How to take a cat's temperature at home?

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

If you notice that your pet is not feeling well, and he has stopped eating and drinking, then you should pay attention to his temperature. The article will discuss how to measure a cat's temperature at home and what to do when it rises.

Measuring temperature in cats

Many people wonder: how to measure the temperature of a cat under the arm? The most reliable way to measure temperature in cats is rectal. To measure the temperature, it is necessary to lubricate the anus of the animal with cream or petroleum jelly, treat the thermometer with an alcohol solution. You can also wear gloves for the procedure and wrap the animal with a towel.

How to take a cat's temperature with an ordinary thermometer:

1. Put on medical gloves and lubricate the tip of the thermometer. Apply the cream to the cat's anus.
2. It is necessary to hold the pet firmly in order to be able to carry out the procedure. Wrap it in a cloth or towel to avoid scratches.
3. Raise the tail and gently, slowly, insert the thermometer. You can slightly scroll it so that there is no pain. Instrument tipmust be inserted no more than 2 cm.
4. You need to wait until the thermometer warms up and shows reliable data. Keep electric for 2 minutes, mercury - up to 10 minutes.
5. Take out the thermometer and disinfect it.

It is also worth knowing what temperature is considered normal for cats. It should be from 37.9 to 39 °. If the readings are increased, then a veterinarian consultation is required.

Let's answer the question, how to measure a cat's temperature with an electronic thermometer? Everything is done in exactly the same way as described above, but much faster, since the mercury thermometer heats up for a long time.

How to bring down the temperature of a cat?

First of all, you need to find out the cause of the temperature increase. It can be upgraded:

• If the room is very hot, then a slight increase in temperature in the animal should not cause concern. Thus, the cat's body adapts to the external environment.
• Temperatures in cats rise slightly during pregnancy.
• In the morning and evening, the temperature may differ by 0.5˚.
• When overeating and active movement, an increase in performance is also possible.

But if the pet is lethargic and has nausea and vomiting, then you should immediately call a doctor or go to the appointment.

How to bring down a high fever:

• Put a cool wet towel over the cat and leave for 30 minutes. Mainly cool the abdomen, armpits and groin. The method is quite effective.
• Provide your pet with plenty of fluids andpeace.
• An excellent remedy for microbial infections is a decoction of sage with echinacea. There is 1 drop per 450 g of weight.
• Wipe the pads on the paws with a solution of alcohol.

What not to do

Never give a cat antipyretic for adults. This can lead to her death, since such drugs are not suitable for animals and the dosage can be easily overdone. Temperature measurement skills will be useful to any breeder.

Normal heartbeat, respiration and temperature for cats

Cats have normal heart rates, airway conditions and temperatures different from those of humans. Here's what you need to know:

• Normal heart rate in cats is 140-220 beats per minute.
• Normal respiratory rate in cats is 15-30 breaths per minute.
• Normal temperature for cats is 37.9 to 39°.

If you evaluate your cat's condition based on normal human values, then you may start to panic when it's not necessary.

How to check your cat's heart, breathing and temperature

To evaluate your cat's heartbeat and respiratory rates, you will need to time the time using the second hand or the timer on your phone.

Here are the steps for assessing a cat's heart rate:

• Place your hands on your cat's chest, just behind her elbows, to feel her heartbeat. Count the beats for 15 seconds and then multiply yourresult by 4 to calculate beats per minute.
• You can feel your cat's pulse by gently placing two fingers on the inside of her groin where her back leg meets her abdomen.

Note: It can be difficult to determine the heart rate of a cat's heart. If there is any problem with your cat's heart rate, see your veterinarian.

Here are the steps to assess a cat's breathing activity:

• Watch a cat's chest to see it rise, or put your hand on its chest to feel the chest movement.
• Count each chest rise for 15 seconds and then multiply your result by 4 to calculate breaths per minute.

Remember that a normal temperature does not necessarily mean that your cat is not sick or injured. If you have any other reason to suspect injury or illness, a visit to the vet is your best bet.

Signs of disease

Your cat's mucous membranes or gums can tell you quite a lot of information when your cat is not feeling well. Normal gums are pink and slightly moist. The following signs on your cat's mucous membranes indicate a problem:

• Yellow, pale, blue, white, or brick red gums.
• Gums that turn pink after 2 seconds when pressed with a fingertip.

To determine if your cat's gum color is abnormal, you need to know how theyusually look. Making it a habit to periodically look at your cat's gums is a good habit so you can always know when there's a problem.

What to do if you notice a deterioration in your pet

If your cat has an increased heart rate or breathing rate, it's important to know how to take your cat's temperature. If the temperature or color of the mucous membrane is not normal, contact your veterinarian immediately. If the pet is not moving or breathing, artificial respiration should be administered.

Using a thermometer is the only accurate way to get your cat's body temperature. If the temperature is significantly elevated, medical attention is needed.

Digital thermometers will take less time to measure temperature. Mercury thermometers are made of glass. They require precautions. If you decide to use this type of thermometer, be careful not to damage it.

Remember that a normal temperature does not necessarily mean that your cat is not sick or injured. If you have any doubts then visiting your veterinarian is your best course of action.

Interestingly, the body temperature of hairless cat breeds does not differ significantly from the body temperature of furry pets. Although naked bodies feel hotter to the touch. Normal body temperature in cats can vary by 1-1.5 degrees during the day. Temperatures tend to be slightly lower in the morning than in the evening. When the cat is resting, the temperature is normal, but aftersome active games, it may increase slightly.

If you think of a cat's body as a mechanism, then the kitten's body is a "test program". All its internal organs, tissues and brain are actively growing and getting used to react to environmental changes. The thermostatic system is not yet perfect. Therefore, the temperature in kittens is higher than in an adult cat - the body actively reacts to the environment, sometimes for no reason - just in case. It is also a kind of protection against hypothermia. The body is still not sure that the environment can be trusted. A constant temperature is established after about two to three months.

High and low temperatures

Body temperature over 39° is a sign of a viral or bacterial infection, an inflammatory process that occurs in the animal's body. Therefore, every owner should know how to measure the temperature of a cat. In fact, such an indicator is a sign of an amazing process. When an enemy enters a body cell, the cell releases interferons and other substances to fight the disease.

If your cat has a fever, contact your veterinarian immediately. It is forbidden to prescribe treatment yourself and give the cat antipyretics or diuretics intended for people. For extremely high temperatures above 39°, wrap your pet in a towel soaked in cool water and head to the clinic immediately.

Low temperature in cats is also dangerous. Thus, the decrease in temperature may be due tohypothermia or blood loss. A low rate occurs in pets with diseases of the heart, kidneys, or with diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems. If the cat's body temperature drops to 35° or below, contact your veterinarian within 24 hours. If the temperature continues to drop, you need to cover the cat with a blanket, put a warm heating pad on its paws and immediately show it to a specialist.