How to Measure a Cat's Temperature?

The easiest and most accurate way to determine if a cat has a fever is to measure its temperature with a suitable thermometer. It should be remembered that the effectiveness of alternative methods is debatable. If your cat does not resist, the entire process takes only a few minutes. In cats, the temperature should be between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius. If it rises above 39 degrees, depending on other symptoms, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian. Fever can be a temporary condition or a symptom of a serious illness.

Things to Watch Out For When Your Cat Has a Fever

When you suspect your cat has a fever, check for other symptoms and behavioral changes that may accompany the fever. Just as important as the question "How to measure fever in cats?" is what your cat is doing at that moment. When cats have a fever, they usually try to conserve energy. This allows them to fight the illness that triggered the fever better.

Fever stimulates the immune system. This allows the immune system to slow down the multiplication of bacteria and viruses, thus beginning to fight the disease. Although fever helps fight diseases, it can also be dangerous. Fever above 41 degrees Celsius in cats can cause organ damage. To prevent permanent organ damage, you should consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat's fever rises.

The most common symptoms seen in cats along with fever include loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, avoidance of activity, decreased water intake, refusal to brush their fur, sneezing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Methods of Measuring Fever in Cats

There are two answers to the question "How to tell if a cat has a fever?": ear and rectal measurement. Rectal measurement gives more accurate results. Therefore, you should perform a rectal measurement when you need to know the exact temperature of your cat. Rectal thermometers are available for this purpose. Digital thermometers can speed up the process as they give results much faster. There is no harm in using human thermometers. However, the thermometer you use for measurement should only be used on cats.

Rectal Temperature Measurement

To measure your cat's temperature rectally, you only need a rectal thermometer, petroleum jelly, and a towel. Applying petroleum jelly to the thermometer makes the process easier for you and more comfortable for the cat. Therefore, you must always apply petroleum jelly to the thermometer when measuring the cat's temperature rectally. Afterwards, you can hold your cat in your lap and measure its temperature. If necessary, wrapping the cat in a towel can make the process easier. While lifting the cat's tail with one hand, insert the thermometer into the anus with the other hand. It is sufficient for the thermometer to enter about 2-2.5 cm. While doing this, you may feel the sphincter muscles tense at first and then relax.

The thermometer should remain in place for approximately 2 minutes. Digital thermometers will emit an audible alert when the measurement is complete. You can slowly remove the thermometer when you hear this sound. Remove the thermometer and note down the temperature you measured along with the date and time. Afterwards, you need to wash and disinfect the thermometer thoroughly with warm water. You should store the thermometer you use for your cat separately from other thermometers in the house. Afterwards, you should wash your hands and clean the sink where you washed the thermometer. Cat feces can contain bacteria that are very harmful to humans. Ear Temperature Measurement The answer to the question "How to measure a kitten's temperature?" is usually ear temperature, but there is no harm in taking a rectal measurement in kittens. Although it does not provide as accurate a measurement as rectal measurement, ear temperature measurement can give an idea about the cat's temperature. Ear temperature measurement is more difficult than rectal measurement. To accurately measure a cat's temperature from the ear, the thermometer needs to be placed in a sensitive spot. While some cats readily allow ear temperature measurements, others find it very difficult. After placing the digital thermometer in the cat's ear, hold the cat parallel to the ground with its head still. Once the measurement is complete, remove the thermometer and note the reading. Afterwards, be sure to clean the thermometer. After Measurement Cats don't like having their temperature taken, so it's recommended to leave them alone immediately afterward. It's normal for cats to be sullen for a while after having their temperature taken. For cats without digestive problems or showing signs of digestive disease, giving them a few treats after the measurement will help them get through the experience more easily. You can browse cat treats by clicking here. Regardless of the underlying disease causing the fever, a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius or higher is dangerous for cats. Therefore, if you measure a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius or higher, you should take your cat to a veterinarian very quickly.

Remove the thermometer and note down the temperature you measured along with the date and time. Afterwards, you need to thoroughly wash and disinfect the thermometer with warm water. You should store the thermometer you use for your cat separately from other thermometers in the house. After washing the thermometer, you should wash your hands in the sink and clean the sink. Cat feces can contain bacteria that are very harmful to humans.

Ear Temperature Measurement

The answer to the question "How to measure a kitten's temperature?" is usually ear temperature measurement, but there is no harm in taking a rectal temperature measurement in kittens. Although it does not provide as accurate a measurement as a rectal measurement, ear temperature measurement can give an idea about the cat's temperature. Ear temperature measurement is more difficult than rectal measurement. To get an accurate temperature reading from the ear, the thermometer needs to be placed in a sensitive area. While some cats readily allow ear temperature measurement, it is very difficult for others.

After placing the digital thermometer on the cat's ear, you need to hold the cat parallel to the ground with its head still. Once the measurement is complete, remove the thermometer and note the measurement. Afterwards, you must clean the thermometer.

After Measurement

Cats don't like having their temperature taken very much, so it is recommended to stop immediately after the measurement. It is normal for cats to be sullen for a while after a temperature check. For cats without digestive problems or showing signs of digestive disease, giving them a few treats after the measurement will help them get through the experience more easily. You can browse cat treats by clicking here. Regardless of the illness causing the fever, a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius and above is dangerous for cats. Therefore, if you measure a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius or higher, you should take your cat to the veterinarian very quickly.