What is the normal temperature of a cat: how to measure and bring down the elevated temperature, advice from veterinarians

Our cute purring pets, fluffy pets, affectionate and roguish, mischievous and capricious – cats and kittens, they rejoice at our arrival, meeting at the door. Everyone knows that cats heal. And we them? Can we help a sick four-legged friend? Suddenly the nose will be hot and dry, what then to do?

Yes, our pets will not say what worries them, what hurts them, and we get lost. We immediately remember the veterinarian, and if there is no such possibility? After all, not everyone knows how to make a diagnosis or give an injection, we don’t even know how to measure the temperature. Any inept actions can cause the animal to protest, and this can do even more harm. Therefore, it does not hurt to be aware of the emerging issues of home veterinary medicine, at least in theory.

Normal temperature in cats

Your pet has suddenly changed, it has lost its appetite, become lethargic or, on the contrary, too aggressive or anxious. And here it is necessary to take at least the first step to help him – to measure the temperature. But many do not know what is the normal temperature in cats.

The normal temperature of an animal has completely different indicators than that of a person. It’s not worth comparing it. In adult cats and cats, the interval between 37,7 degrees and 39,4.

The temperature of the kitten is slightly lower from 35 to 37,2 degrees. Therefore, you should contact the veterinarian if this limit is exceeded, because only he can provide proper assistance to the animal by making the correct diagnosis. If a person has a fever, it can mean that he is overcooled and a cold has begun, then a four-legged friend indicates a serious illness.

Symptoms requiring body temperature measurement

If an adult cat, kitten or cat has one or more of the following symptoms, then she needs your help, you need to take the temperature.

• the animal is cold, he has a chill and he is looking for a warm place;
• the ward has difficulty breathing and lethargy;
• there are signs of poisoning with diarrhea and vomiting;
• eats poorly and constantly lies;
• diarrhea with mucus and blood;
• the cat has a runny nose, sneezing appeared, the eyes began to turn sour;
• the pet has hot ears and a dry hot nose;
• the cat noticeably lost weight, and the skin became yellowish.

additional information

• If a cat’s temperature is below normal, then it is just as dangerous as elevated.
• It is more convenient to measure the temperature with an electronic thermometer, which will give a result in ten seconds.
• If the cat is sleeping, it is considered normal when his nose is dry and warm.
• If a cat has seen a lot in her life, then such a phenomenon as a dry and hot nose is normal for her.
• As a rule, a high temperature in an animal appears when an infection with a virus or bacterial infection has occurred.
• High temperature changes the habitual way of life of a cat: she does not want to move, her heartbeat becomes rapid, her eyes are partially covered by the third eyelid, she does not want to eat and drink. Such changes in the pet’s condition should be a signal for measuring body temperature and visiting the veterinarian. Postponing your visit to the clinic can have dangerous consequences.

Important! Never bring down the temperature of a cat or kitten with antipyretics pills for people. The condition will only get worse.

How to measure temperature correctly

Below is a step by step instruction. In order to measure the temperature of a cat, you should first get her a personal thermometer. For these purposes electronic is better, this will save the animal from additional torment. But be prepared for the fact that he can mislead you with incorrect parameters when measuring. And ordinary mercury can be accidentally broken.

Then the thermometer lubricated with vaseline oil, this is necessary to avoid causing pain to the pet. This tool is used in veterinary medicine, as well as in pediatrics. If Vaseline is not at hand, then you can use any other water-based products. But still it is better to use Vaseline as a lubricant. If you have an assistant, then it’s great, it will come in handy.

First you need to place the cat on a flat surface, a table or chair is suitable for this purpose. Hold her paws with her left hand and lift her tail. Insert with right hand cat’s tail thermometer. Be prepared for the fact that she will try to slip away from you, as even the most phlegmatic pet is unlikely to be delighted with this procedure.

1. Try to gently insert the tip of the thermometer into the anus to a depth of 2,5 centimeters, talking affectionately and convincing the animal that this procedure is necessary. An ordinary thermometer is held for ten minutes, an electronic one until a beep.
2. Make sure that the cat does not slip out of your “vice” with a thermometer in the anus.
3. As soon as the measurement time is up, take out the thermometer with affectionate and laudatory words stroking. This unpleasant moment in her life must necessarily end on a pleasant note, otherwise next time you will not be able to do it.
4. We look at the parameters of the thermometer, fixing them. For the veterinarian, you can additionally note at what hour the measurements were taken.

The thermometer must be thoroughly washed with soap and disinfect with alcohol. In the future, it does not need to be used for people.

How to bring down the temperature in a cat

With any increase in temperature, the cat or kitten should show the veterinarian. If the temperature has risen slightly, then it is not necessary to bring it down. This may mean that the immune system has begun its work by connecting the body’s defenses.

If the temperature jumped significantly, then the immediate actions of the owner can save the animal from disastrous consequences.

The following manipulations will help alleviate the suffering of a cat or kitten:

• lightly moisten the animal’s coat;
• you can apply ice in the neck or inner thighs;
• provide the ward with a plentiful drink of cool water.

These actions will help reduce high temperature, after its decrease, be sure to contact the veterinary clinic for qualified specialist help.

Causes of elevated body temperature in a cat

• An infection that occurs as a result of damage to the body by viruses, fungi or bacteria.
• Tumor.
• Injury.
• The use of drugs.
• Pancreatitis or lupus.

Be attentive to your wards, do not postpone the visit to the veterinarian, treat on time. Do everything on time, sometimes their life hangs in the balance and depends on our active actions. your care and attention will protect them from long-term treatment with droppers and enemas. Take care of your pets, because they often save us from depression and despondency.