We all know that under normal circumstances, a healthy cat’s nose should be wet. If a cat is sick and its nose is still very dry, it is likely to have a fever. How can the owner determine whether the cat has a fever? ?The following will teach you two ways to measure the temperature of your cat.

1. Under what circumstances should a cat’s temperature be measured?

First of all, we need to know how to initially judge whether a cat has a fever, because the cat’s nose is not always wet. For example, the nose of a sleeping cat or a cat just after exercise may be dry, so It is not rigorous to judge the health of a cat by whether its nose is dry. When the cat has not just woken up but has a dry nose and warm ears, it may have a fever. At this time we need to take its temperature. The normal body temperature of cats is 38~39.2℃. If the body temperature is 39.2~39.5℃, it is mild fever, and if the body temperature is above 40.5℃, it is high fever. Generally speaking, a cat's body temperature is slightly higher at night and slightly lower in the morning. The body temperature of adult cats is slightly lower than that of kittens. When cats exercise or are nervous, their body temperature will temporarily rise.

2. How to measure the temperature of a cat

1. Intrarectal thermometry: Because this temperature is relatively accurate. First disinfect the thermometer with alcohol and then lower it to below 35 degrees. Apply some Vaseline or erythromycin ointment on the thermometer. If neither is available, apply some plain water. Gently lift the cat's tail and slowly insert the thermometer into the cat's anus, about five centimeters. If you are afraid of not having a good grasp, you can use your thumb and index finger holding the thermometer to hold it about five centimeters, so that you can stop inserting it to the appropriate length. Just keep the thermometer inside the cat's body for 3 to 5 minutes. It should be noted that when the cat swings back and forth due to discomfort, the hand holding the thermometer must swing with it to avoid breaking the thermometer inside the cat's body.

2. Measuring the temperature at the base of the hind legs: First, swing the thermometer below 35°C, then place the thermometer at the base of the cat’s thigh, close to the skin. Just take the reading after 3 to 5 minutes. Body surface temperature is generally 0.5°C lower than rectal temperature. So after reading, add 0.5°C to get the cat's body temperature. The best time to use this method to measure a cat's temperature is when the cat is sleeping or lying next to you comfortably. To soothe it, comb it or scratch its forehead and chin.

3. How to judge a cat’s health based on body temperature

Cats will have a fever in most cases when they are sick, so if there is any abnormality, the temperature must be measured first. The normal body temperature of a cat is generally maintained at 38~39℃, and it feels warmer than a human being when held in one's arms. The correct way to take a cat's temperature is at the anus. But if the cat objects strongly, you can also put it in the armpitNext, the roots of the hind legs are disposed. Measure a fixed place to grasp the body temperature in a healthy state. When a cat has a fever (details here), even its normally cool ears and the tip of its tail will become hot, and it will collapse on the cold floor exhausted. At this time, you can know that you have a fever even without taking your temperature.

If you have the following symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. If your body temperature exceeds 40°C, you should be sent to the hospital immediately. It may be a bacterial infection or infectious disease caused by the cat's compromised immunity. A low-grade fever and a lack of energy are often the early symptoms of a high fever, so be careful. In addition, when there is pus somewhere in the body, a low-grade fever may persist. Loss of energy source or abnormal metabolism will cause the body temperature to be lower than usual. This is a symptom of terminal illness and must be sent to the hospital immediately.

When a cat has a fever, its mental state is very depressed. The owner can tell this from the cat's behavior. If a mild fever is not taken seriously, it is likely to become more serious. Therefore, once the cat gets sick, it must be paid attention to.