{"id":385078,"date":"2021-05-21T09:08:55","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T13:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/lifestyle\/cat-temperature-what-too-high-and-low-when-is-it-a-problem"},"modified":"2024-08-27T12:24:38","modified_gmt":"2024-08-27T16:24:38","slug":"what-should-a-cats-temperature-be","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/what-should-a-cats-temperature-be\/","title":{"rendered":"Cat Temperature: Our Vet Explains What Is Too High, Low & How to Take It"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nHow to Take a Cat\u2019s Temperature<\/a>
\nCare Tips<\/a>
\nFAQ<\/a>
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You may feel regularly hot and cold throughout the day with minor fluctuations in your body\u2019s temperature. Your cat is no different! You may notice that they move toward a sunbeam in the morning and choose a cooler, shady spot in the afternoon. These minor changes are completely normal. What\u2019s not normal is a drastic temperature change that is not as fleeting.<\/p>\n

A cat\u2019s normal temperature is somewhere between 100.5\u2109 and 102.5\u2109.<\/strong> Anything higher or lower may be a concern. It can be hard to tell if your kitty\u2019s temperature is abnormal, though, so taking it with a thermometer is the best way to check.<\/p>\n

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What Is the Normal Temp for a Cat?<\/h2>\n

Most cats are going to fall in that 100.5\u2109 and 102.5\u2109 range when they\u2019re healthy and feeling good. Slight variations can take place based on their environment or their activity level. So, if your kitty just finished up with a case of the zoomies, their temperature may be on the high side or slightly above that normal range, or if they\u2019ve just come inside from sitting in the snow (yes, some cats do like snow!), they may be a bit low. Both of these types of changes should be temporary, with their body returning to normal within just a few minutes.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s considered an abnormal temperature is a number that falls outside of the normal range and stays there. Hyperthermia is when a cat\u2019s body temp is over the normal limits, such as with a fever or overexertion. Hypothermia is when their temp is below normal, which can happen with severe trauma, anesthesia, or exposure to very cold conditions.<\/p>\n

Both can have serious consequences, so it\u2019s important to know when your cat\u2019s temperature is too high or too low. To find out how warm your kitty is, you\u2019ll need to know how to take their temperature properly.<\/p>\n

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How to Take a Cat\u2019s Temperature<\/h2>\n

Since your feline friend is covered in hair, feeling their forehead to assess their temperature isn\u2019t going to work, so you\u2019ll need to get out the thermometer. Similarly, forehead thermometers made for humans won\u2019t work. You\u2019ll need to use a rectal thermometer or an ear (aural) thermometer meant for cats.<\/p>\n

How to Take a Cat\u2019s Temperature With an Ear Thermometer<\/h3>\n

These are like human ear thermometers in that a long arm is inserted into the ear canal, with a temperature reading popping up fairly quickly. These may be easier to use and less gross than a rectal thermometer, but they may also not be as accurate. To get a proper reading, the tip of the thermometer needs to get as close to the eardrum as possible. Wax and other debris may also affect the reading.<\/p>\n

To use, you will need to simply push the power button, insert the probe deep into the ear, and wait for the beep. Having someone hold your kitty\u2019s head may help keep the probe where it needs to be to get the best reading.<\/p>\n

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How to Take a Cat\u2019s Temperature With a Rectal Thermometer<\/h3>\n

The rectal thermometer has long been the method of choice for most vets, though that may be changing. Rectal thermometers may be digital or old school with a column of mercury that will need to be read. To use one of these, you\u2019ll likely need a buddy to hold your kitty because they are not going to like it.<\/p>\n

Position your cat so you have access to their rectum and they are comfortable, as this may take a few minutes. Mercury thermometers will need to be shaken so they read well below 100\u2109. Apply a bit of a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, to the tip of either type of rectal thermometer, push the power button for digital thermometers, and insert the probe end into your cat\u2019s rectum. You\u2019ll only need to go in about an inch.<\/p>\n

Digital rectal thermometers should beep and give you a number within a minute or so, while mercury thermometers will need to remain in place for 2\u20133 minutes. You can then remove the thermometer and read the numbers.<\/p>\n

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Aural or Rectal Thermometer: Which Is More Accurate?<\/h3>\n

The accuracy of taking your cat\u2019s temperature may depend more on the process than on the thermometer. Numerous studies have come up with varying results on the accuracy of aural thermometers versus rectal. The general consensus is that the aural ones are fine if used correctly.<\/p>\n

A possible issue that may come up and affect the accuracy of your cat\u2019s temperature reading is movement from your kitty. As you can imagine, most cats aren\u2019t going to willingly let you stick something in their ear or elsewhere, so they\u2019re going to want to wiggle away. Having a set or two of extra hands can decrease the severity of this potential issue and help you get a more accurate reading.<\/p>\n

If your cat just isn\u2019t having it, even with help from others to hold them, see your veterinarian. No one wants you or your kitty to get hurt, so seek professional help if your cat isn\u2019t into it or if you just don\u2019t want to take part.<\/p>\n

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How to Care for a Cat With a High or Low Temperature<\/h2>\n

If your kitty seems to have a change in body temperature that is here to stay\u2014in other words, it doesn\u2019t return to normal within a few minutes\u2014see your vet. Both high and low temperatures can indicate that something is wrong with your cat that needs to be treated by a veterinarian.<\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

Can You Take a Cat\u2019s Temperature With a Human Thermometer?<\/h3>\n

Most human thermometers can double as cat thermometers if you use them correctly. Just make sure that an aural thermometer is long enough to reach into your cat\u2019s ear and that you can properly clean and disinfect a rectal thermometer after use.<\/p>\n

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How Can You Tell If Your Cat Has a Fever Without a Thermometer?<\/h3>\n

Taking your cat\u2019s temperature with a thermometer is the only true way to know if they have a fever. However, there are a few other things that you can do to give you a rough idea. Feeling your cat\u2019s ears<\/a> or nose can provide you with a bit of insight into their body temperature. If the ears or nose feel hotter, it may be due to a fever. If they feel cooler, it could mean that something is going on that is causing their body temp to drop.<\/p>\n

You should also pay attention to other signs, such as lethargy or a decreased appetite<\/a>, that may accompany a change in body temperature. If you think that your cat\u2019s body temperature is abnormal, see your vet.<\/p>\n

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Knowing how to take your cat\u2019s body temperature and what is normal can help you make a quick assessment of your pet\u2019s health status to determine if they need to see a professional. However, if your cat is showing any signs of illness<\/a> or an injury, with or without a change in body temperature, do not hesitate to see your vet.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong><\/p>\n