Cat's temperature: norms and deviations, how to measure and reduce fever at home

A caring owner always notices deviations in the cat’s behavior and well-being. The first alarming symptoms of the disease are often hyperthermia and hypothermia (increased and decreased t).

To promptly identify these signs, we will learn how to correctly measure body temperature in cats. Indeed, in some cases it is necessary to provide assistance to the pet even before the veterinarian arrives.

Normal body temperature in cats

A cat’s normal temperature is 38-39 degrees, and the indicators depend on many factors and can change during the day. For example, a cat that is sleeping or has just woken up will have lower levels because the animal does not expend energy while sleeping.

During active games, the temperature rises. The same thing happens to an animal’s body as to a person during physical activity. There is no need to worry about your pet; as soon as he calms down, the t readings will return to normal.

The kitten's body temperature will always be higher than normal. The little ones learn about the world, experience a lot of emotions, are extremely active, and this is the reason for the mild and harmless fever.

During the period of estrus, pregnancy, childbirth, after sterilization surgery and vaccinations, cats usually experience a sharp jump in body temperature. But you should worry if the thermometer shows more than 40 °C for 3-4 days.

Important! The thermoregulation mechanism in kittens develops over time, so a slight increase in indicators is considered normal. The situation stabilizes by the age of 6-7 months.

Thus, the normal temperature for a cat is 39 degrees. The skin of Sphynx cats seems hotter, but only due to the lack of a fur layer. A healthy hairless cat should not have a body temperature higher than 39.5.

Alarming symptoms: when to measure your pet's temperature

Just like people, animals can suffer from fever and chills. In medicine, an increase in t values ​​is called hyperthermia, a decrease is called hypothermia. Both conditions are equally dangerous and can be signs of illness.

All signs require immediate temperature measurement. Fever or chills cannot be determined by the condition of the nose.

Important! A dry and warm nose is a normal condition in healthy animals during sleep, rest, and in older cats.

How to measure a cat's temperature correctly

A regular thermometer is suitable for measuring the temperature of kittens and cats. But there must be a separate one for pets, and the owners choose which one.

Mercury - gives accurate parameters, but it must be held for at least 5 minutes. Plus - it is inexpensive, minus - it can break, and mercury vapor is harmful to people and animals.

Digital Thermometer. Pros: can be used for rectal and oral measurements, quickly determines indicators. The downside is that the hard plastic tip can cause pain and discomfort to the animal.

A contact infrared thermometer is inserted into the ear canal and removed after a signal. Plus – ease of use, minus – not used for otitis.

Non-contact infrared device. The device is called a pyrometer and is used to measure temperature without touching the body. The device takes into account infrared rays, but often shows an error within 0.1-1 °. This device is not suitable for accurate measurements.

Rectal electronic thermometer. The best option for cats. It is maximally adapted to the characteristics of the animal’s body, equipped with a flexible rubber tip and produces results within 1 minute.

Rules for measuring body temperature in cats:

• it is preferable to use the rectal method, as it is the most accurate and safe for the animal;
• Before measuring the temperature, you need to calm the pet, if possible, wrap it in a large towel;
• lift the tail, insert the device into the anus in a circular motion;
• insert the tip carefully so as not to damage the animal’s internal organs and do not insert the thermometer more than 10 mm into an adult cat or 0.5 cm into a kitten;
• if necessary, lightly lubricate the tip and anus with medical Vaseline;
• calm your pet with strokes and prevent him from struggling during the measurement process;
• wait for the signal and carefully remove the device.

After the procedure, the animal must be calmed down, the readings must be recorded, and if the cat’s body temperature is critical, call the veterinarian immediately.

Important! It is permissible to measure the temperature of 2-3 cats with one device, but only after thoroughly disinfecting the tip and the entire thermometer with an alcohol solution.

Features of using contactless devices

It would seem that this is the ideal solution, convenient and functional. But, since this is a complex electronic device, many factors influence its accuracy. Manufacturers of even the most expensive devices claim an error of + 0.2°C if all conditions for correct measurement are met. If you violate even one, the deviation will be even greater!

Requirements for working conditions:

• the device correctly measures temperature only in certain conditions (approximately 16-40°C ambient);
• the device should be in this temperature mode for 30 minutes;
• the person being measured must be in the same temperature conditions for at least 10 minutes, and preferably 30;
• at least 30 minutes should also pass after eating, bathing, or physical training;
• The forehead skin should be clean and dry. If cream, dirt, sweat, water is present this may also change the readings;
• The radiation sensor window must be clean and not contaminated with anything (it is recommended to wipe with alcohol. Water is prohibited!);
• the distance between the device and the skin during measurement must coincide with the instructions (3-5-7 cm depending on the model);
• prevent the ingress of warm currents from heaters and batteries;
• Do not hold it in your hand for too long, because this may cause the device to heat up.

If for some reason the requirements are not so stringent, honest manufacturers increase the error in the instructions, there is no question of Chinese devices that have not passed certification.

Possible causes of hyperthermia

If, after active games, a cat’s temperature is 40°C, this is not a reason to worry; as soon as the pet rests, the temperature will return to normal. But when an animal in a calm state shows obvious signs of illness, measures need to be taken.

The causes of hyperthermia can be:

1. Viral diseases. The animal's body reacts to viruses with heat. This is manifested by a high body temperature in the cat, at which microorganisms die.
2. Inflammatory processes. Particularly pugnacious cats and female cats are “lucky” for cuts, lacerations, and bites—bacteria enter the wounds and inflammation begins. Also, the process often occurs after operations, when the cat’s care is not of sufficient quality.
3. Long exposure to the sun. Overheating in a stuffy room, a closed car, or outside in direct sunlight produces intense heat. Most often, older animals and kittens suffer from elevated temperatures due to overheating.
4. Severe stress or prolonged irritating emotions. For example, a fight with a strong opponent or severe fright can cause hyperthermia in a cat.
5. Vaccination, sterilization. If the fever does not subside within 24 hours, the animal must be taken to the veterinarian.

Attention! The cat's temperature should not be higher than 39.5 degrees. Hyperthermia is defined when the thermometer shows 40 degrees or higher. Indicators of 41 degrees are considered critical.

Critical indicators

A cat's body temperature can be either critically elevated (hyperthermia) or reduced (hypothermia).

Hyperthermia is said to occur when readings are above 39.5°C.

If your cat has hyperthermia, the signs are as follows:

• chills;
• hot ears;
• loss of appetite;
• weakness;
• thirst.

The causes of hyperthermia are heat stroke (during prolonged stay in a poorly ventilated room in hot weather), viral, bacterial infections, worms and other cat diseases.

Fever is dangerous due to the following consequences:

• 40.5 °C – danger of dehydration and heart failure.
• 41.1 °C – threatens with cerebral edema, disruption of the heart, lungs, intestinal bleeding, and digestive disorders.

Hypothermia is a consequence of hypothermia, illness, or the use of narcotic drugs. It has different degrees of severity. At 36.7–37.7 °C it is considered mild, at 33 °C it is considered critical.

How to reduce a cat's fever at home

If the cat has a high temperature, you should not wet the cat’s fur or wrap the animal in a damp towel, use folk remedies, or independently reduce the fever with medications intended for treating humans.

And now about how to help and what you can give your cat when a fever appears:

1. Place your pet in a cool room. The optimal air temperature should be about +20 °C. If an animal is overheated in the sun, it is strictly unacceptable to immediately bring it into a cold room. It is best to place the cat in a chair or on a bedding, gradually lowering the air temperature to +18 degrees. Windows and doors should be closed - a draft will provoke a cold.
2. Give plenty of warm fluids in doses of no more than 1 tsp. with a frequency of 1 time every 20-30 minutes. It should be clean, cool (but not cold) water. Water should be given to cats with a syringe without a needle - bring the nose of the syringe to the mouth, lightly press with your fingers on the corners of the jaws so that the pet opens its mouth. Some owners give water with a pear, but in this case there is a risk of giving the cat water with air.
3. Take care of a light diet. Remove dry cat food and natural food, but leave light chicken (warm) broth - this food will help the cat regain strength.

Important! Symptoms of dehydration: vomiting, diarrhea, severe fever, tremors, lack of urination.

If dangerous symptoms are observed and the body temperature cannot be reduced, the animal should be shown to a veterinarian. It is strictly unacceptable to treat your pet on your own.

How to help your pet if he has a fever?

You should not try to bring down your pet's fever on your own. Inept actions can cause the death of a four-legged pet. A febrile condition in a cat is a reason to contact a veterinarian in all cases without exception.

If it is not possible to visit a veterinary clinic, you need to take the following measures at home:

• ventilate the room in which the animal is located, cool the air in it to 19–20°C;
• Give your pet water often; if he refuses, forcefully pour water, chamomile decoction or a solution for oral dehydration into the mouth from a syringe or syringe;
• feed the animal light food, give the kittens milk.

Medicines for humans (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Aspirin, Analgin, Diclofenac, etc.) should not be given to cats, as they can cause intestinal bleeding. The only approved drug is Dexamethasone, but it also has contraindications and restrictions on use. It is better to limit yourself to physical measures.