What is the normal body temperature for cats?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The body temperature of cats, although higher than that of humans, still has its limits. Any deviations from the norm should cause anxiety and excitement among the owners. Many people try to find out what body temperature cats have by their nose, but this is wrong. The final and accurate verdict on the he alth of a pet can only be made on the basis of a thermometer.

Normal temperature for cats

If the owner has doubts about the condition of his pet, you should use a thermometer. The first indicator of the disease should always be the temperature of the cat's body. The norm is from 38 to 39 degrees. You should not resort to such folk signs as a wet nose or sleepy behavior. Far from always, these signs indicate a pet's illness. Increased or decreased thermometer readings depend on many factors. In this case, the age of the pet, and its gender, and the season also matter. Like any other animal, the normal body temperature in cats depends on the processes taking place in their body. During sleep, their performance is noticeably reduced, since a minimum of energy is required to maintain this state.

During eating, the cat's body temperature rises to 38.5, but still remains normal. The limit of 39 degrees is reached only in the active state, when the pet jumps and runs a lot. It should be noted right away that in kittens, normal indicators are slightly higher than in adult representatives of the species. It is associated with a mobile lifestyle. It takes several times more energy to ensure an active state in kittens, since their organs and systems have not yet grown strong. It is recommended to measure the temperature of a pet during the day, some time after sleep. The fact is that in the evening, the indicators may increase slightly, and in the morning - on the contrary.

How to measure?

Before you determine what body temperature in cats, you need to know a few nuances. Measurements are carried out only with a mercury thermometer, although some veterinarians allow the use of an electronic analogue. The difference is that the first shows more accurately, and the second shows much faster, but with errors. For measurement, a thermometer is inserted rectally. The pet is unlikely to like this unexpected initiative of the owners, therefore it is recommended to carry out the procedure together with an assistant who would hold the animal in a horizontal position. For comfortable fixation of the paws, a thick sheet or towel will do.

You should also hold the cat's head with your hand, as it may start to bite. In addition, this action will calm the pet: he will feel warm fromperson he knows. The most effective way to fix an animal is to firmly grab it by the scruff of the neck and lightly press it against a horizontal surface (floor, sofa).

Before entering, the thermometer must be lubricated with petroleum jelly (any oils are prohibited). The result can be seen after 3 minutes. If the indicators are in the range of 38-39 degrees, you can calm down and leave the animal alone. Otherwise, you need to look for the cause of the disease. If the temperature is too high or too low, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Besides the rectal method, there is another way to measure it - an infrared-based ear thermometer. This thermometer is ideal for determining the condition of the cat at home. It has no contraindications and does not cause negative emotions in the pet. Its norm in degrees is from 37.8 to 39.5. The only drawback of such a measurement is that during inflammation of the ear, the thermometer may show several divisions higher than it actually is.

Hyperthermia in pets

An increase in body temperature in a cat can be due to several reasons. First, you should pay attention to the presence of infectious diseases in the pet. Also, worms affect the increase in performance. If kittens have intestinal parasites, the temperature can reach up to 41 degrees. However, the main cause of hyperthermia is a bacterial imbalance in the body.

If the temperature is much higher than normal, then you need to urgently bring down to at least 39, 0. As a result of hyperthermia in catsthere is a breakdown of protein compounds, as a result of which problems with the heart and other internal organs can begin. The first signs of a lack of vital substances are hair loss and peeling of the skin. Also, at elevated temperatures, the animal's breathing and pulse become more frequent. With severe and prolonged course of hyperthermia, dehydration appears. To reduce the temperature, ice can be used by applying it to places where there is no hair. It is important that the pet drinks a lot and is not near heaters. Kittens that have pronounced weakness and lack of appetite should be given water using a syringe. Any medications are prescribed only by a veterinarian.

Symptoms and causes of hyperthermia

The main signs that the body temperature in cats is elevated is a change in their behavior and condition. These symptoms include weakness, constant trembling, poor appetite. In pets with hyperthermia, severe dehydration occurs within 2 days, breathing and heartbeat become more frequent. In rare cases, the animal is observed to be in a state of shock or fright.

The causes of fever can be infections, viruses, and parasites. Most often, it is because of foreign microorganisms that pets experience acute malaise and hyperthermia. Also, an elevated temperature can be the result of impaired metabolism, a malfunction of the endocrine system, or the presence of a tumor. Before establishing the cause of the onset of hyperthermia, it is necessary to exclude options with a reactionanimal body for medicines and complementary foods.

Hypothermia in cats

Along with increased rates, pets often have lower ones. This body temperature in cats can be the result of hypothermia or kidney disease. Sometimes the causes of hypothermia are complex operations in which anesthesia was used. At low temperatures, animals become depressed, lethargic and look for a secluded place warmer, for example, near the battery. In kittens, a tousled coat, noticeable trembling and a pale color of the mucous membranes can serve as a sign of illness.

At home, you can help your pet by warming up. However, the process should not take too long. If rewarming does not work, see a specialist.

Temperature in cats before childbirth

During pregnancy, animals rarely experience deviations in temperature. However, a few days before the onset of childbirth, changes are inevitable. Firstly, it concerns the behavior of a cat when she begins to equip her place, dragging soft toys, paper and even food into it. In this case, you should not worry about the animal. The main thing is to be aware of what the cat's current body temperature is. The norm a couple of days before delivery is 37 degrees.

At this time, the cat's mammary glands swell, and her gait begins to resemble a bear. Behavior can change overnight - from unjustified anxiety to gentle purring. A few days before giving birth, the animal mayrefuse to eat, but do not worry. The most important thing for the owner in this period of time is to monitor the condition of the pet. Normal body temperature in cats a day before lambing can vary from 36.8 to 37.7 degrees. The next day after giving birth, the indicators should not go beyond 37, 5-39, 2.

Temperature in kittens

The performance of the smallest representatives of the species often exceeds the norm of adults. The fact is that kittens are very active, despite their small age and undeveloped body. That is why the temperature in cats and kittens can vary by a whole degree. If the former have normal values up to 39.0, then the latter - up to 40.5. In weakened kittens, the temperature does not exceed 38.0 degrees. On the other hand, too high levels can be even more detrimental and lead to death.

Sphinx temperature

Representatives of this breed differ from the rest not only in appearance, but also in the internal indicators of the body. For example, body temperature in Sphynx cats can be from 38.5 to 39.5. The situation is similar with newborns. Their indicators should be no more than 40 degrees. In general, in kittens of this breed, the norm does not differ from the temperature of adult sphinxes.

Some owners are constantly worried, thinking that their pet has hyperthermia because it is too hot. This opinion is erroneous, since the heat of the sphinxes is directly transferred to a person with a touch. In common breeds, wool interferes with heat transfer.

Diagnosis

It's easy to spot temperature fluctuations in cats. To do this, it is enough to measure it with an ordinary thermometer.

If there is an increased body temperature in cats, then to identify the cause, it is recommended to do a biochemical analysis of the pet’s blood, a test to determine diseases in the immune system and a urine test. In complex cases, veterinarians are sent to the animal for x-rays or ultrasound of the internal organs.