his own.

Rules for measuring temperature

You can carry out thermometry on an animal at home either independently or with the support of an assistant. It is best to place your pet on a non-slip, flat surface, turning it sideways. If the manipulation is carried out with an assistant, then he can hold the cat in this position by the withers.

Thermometer tip after treatment disinfectant solution(preferably alcohol) should be generously lubricated with Vaseline or baby cream. The animal's tail must be raised and moved to the side.

When taking thermometry with an electronic device, press a button before insertion. In this case, the measurement time will be automatic - until the sound signal of the end of the measurement. The mercury thermometer must be shaken before use.

Using a screw-like motion, carefully insert the tip of the thermometer into the opening of the animal's rectum. The depth of insertion of the device depends on the age of the patient. For small kittens, the thermometer is inserted to a depth of no more than 1 cm, for adult animals - up to 2 cm. The device should be inserted parallel to the animal’s spine, trying not to tilt the tip to the sides. Correct insertion of the measuring device, as a rule, does not cause resistance in the pet. However, overly nervous cats may perceive this procedure negatively.

If a mercury thermometer is used, it is necessary to ensure that the animal remains motionless for 5 minutes. Particularly obstinate individuals should be wrapped in a towel, securely back bodies. It is important to maintain the necessary time for measurement in order to avoid obtaining an incorrect result.

We recommend reading about. You will learn about the signs that the inevitable is approaching (pulse, breathing, temperature) in your pet, the actions of the owners, and the need to visit a veterinarian.
Find out more about why your cat’s eyes are watery and what treatment she needs.

Knowing how to take a cat's temperature rectally, if available ear device there shouldn't be any difficulties. When measuring the temperature in the auricle using an infrared device, the tip is also pre-disinfected. The animal must be secured; you can enlist the help of an assistant. The tip is inserted into auricle. The design of the thermometer prevents injury to the eardrum.

However, in particularly sensitive animals, even this type of thermometry causes concern. Depending on the modification of the device, the measurement will take from a few seconds to 2 minutes.

A responsible owner of a furry creature must not only notice a change in the cat’s health in time, but also independently measure the temperature. If there is a deviation from the norm, either in the direction of an increase in temperature or when hypothermia is detected, a visit to a veterinarian should not be postponed.

To learn how to measure the temperature of animals, watch this video:

Every cat owner sooner or later faces the problem of measuring their body temperature. for a pet. But this process can drive many of us into a dead end. How to correctly measure a cat’s temperature, what thermometer to use for this, these questions immediately arise in our heads. Today we will try to answer these and other questions regarding the animal’s elevated temperature and the process of measuring it.

In what cases is temperature measurement necessary?

Most people have an established myth that the temperature of cats can be judged by their nose. If it’s damp and cold, then everything is fine, but if it’s the opposite, it means the temperature is elevated. This principle works well with dogs, but not with cats. In the feline family, dry nose can occur during the hot season and after active play, malfunction of the glands, or old age. So it’s impossible to measure a cat’s temperature without a thermometer. The only thing that can be done in such a situation is to observe the animal and see if there are any signs of a change in temperature.

These include:

excessive thirst;
dilated pupils;
vomiting and diarrhea;
partial or complete refusal of food;
fear of people;
rapid breathing and heart rate;
chills;
Ears and fur become hot.

The presence of these symptoms indicates that your animal has a high/low temperature.

What temperature is considered normal?

The limits of normal body temperature are individual for each animal. The readings may also be influenced by factors such as:

Times of Day. In the morning and evening there may be deviations in one direction or another by 0.5 0 C.
state of wakefulness. During sleep, the temperature can drop to 37 0 C.
pregnancy. Before giving birth in cats, readings may drop by 1 0 C.

But the generally accepted indications of normal temperature are:

For adult cat 38-39 0 C
for a kitten 38.5 – 39.5 0 C.
conditionally normal for everyone for short periods of 37.5-39.5 0 C.
the temperature at which immediate intervention is necessary is below 37 0 C and above 40 0 C.

Determining the temperature without a thermometer will not give you the information you need. To obtain accurate data you will have to use a thermometer.

For “hairless” breeds, temperature standards are the same as for all breeds. But their bodies are always warm to the touch, which immediately causes misguided panic among their owners.

Choosing a Thermometer

From the right choice The thermometer depends on the speed and accuracy of measurements. The most accessible is the usual one mercury thermometer, everyone has one like this at home. But considering that you can only measure a cat’s temperature rectally, a mercury thermometer, in addition to becoming dangerous, will also bring painful sensations. At the most inopportune moment, a cat can break free and break the thermometer, and the spilled mercury already poses a danger to all household members. Also, the measurement procedure will last 6-10 minutes, instead of 2-3 with an electronic thermometer.

It is best to purchase a special veterinary thermometer, which takes into account all the features of the temperature measurement process. Thus, the measurement sensor is located at the very tip, and there is no need to immerse the thermometer deeply, and its dimensions are most comfortable for measuring the temperature of cats. A sound signal will notify you when the temperature measurement is complete. But not everyone can afford such a thermometer and it is intended only for rectal use. You will not be able to take your child’s temperature under the armpit.

A compromise option could be an electronic thermometer. His thin nose will not cause unnecessary pain, and will not break at the most crucial moment. The measurement process itself will take a couple of minutes, and you will know when the procedure is completed by a sound signal. When choosing this type of thermometer, you should pay attention to its battery socket. If you do not find this, it means that the thermometer does not have the ability to replace the battery, and it is designed for a certain number of temperature measurements. The measurement error with such a thermometer is in the range of 0.1-0.5 0 C.

Measurement process

Taking a cat's temperature at home is quite problematic. The animal will zealously resist - struggling, scratching and screaming shrilly. Even if a couple of minutes ago the cat was lying and barely breathing, as soon as you start measuring its temperature, it will immediately perk up. The cat is not so much in pain as scared and unpleasant.

To measure a cat's temperature you will need 2 people, one holding it, the other measuring it. Before taking measurements, you can trim your cat's claws to avoid unnecessary blood.

In order to measure the temperature you need to go through several steps:

The cat needs to be calmed down. If you are the owner of a calm, docile cat, then you can only envy you; everything will go quickly and unnoticed. In another case, the cat needs to be caressed, calmed and lulled to sleep.
Select a position. It’s good if you can wrap the cat in a blanket or sheet, leaving access to its anus. If it doesn’t work out, then someone will have to hold the paws. When taking the temperature, the cat should stand or lie on its side. In the latter case, you need to make sure that she does not curl up into a ball or tuck her tail between her legs. The accuracy of the measurement depends on the correct position.
Disinfection of the thermometer. This is very important condition, a solution of chlorhexidine or regular alcohol is good for this. Soak a cotton pad or cotton pad in it and wipe the tip. Then wipe dry and lubricate the same tip with greasy cream or Vaseline.
Measurement process. Lift the cat’s tail and, using circular movements, seem to “screw” the tip of the thermometer into the cat’s body by 2-3 cm. Wait for the sound signal, carefully remove the thermometer and caress the animal, because it has endured such an unpleasant process.
Cleaning the thermometer. After the animal is released and all the troubles are behind you, thoroughly wash the thermometer with soap and wipe it again with alcohol.

Based on the obtained thermometer readings, conclusions can be drawn.

Causes of high/low temperature

If, after measuring your temperature, you notice that the readings are below normal, then this may indicate:

stress or shock;
consequences of anesthesia;
hypothermia;
injury;
the presence of cardiovascular or nervous disease.

Indicators above the normal limit indicate:

possible reaction to taking the medication (often this possibility is described in side effects medications or your doctor should warn you about it);
poisoning;
oncology;
infectious disease;
metabolic disorders;
endocrine disease.

If the temperature rises/falls briefly and returns to normal within 10-12 hours, then there is no need to panic; this may be a consequence of stress or overexertion of the cat. It is advisable to monitor the dynamics of temperature changes every hour or two. But if the temperature persists throughout the whole day and does not drop at all, then you should immediately consult a doctor. The veterinary clinic will conduct necessary tests, they will establish the root cause of the elevated temperature and then prescribe a course of treatment. You should never leave treatment to chance; such an attitude can lead to disastrous results.

Measuring the kitten's temperature is especially important, because... at low temperature his body the cat may reject the kitten. She will give him milk, but will stop licking the kitten, without stimulating it normal work intestines. To avoid this, the kitten needs proper care; it needs to be constantly in a warm room.

If your cat has a high fever and there is no way to go to the veterinary clinic, then you can give her a crushed analgin tablet dissolved in milk. For a kitten, half or even a quarter will be enough regular tablet. You also need to remember about drinking, constantly give your cat milk. When you decide to go on a trip and the temperature is 40 0 C or higher, you need to wrap the cat in a damp towel or take ice with you.

A high temperature in most cases indicates the presence of an infection. And it’s better not to call a doctor at home, but to go straight to the clinic for tests.

Don't be afraid to measure your cat's temperature if you notice signs of an increase/decrease in temperature. Remember that your pet’s health depends only on you and your attention.

Vet

There are a number of situations when you need to measure your cat's body temperature. In this case, it is important to know how to correctly and accurately check this indicator at home. While cats are professional at hiding their problems, there are a number of symptoms that can help you guess that the animal is feeling unwell. in the best possible way, for example, he lost his appetite, became lethargic, or vomited. A good knowledge of the cat’s character and its usual behavior will easily allow you to identify suspicious deviations from the norm. At the same time, the only exact way Checking the temperature of a sick pet involves using a thermometer. Once you have taken an accurate temperature, you can discuss your cat's health with your veterinarian.

Steps

Measuring temperature with a rectal thermometer

Buy a rectal thermometer. A cat's temperature can be measured with either a rectal thermometer or an ear thermometer. Rectal thermometers are considered the most accurate. As for their types, you have a choice between digital and mercury rectal thermometers.

Digital thermometers allow you to measure temperature in less time, which makes the procedure less unpleasant for the animal.
Mercury thermometers are made of glass. You will have to take many precautions to successfully measure the temperature of a struggling cat.
Regardless of the type of thermometer you choose, you should be sure to label it as a special cat thermometer so that no one accidentally takes it by mistake to measure their own temperature.

Find a helper. Naturally, the cat will not be happy that some foreign object will be inserted into his anus. Most likely, the cat will start to struggle and try to escape; he may even accidentally scratch you. Therefore, you will have to ask someone to hold the cat to secure it in a stationary position.

Wrap the cat in a blanket or towel. The easiest way to immobilize your cat is to use a small blanket or towel. A swaddled animal is easier to control and keep still.
- To swaddle your cat, simply wrap the blanket around him, leaving his tail and butt sticking out.
Wear thick leather gloves to grab the cat's scruff. Many veterinarians prefer to swaddle cats to take their temperature, but if you don't want to wrap your cat in a blanket, you can have an assistant simply hold the animal. This person should wear thick leather gloves to protect themselves from accidental bites and scratches. Then he should grab the cat by the scruff - the area of the neck between the head and shoulder blades. Gently grasping the skin in this area allows for the best control of the cat's head.
- Since the cat usually carries kittens by the scruff of the neck, this grip also has some calming effect on the animal.
Secure your pet's body. After the assistant grabs the cat by the scruff, he needs to fix the animal’s body, pressing it with his free hand to own body. Make sure your cat's butt is facing outward to make it easier for you to get to her with the thermometer.
- To easily explain the correct approach to restraining a cat's body, imagine that you are grasping a soccer ball with one hand.
Prepare a thermometer. When using a mercury thermometer, you must first shake it off with sharp flicks of your wrist. The thermometer should be shaken to a mercury reading of 35.5°C. Regardless of the type of rectal thermometer, it also needs to be lubricated so that the temperature measurement procedure is not so unpleasant for your pet.
- You can use simple Vaseline as a lubricant for these purposes.
Insert the thermometer into the anus. Lift your cat's tail and insert the rectal thermometer about an inch into his rectum. Don't try too hard.

Wait required quantity time. The digital thermometer will beep as soon as the temperature measurement is completed. If using a mercury thermometer, you will need to wait two minutes.

Remove the thermometer and check the temperature. After two minutes or after the thermometer beeps, it can be removed. A digital thermometer will allow you to easily read the temperature, while a mercury thermometer will have to be rotated at a certain angle to view the mercury column and mark the corresponding value on the thermometer scale. The temperature in a mercury thermometer is determined by highest point mercury column.

Release the cat. The cat will struggle and try to escape as quickly as possible. Carefully release the animal's scruff or unwrap it so that the cat does not scratch either you or your helper.

Compare the temperature value with the permissible norm. For temperature measured rectally, values in the range of 37.8-39.2°C are considered normal. As with humans, slight deviations from this norm are not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if your cat's temperature is below 37.2°C or above 40°C, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Remember that normal value temperature does not always confirm that your cat is healthy and not injured. If your pet continues to behave in an unusual manner or you have further reasons to suspect that your pet has an illness or injury, it is best to contact your veterinarian.
Measuring temperature with an ear thermometer
1. Buy a digital ear thermometer. There are pros and cons to using an ear thermometer. This device is easier to use for especially shy cats who strongly resist measuring temperature rectally. However, it is quite difficult to insert such a thermometer into the ear canal correctly, so it is not always possible to obtain accurate temperature measurement results.