How to measure a cat”s temperature with a regular mercury or electronic thermometer and without it at home?

Monitoring your cat’s health requires knowing how to take their temperature. Knowing the appropriate techniques can make a big difference, regardless of whether you’re worried about a fever or just want to make sure they’re feeling well. The typical range of a cat’s body temperature is 38°C to 39.2°C, or 100.5°F to 102.5°F.

Accurate readings can be obtained with a standard mercury or electronic thermometer, but it’s important to use one that your pet can use comfortably and safely. In an emergency when you don’t have a thermometer on hand, there are other methods to estimate their temperature without one.

In order to maintain the health and happiness of your pet, this guide will demonstrate how to take your cat’s temperature using both techniques.

What should be the normal temperature of a kitten and an adult cat?

Several factors determine the normal values of this indicator for members of the feline family, including:

• age;
• state of wakefulness or sleep – in sleeping animals, all vital processes slow down, and the body temperature decreases;
• amount of food consumed (with overeating, the body temperature usually rises);
• level of physical activity, etc. d.

This indicator’s value may change during the course of the day. A variation of 0.5 °C from the standard is deemed conditionally acceptable. A four-legged pet’s body temperature should be dynamically measured every three to six hours if it is slightly elevated or lowered.

Acceptable ranges for this indicator in cats in good health:

Age and physiological state of pets	Normal values, degrees
	Lower limit	Upper limit
Newborn babies	40	40.5
Grown up kittens	38.5	39.5
Adult animal in a state of wakefulness	38	39
Prenatal period	37	39

Is it possible to understand that the temperature has risen without measuring it?

Without using a thermometer, a cat owner can tell that their pet has a fever just by observing it. This will be signaled by the following symptoms:

• Complete or partial loss of appetite.
• Visible third eyelid (nictitating membrane) in a state of wakefulness.
• Dry, warm or hot nose. In a healthy pet, it is moist and cool. It should be taken into account that immediately after waking up or during active pastime, the cat"s nose can also be hot.
• Tremors, which indicates chills.
• Excessive excitement for no apparent reason.
• Lack of response to external stimuli. The animal refuses to participate in games and lies down for most of the day.

See also: A veterinarian’s advice on preparing a cat for sterilization, including whether to vaccinate itand whether to feed it

How and what can you use to measure an animal"s temperature?

People and members of the feline family have different methods for measuring body temperature. A standard mercury, rectal, or universal electronic thermometer is used for this. They are all not without benefits and drawbacks. In order to accurately take an animal’s body temperature using a thermometer, you have to adhere to the guidelines for doing so.

Devices for measuring temperature

Purchasing a specific model of thermometer is not necessary in order to take a cat’s body temperature. Although you can use the gadget you already own, it won’t hurt to be aware of the features offered by other thermometer options. Details regarding rectal, universal electronic, and mercury thermometers:

• the most accurate and fastest determination of the temperature indicator;
• water resistance;
• ease of use;
• the strength of the case (unlike a mercury thermometer).

• expensive compared to most similar devices;
• the ability to take readings only in the anus.

• versatility of use;
• waterproof;
• accuracy;
• durability of the case;
• the presence of a timer and a sound signal.

• the presence of a hard tip, which is not very convenient when inserted into the anus;
• long wait for the result (about 3-4 minutes).

• is available in almost every home;
• inexpensive.

• fragility of the case;
• the presence of a hard tip, which when inserted into the anus can cause pain to the pet;
• the presence of mercury, which is dangerous in case of damage to the integrity of the device;
• long wait for the result (at least 5 minutes).

How to measure temperature rectally?

Rectal thermometry is the most reliable method for determining the body temperature of a cat. Nevertheless, a major disadvantage of this approach is that not all pets can remain calm throughout the process.

When someone tries to put something foreign inside a cat’s anus, the cat usually snaps away. The discomfort they feel when sticking the thermometer tip into their anus can be reduced by following these suggestions:

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• Carry out the procedure when the animal is fast asleep. Otherwise, you should call for help from one of the household members so that he holds the cat tightly. It is better to wrap it in a sheet or blanket, leaving the back of the body uncovered, otherwise the raging animal can scratch its "tormentors" badly.
• To prevent infection from entering the cat"s body, treat its tip with an antiseptic before inserting the thermometer into the animal"s anus.
• In order to avoid the appearance of pain in the pet and for easier administration, grease the thermometer tip with petroleum jelly or fat cream.
• Insert the thermometer into the cat"s anus carefully and slowly at a slight angle. To measure its body temperature, it is enough to insert the tip just a few millimeters until it touches the intestinal wall. To calm your pet, you need to say kind words to it during the procedure.
• Remove the thermometer from the anus slowly, without sudden movements.

It is advised to reward your pet with something delicious after the manipulation and to give it praise for its perseverance. Since the process will probably need to be repeated, you must take all necessary precautions to prevent the cat from experiencing negative feelings in the future. The thermometer needs to be cleaned and treated with an antiseptic before being stored.

Measuring the temperature in the ear

How can I independently take a pet’s temperature at home if they vehemently object to sticking something foreign in their anus? An in-ear measuring technique is appropriate for these kinds of animals. You’ll need an electronic thermometer to accomplish this. The following steps are part of the procedure:

1. Turn the head of your four-legged pet to the side and securely fix it in this position. If you get the hang of it, you can do it alone. However, if this is the first time you are doing this, it is better to call someone for help – one will hold the animal by the body, the other – by the head.
2. Carefully insert a pre-disinfected thermometer into the ear canal. During the procedure, it is recommended to say kind words to your pet. Hearing the owner"s voice, he will surely relax and calm down.
3. After the signal sounds, slowly remove the device from the ear canal. Before putting the thermometer away for storage, it should be treated with an antiseptic.

See also: The cat has an enlarged chest and an irritated nipple: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

How to measure the temperature of a sleeping cat?

You can take readings while the pet is asleep if, for whatever reason, using the earlier techniques is not feasible. To accomplish this, you must:

• wait until he falls fast asleep;
• carefully, trying not to wake your four-legged pet, lift his front paw;
• place the thermometer under his arm, release his paw, making sure that the device is securely fixed;
• after a certain time, take out the thermometer and check its value.

This approach should only be used as a last choice. With its assistance, getting precise results can be challenging, particularly if the cat is fluffy, and getting to the body can be challenging because of the thickness of the fur.

It’s critical to take your cat’s temperature to keep an eye on their health, particularly if they exhibit symptoms of illness. The most accurate way to take a reading with an ordinary mercury or electronic thermometer is to gently insert it into their rectum. You can look for symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or strange behavior if you don’t have a thermometer on hand, but remember that these are not accurate replacements for a measurement. Knowing how to take your cat’s temperature correctly will enable you to react to any possible health problems as soon as possible.

Which indicators are considered critical and require contacting a veterinarian?

It is advised that measurements be taken dynamically at intervals of three to six hours. Don’t forget to note the procedure’s time and the thermometer readings. There is no cause for concern if they differ by 0.5 °C from the norm. It is advised to show the cat to the veterinarian right away, rather than waiting for things to get out of hand, if its body temperature is altered by more than 1 °C. You must realize that a cat’s health is at risk from both an increase and a decrease in temperature.

Method	Instructions
Using a Mercury Thermometer	1. Gently restrain your cat. 2. Lubricate the thermometer tip. 3. Insert it into the rectum about an inch. 4. Hold in place for 2-3 minutes. 5. Read the temperature.
Using an Electronic Thermometer	1. Secure your cat in a comfortable position. 2. Apply lubricant to the thermometer tip. 3. Insert it into the rectum an inch deep. 4. Wait for the beep. 5. Read the temperature display.
Without a Thermometer	1. Feel your cat’s ears; they should be warm. 2. Check for lethargy or unusual behavior. 3. Consult a vet if you suspect a fever.

If you know the proper methods, taking a cat’s temperature at home can be a simple process. Accurate readings are ensured by knowing how to use thermometers properly, whether you choose an electronic or mercury model. Stress can interfere with taking your cat’s temperature, so it’s important to keep them relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.

You can still keep an eye on your cat’s health using other methods if you don’t have a thermometer. You can determine whether your cat is sick by keeping an eye out for symptoms like lethargy, changes in appetite, or strange behavior. These techniques, especially if you think you may have a fever, should never be used in place of taking your actual temperature.

It can be helpful to check your cat’s temperature on a regular basis, particularly if they exhibit symptoms of illness. Gaining familiarity with the procedure will help you feel more comfortable taking care of your pet’s health at home. If you have any concerns about your cat’s general health or temperature, always get advice from a veterinarian.

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