If you've ever seen the vet take your pet's temperature, you know it's not a pretty sight. The best way to get an accurate temperature is rectally. As you can imagine, your cat probably isn't going to like it very much. Learning how to take a cat's temperature properly will ensure that you get an accurate reading and keep your kitty as calm as possible.
Learning how to take a cat's temperature could actually be a huge benefit if she becomes ill. It's one of the best ways to catch an illness before it becomes something more serious. First things first, though. Let's talk about why knowing how to take your pet's temperature is so important.
There are a few ways you can tell if your pet has a fever before taking her temperature. Be on the lookout for:
- lethargy
- decrease in drinking
- shivering
- loss of appetite
- rapid breathing
- decreased grooming
If you suspect that your cat is running a temperature, you can take her temperature quickly and easily to help you decide what your next step should be.
How To Take A Cat's Temperature
A cat fever can mean that your pet has a minor infection, like an ear infection or an abscessed tooth. It could also be a sign of a more serious illness such as an infection in the animal's kidneys or lungs, a urinary tract infection, or a bacterial or viral disease.
A cat's normal temperature is not the same as a human's average body temperature.
This is one of the most common reasons why most pet owners don't realize when their cat is feverish. A cat's normal body temperature is between 100.5°f and 102.5°F. If your cat's temperature rises above 103˚F, it is considered a fever.
If your cat's temperature ever rises above 103˚F, you need to call your vet immediately. The veterinarian will ask about other symptoms and let you know if it's necessary to bring your pet into the clinic, or if you can wait and monitor her at home.
If her temperature rises higher than 105°F, you need to rush your cat to the vet right away – this is a medical emergency. At 106°F, your cat could suffer serious complications or even die. Like in humans, fever in pets is nothing to take lightly.
How To Take A Cat's Temperature
As I said, the only accurate way to measure your cat's temperature is rectally. If you dread going down there, just imagine how your cat feels. I recommend buying a new thermometer for your pet and label it “cat thermometer.”
This way it will never be used on humans by mistake. I would also advise purchasing a digital thermometer. You won't run the risk of having a glass thermometer break, and you don't have to deal with mercury. Digital thermometers are also much faster and give more accurate readings.
