Cats, like people, have a fever when they get sick. Unfortunately, the systems applied to the human body are not suitable for them. In fact, touching a cat on the forehead is not a reliable method of checking for fever. The only accurate way to check your kitty's temperature is to use a thermometer by inserting it into the rectum or ear. As you can imagine, he will not like to undergo this operation, indeed it will be kept against his will. To understand if it is necessary to measure the temperature, you should pay attention to certain symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to check it without undue stress and, if it exceeds 39 ° C, you should contact your vet.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms of Cat Fever
Step 1. Be aware of changes in behavior
If your cat is usually playful, active, and friendly, isolating himself could indicate that he is not feeling well. If it starts to go under the bed, sofa, table, or any other secluded and unusual place, it could be a symptom. Cats are instinctively cautious animals, although they can be cheerful and curious at any time. If your kitty is sick, he will tend to protect himself by hiding from you.
Step 2. Pay attention to his appetite
If he is used to eating at a certain time or usually consumes a certain amount of food, he may change this behavior if he is unwell. Check his bowl throughout the day to see if he has eaten.
If so, try tempting the cat with slightly more "tempting" foods. You might even consider bringing him the food bowl nearby. If he's hiding because he's not feeling well, he may not feel like venturing to his usual meal spot. If you place the bowl in the area where he feels safest, he may be more likely to eat
Step 3. Watch out for vomiting or diarrhea
Many feline diseases - ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses or ailments - raise body temperature, but can also cause other symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Check the area where the litter box is located. In some cases, the cat may try to bury what the organism expels. If he's used to going out, try to follow him. Take a look at the spots he frequents for something anomalous that he could cover with earth.
Step 4. Notice if he's lethargic
It's a difficult symptom to spot because cats are notoriously lazy animals. He may be lethargic if he refuses to get up when you shake the packet of kibble and if he sits in a room all day, avoiding your company, when he normally likes to follow you from room to room. If you suspect his are typical signs of a sluggish and exhausted attitude, let your vet know.
Part 2 of 4: Taking the Cat's Temperature
Step 1. Prepare the thermometer in advance
Shake it well if it contains mercury. You can also use a digital thermometer - usually, it gives the result in less time. It is advisable to use a disposable cuff with the digital thermometer.
Step 2. Lubricate the thermometer with some petroleum jelly or a water-based gel
KY Jelly will be fine. Your goal is to try to stress the cat as little as possible. Lubrication helps decrease the risk of abrasions, lacerations and pinches.
Step 3. Position the cat correctly
Hold it under your arm, like a soccer ball, with the tail pointing towards the front of your body. Make sure the paws are resting on a solid surface, such as a table. This way, you will reduce the risk of being scratched.
- If you can, don't hesitate to get help from a friend. Some cats squirm and it is not easy to keep them still. Have the lender position the cat so that the thermometer can be easily inserted into the rectum.
- You could also grab it and hold it by the scruff (located on the back of the neck). Since many cats associate this gesture with the protective attitude of the mother, it can have a calming effect.
Step 4. Insert the thermometer into the rectum
Make sure you slide it for about 2.50cm, without going any further. Hold it at 90 degrees to go straight into the cat's rectum. Do not introduce it into any loops, otherwise it will increase the risk of the animal feeling pain and discomfort.
Step 5. Keep the thermometer positioned in the rectum for about 2 minutes
A mercury thermometer may take a little longer to give an accurate result. If you're using a digital thermometer, hold it until it finishes taking the temperature. It usually beeps when it's done.
Hold the cat firmly during this operation. It may squirm, scratch or bite you. Do your best to keep it still and prevent it from hurting itself and those who keep it
Step 6. Read the result
For a cat, the ideal temperature is 38.5 ° C, but it can be considered normal even if it varies between 37.7 and 39 ° C.
- If it drops below 37.2 ° C or is above 40 ° C, you should see your vet immediately.
- Ask your vet for help even if it gets close to 39.4 ° C or beyond, while the cat reacts well.
Step 7. Clean the thermometer
Use warm soapy water or alcohol to wash and clean it. If you used a protector, remove it and wash the thermometer as directed. Be sure to disinfect it entirely before storing it.
Part 3 of 4: Measure the Cat's Ear Temperature
Step 1. Use an ear thermometer, specially designed for cats and dogs
This tool carries a long extension that penetrates the animal's ear canal. It can be purchased at specialty pet stores or some veterinarians. It is generally not as effective as a rectal thermometer. If your cat is feisty, she probably tolerates an ear thermometer better than a rectal one.
Step 2. Hold the cat still
Keep your body firmly, letting your paws rest on a surface (try using the floor). Make sure you keep your head firmly under your arm. It is best not to kick or pull his head while taking his temperature. Again, you should get help from a friend.
Step 3. Insert the thermometer deep into the animal's ear canal
Follow the manufacturer's directions to find out when reading ends. Ear thermometers take about the same amount of time as rectal ones. This will take a couple of minutes.
Step 4. Clean the thermometer and put it away
Just like with any other thermometer, it is advisable to clean it thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol after use. After that you can put it back in its place.
Part 4 of 4: Have the cat visit the vet
Step 1. See your vet if the temperature is below 37.2 ° C or above 39 ° C
In many cases, the cat will be able to fight the fever on its own, but it's always a good idea to see your vet. If you have not been well for several days or you suspect that you have a chronic condition, it is even more important to go to the vet.
Step 2. Explain the symptoms
In addition to saying he has a fever, be sure to report any other symptoms to the vet. This is important information, useful in determining a diagnosis.
Step 3. Follow your vet's instructions strictly
Depending on your diagnosis, you may need to hydrate your dog to make him feel better. If your vet suspects an infection or something else, they may need to be given medication.
Warnings
- Do not try to give the cat antipyretics and do not proceed with sponging to reduce fever. Always consult your vet before trying to treat a sick cat.
- The first few times it is advisable to measure the temperature both in the rectum and in the ear to be sure that the ear thermometer is accurate.
