Under normal circumstances, a healthy cat’s nose should be moist. If the cat’s ears are hot and the nose is still very dry, then it is likely to have a fever. How can the owner determine this? Here are two ways to help you at home How to measure a cat's temperature.

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

Not all times a cat’s nose is wet. For example, a cat’s nose may be dry when sleeping or just after exercise. Therefore, it is not rigorous to judge a cat’s health by whether the nose is dry.

When a cat is listless, has a decreased appetite, has a dry nose, and has warm ears, it may have a fever. At this time, we need to measure its temperature.

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?

Under normal circumstances, a cat’s normal body temperature is 38~39.5℃. When it exceeds 40℃, it may have a fever.

1. Intrarectal thermometry:

The temperature obtained by this measurement method is relatively accurate.

Measurement steps:

First disinfect the thermometer with alcohol, then throw it below 35 degrees. Apply some Vaseline or lubricant on the thermometer. If you don’t have it at home, apply some boiled water to avoid discomfort to the cat. Gently lift the cat's tail and slowly insert the thermometer into the cat's anus, about a centimeter in length. The thermometer can be measured by staying in the cat's body for 20 to 30 seconds. 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. It is best for two people to work together to measure the temperature, and one person is responsible for comforting the cat in case the cat struggles and fails to cooperate.

2. Temperature measurement method at the base of hind legs:

Measurement steps:

First disinfect the thermometer with alcohol and lower it to below 35°C. Place the thermometer on the cat's thigh and hold it close to the skin for 3 to 5 minutes and then take a reading.

Note: The body surface temperature is generally 0.5℃ lower than the rectal temperature. Add 0.5℃ after the reading 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. In order to soothe it, you can comb it or scratch its forehead and chin.

　3. Hearing measurement

Most cats will struggle and get angry when measuring their rectal temperature, so you can use ear temperature to determine whether they have a fever.

Measuring steps:

Control the cat, gently grab and open the cat's ears with your fingers. Put the animal-specific ear thermometer into the ear and press the measurement button to display the temperature data. The obtained body temperature will be slightly lower than the rectal temperature. After reading the data, disinfect the ear thermometer with alcohol.

Note: The external auditory canal of cats is curved and human ears cannot be accurately measured with a thermometer.

3. Cats may be sick if they continue to have low temperatures

Cats that have lost their energy source, have abnormal metabolism or have been cold for a long time will make their body temperature lower than normal. This situation is also very dangerous and must be sent to the hospital immediately.

When a cat’s body temperature is abnormal, its mental state will be very depressed. If a mild fever is not taken seriously, it is likely to develop into a more serious disease. If you have a cat at home, you must master the method of measuring the cat’s body temperature and pay attention to the cat’s health~