However, these may be expensive, or may not be easily available.
You will need a thermometer, lubricant (e.g., petroleum jelly or K-Y), alcohol and paper towels, and a cat treat. How To Check A Cat's Temperature. You should seek veterinary attention if your cat’s temperature is under 99°F (37.2°C) or over 104°F (40°C). If your cat only has a moderate temperature and seems otherwise well, you can try to reduce it by using fans to cool him off and provide him with plenty of cool fresh water. Although fevers can sometimes help fight illness, a fever higher than 106 degrees Fahrenheit can cause organ damage.
Record the temperature and the date and time.
Make sure you keep the thermometer separate so that it's only used on the cat.To take a rectal temperature, gather the following:Turn the thermometer on and set it to zero, then lubricate the thermometer with the Vaseline or KY Jelly.
Coat the tip with the lubricant.► Preferably, engage two people (someone the cat already trusts) while taking the temperature―one to hold the cat in place, while the other inserts the thermometer.► Wrap your cat in a thick towel or blanket to prevent being scratched. Wash the thermometer well with warm water and disinfectant soap, then store separately from any thermometers used for humans. Take your cat’s temperature. Remember, these will be warmer than those of a human, but look out for a significantly warmer feel―this is an indication of fever.► Touch the cat’s back for warmth. Cats happen to be masters at disguising their illness and injuries. If you're trying to determine just how high the cat's temperature is, use a rectal thermometer. Fevers fight disease by stimulating the immune system and slowing the growth of bacteria and viruses. It is important to know how to properly and accurately check this vital sign at home. Symptoms are a good sign that your cat has a fever, but the only way to know for sure is to take her temperature with a thermometer.
If the skin remains wrinkled, your cat is possibly dehydrated.► Feel your cat’s ears. If one person can hold the cat, the other can usually handle the thermometer. When it beeps to let you know it has a reading, release your cat and record the temperature. It is recommended to use a digital thermometer instead of a glass one, as the latter may break while using it on a squirming cat.► Begin by switching on the digital thermometer. If necessary, wrap the cat in the towel with its butt end protruding.Lift the cat's tail with one hand while inserting the thermometer slowly and steadily into its anus, to a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch, with your other hand. Hold it horizontally while keeping the cat's head still. Keep a close watch out pertaining to strange behavior that may indicate that your cat can be sick, for instance lethargy or deficit of appetite. A safe way to measure your cat’s temperature would be to use a pediatric rectal thermometer. If it does, grab it by the scruff of the neck, which usually (if temporarily) will calm most cats.Insert a digital ear thermometer in your cat's ear. A temperature higher than 106º F can cause damage to the organs of a cat, and therefore, requires immediate veterinary assistance. Check a Cat's Temperature There are several situations when you may want or need to check your cat's temperature. These allow the cat to conserve energy so more can go into fighting the disease that provoked the fever.
Its face should be resting in the crook of your elbow with its tail end toward your other hand. As we mentioned earlier, cats tend to disguise their illness very efficiently, and it tends to be too late until the owner seeks medical help. The normal temperature for most cats is between 100.4 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
If it's higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit, you should call your veterinarian for advice.
Contact your You can either take your cat's temperature rectally, or via its ear, but rectal temperatures are more accurate. Digital thermometers give a reading much faster and make the process shorter.
The whole process should only take a few minutes, provided the cat isn't resisting you. Temperature lower than 99º F indicates hypothermia, commonly caused by prolonged exposure to cold, which can also be fatal. Therefore, keep an eye on your cat’s overall behavior to get a better idea about her health condition. If your cat has a fever, this area will feel warmer than usual to the touch. The whole process should only take a few minutes, provided the cat isn't resisting you. To know if she is dehydrated, take the skin on the scruff of her neck in a pinch, and let it loose. Gather your supplies. Be extra gentle in case you’re using a glass thermometer (we really recommend using a digital one), as you wouldn’t want it to shatter under any circumstance.► The cat, in all probability, will squirm and try to shake you off.
The normal temperature for most cats is between 100.4 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Hold the thermometer there for two minutes (or until it beeps if it is digital) while talking to the cat in a soothing voice.Remove the thermometer.
It won’t shatter if you drop it, and it gives a signal when it’s time to check the reading.