There are several situations where you may need to check your cat's temperature. It is important to know how to check these vital signs accurately and correctly at home. Although cats are experts at hiding their problems, there are some signs that can indicate a cat is feeling unwell, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. Your awareness of your cat's normal behavior and personality will make it easier for you to recognize other changes. Using a thermometer is the only accurate way to measure a cat's body temperature. If you already know your cat's temperature, it's a good idea to follow up with your vet.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Measuring a Cat's Body Temperature Through the Anus
Step 1. Purchase a rectal thermometer
There are two options for measuring your cat's temperature: using a rectal thermometer or an ear thermometer. A rectal thermometer will give the most accurate results. In choosing a thermometer, you can choose between a digital thermometer or mercury.
- Digital thermometers can display results quickly so that the measurement process is not too unpleasant for you or your cat.
- The mercury thermometer is made of glass. Therefore, using this thermometer requires a lot of preparation because the cat will squirm when the temperature is measured.
- No matter what type of thermometer you use, you should label the thermometer for your cat so it won't be misused by other people in the house.
Step 2. Ask others for help
Cats naturally don't like it when something is inserted in their anus. The cat will struggle and run away, maybe even claw. To keep the cat still, it's best to ask someone else to hold the cat.
Step 3. Wrap the cat in a blanket or small towel
The easiest way to restrain a cat is to wrap the cat in a blanket or small towel. This makes the animals easier to handle and silence.
Use a blanket to wrap the cat like a lemper while leaving the cat's tail and anus open
Step 4. Use thick leather gloves to grab the cat by the scruff of the neck
Wrapping a cat in a blanket is the safest and most widely used method of veterinarians. However, if you don't want to wrap your cat in a blanket, ask an assistant to hold your cat. Assistants should wear thick leather gloves to prevent scratches and bites. The assistant then holds the back of the cat's neck under the head. This area is called the “neck.” Grip gently to control the cat's head.
Mother cats usually take their kittens by the nape of the neck so this grip is also somewhat soothing to the cat
Step 5. Secure the cat's body
If the assistant is already holding the cat by the nape, ask him to use his free hand to secure the cat's body. Make sure the cat's bottom is facing out so that the thermometer is easy to enter.
For ease of depiction, the arm wrapped around the cat should be positioned as if guarding an american football ball
Step 6. Prepare the thermometer
If you are using a mercury thermometer, it is best to shake it well before using it. Shake the thermometer until the mercury is below 36°. Whatever type of thermometer you use, lubricate it beforehand to make it easier to enter and not be too unpleasant for your cat.
KY Jelly and Vaseline are examples of lubricants you can use
Step 7. Insert the thermometer
Lift the cat's tail and insert the thermometer 2.5 cm deep into the cat's anus. Do not force the thermometer into your cat's anus.
Step 8. Wait for the specified time
The digital thermometer will beep when finished. If you are using a mercury thermometer, wait 2 minutes.
Step 9. Take and check the thermometer
After the beep sounds or you have waited 2 minutes, remove the thermometer from the cat's anus. The digital thermometer will display numbers that are easy to read. The mercury thermometer must be held in a certain position until you can see the mercury in the tube next to the numbers. The highest point of mercury indicates the cat's temperature.
Step 10. Release your cat
The cat will squirm and want to leave immediately. Carefully remove the handles or wraps of the blanket so that you or your assistant are not scratched or bitten.
Step 11. Compare the temperature with the normal range
The normal range for a cat's temperature when measured through the anus is between 37.8-39.2°C. Like humans, slight differences are not a bad sign. However, if your cat's temperature is below 37.2°C or above 40°C, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Don't forget, a normal cat's temperature doesn't mean the cat isn't sick or injured. If your cat's unnatural behavior persists, or you have other reasons to suspect an injury or illness to your cat, you should see your veterinarian immediately
Step 12. Wash the thermometer
Don't forget to clean the thermometer with warm water, soapy water, or rubbing alcohol. Let dry completely before storing. You should also immediately sanitize the sink where you wash the thermometer to prevent transmission of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in cat feces.
- If you are using a mercury thermometer, do not use too hot water as this can damage the thermometer.
- Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly.
Method 2 of 2: Measuring a Cat's Temperature Through Ear
Step 1. Purchase a digital ear thermometer
There are advantages and disadvantages of ear thermometers. This thermometer is easier to use on cats who like to wriggle and resist rectal thermometers. However, placing the ear thermometer in the cat's ear correctly is difficult, making it difficult to obtain accurate results.
Ear thermometers are also more expensive
Step 2. Ask for help holding the cat safely
Most cats like to have a thermometer inserted in their ear. Therefore, assistance may not be necessary, in contrast to the use of a rectal thermometer. In general, if your cat allows you to rub or scratch his inner ear, you don't need help.
Step 3. Hold the cat's head
The cat's head should still be held in place to prevent wriggling while the thermometer is inserted into the ear. Perhaps, picking up the cat by the scruff of the neck will help. This way, you can control the cat's head and give the cat a calming effect.
Step 4. Insert the ear thermometer
Ear thermometers are not as long as rectal thermometers and can be safely inserted deep enough into a cat's ear. Keep the thermometer horizontal when inserted.
Step 5. Wait for the thermometer to beep and display the result
The ear thermometer measures the temperature of the eardrum area and displays the brain area accurately. The thermometer will beep as a sign that it can be removed and the results can be seen.
Step 6. Unplug the ear thermometer and check the result
A cat's normal temperature range taken from the ear is wider than rectally. Normal cat ear temperature is between 37.8-39.4°C.
- As with rectal thermometer results, call your doctor immediately if they are below 37.2°C or above 40°C.
- Don't forget, a normal cat's temperature doesn't mean the cat isn't sick or injured. If your cat's unnatural behavior persists, or you have other reasons to suspect an injury or illness to your cat, you should see your veterinarian immediately.
Tips
- If you're having trouble keeping your cat quiet or getting an accurate result, take your cat to the vet.
- The anal and ear temperatures of the cat should be approximately the same, if the measurement technique is correct.
- If possible, take the cat's temperature at the anus and ear the first or second time. If the results are similar, then you have used the ear thermometer correctly.
Warning
- Temperatures below 37.2°C and above 40°C can indicate serious complications. You should contact the vet. A high temperature is a symptom of infection, while a low temperature is a result of stress or shock.
- You should also contact your veterinarian if there is evidence of blood, diarrhea, or black discharge when you remove the rectal thermometer.
