How to measure the temperature at home

In many homes, cats have become full members of the family that need to be taken care of. It is necessary to monitor the health of the cat as carefully as the health of the children, as the animal cannot say what and where it hurts. Elevated body temperature can be a serious indicator of a disease or some kind of disturbance in an animal's body.

What is a normal temperature for cats?

In fact, the body temperature of cats is different from human. Cats are warm-blooded animals, whose normal body temperature ranges from 38 to 39 degrees. Small kittens and pregnant cats may experience a slight increase in temperature. If your pet has eaten, the thermometer will also show the temperature above normal.Even the temperature may be elevated in cats at night or in the evening, as well as after taking certain medications.

The body is equally hotter in cats of any breed. Many people think that sphinxes are very warm-blooded because they are incredibly hot to the touch. But it is not. Just this breed has no wool, which smooths the sharp drop in body temperature with the environment. Therefore, sphinxes and seem so hot.

If you notice that the cat is suspiciously hot, do not rush to panic. Perhaps she just eaten or overheated in the sun. Measure the temperature every hour to monitor the dynamics. If the temperature gradually returned to normal - this is not a cause for concern, perhaps the cat was just over-excited. Well, if a high degree persists or creeps up - this is a sign of a disease. Temperatures above 39.5 degrees are considered indications for examination. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How to measure cat's body temperature

1. Electronic rectal thermometer. This device most accurately and quickly shows the body temperature of the animal.A modern electronic thermometer is inserted into the anus, after which you need to press a button. After a minute, the device produces a special sound, which indicates that the temperature measurement is completed. Initially, such thermometers were invented for babies, because it was not possible to keep an ordinary measuring device under the arm of a child. But similar devices became widespread in veterinary medicine, because animals also reluctantly go for this procedure. The advantages of an electronic thermometer are its speed, accuracy of results and safety. It is not as fragile as an ordinary mercury device; if you drop an electronic thermometer, nothing will happen to it. The only drawback is its relatively expensive price.
2. Universal electronic thermometer. This device differs from the previous one in that it can be used not only rectally. Such a thermometer measures the temperature of the human body under the arm. Unlike a rectal, a universal thermometer has a hard tip, therefore, when introducing it into the anus of an animal, you must be extremely careful. In terms of functionality, the thermometer is similar to rectal, the only thingit takes a little longer to get a result — about 3 minutes. Some modern models are equipped with a timer and sound signals. This device is also very accurate, waterproof and shockproof.
3. Mercury thermometer. This is an old, well-known device that we measure temperature for a long time. To measure the cat's body temperature, of course, it does not quite fit, because you have to wait at least 5 minutes until it gives the correct result. And during this time, the animal becomes nervous, it will take a lot of strength to keep it. However, if necessary, most often at home there is only a mercury device and you have to get out of the situation. In addition, a mercury thermometer is very fragile and unsafe, if broken.

How to cat to measure the temperature rectally

Many say that they can not torture your cat and measure his temperature. However, if the body temperature of the animal is not measured in time, the pathology or the development of the disease is not detected, you can lose your pet altogether. Let's not talk about sad things, but any owner should know how to measure the temperature of a cat rectally. And if necessary, take advantage of this knowledge.

1. If there is no urgent reason, choose a time of day when the cat is in a calm and peaceful mood.
2. If the animal has a sharp temper, then it is advisable to find an assistant - it is very difficult to retain a wayward cat alone.
3. Find an old towel or other thick cloth. Wrap the animal gently but firmly so that only the tail and head remain open. Check if the cat's paws are fixed.
4. Clean and disinfected thermometer should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or baby cream (tip only).
5. Put the tip of the thermometer in the anus of the animal with rotational movements. No need to poke deep, no more than one centimeter deep. At the same time firmly hold the "patient".
6. Tilt the tip slightly so that it touches the inside of the rectal mucosa.
7. While it is time to determine the temperature, speak gently with your pet, calm him intonationally so that he does not accept the procedure that is in progress, as a punishment.
8. After the temperature is measured, thoroughly wash and disinfect the thermometer. For a cat it is better to have your device in the veterinary first aid kit.
9. Do not forget to encourage your pet after the procedure with his favorite delicacy so that he quickly calms down and forget about his experiences.
10. If the body temperature of the animal for several days does not fall below 39.5 degrees - this is a real reason to contact a veterinarian.

How to cat to measure the temperature without a thermometer

If there is no thermometer on hand, it is possible to judge the increased body temperature of the cat by the following signs.

1. Nose. Usually the cat has a wet and cold nose. As the temperature rises, it becomes hot and dry. But remember that an objective measurement can only be when the cat is awake and does not play outdoor games - for example, it simply rests. After all, during sleep, the nose of all cats becomes warm and dry, exactly the same as during active games. By the way, old cats, which for many years, also suffer from dry nose, so this factor can not be an absolute indicator.
2. When a cat has a fever, the third eyelid becomes visible not only when it sleeps, but also during wakefulness. This is one of the obvious symptoms of fever.
3. If the cat's body temperature is abnormal, you can notice how the animal is trembling, chills cover the body. The behavior of the pet is also changing - he does not play, does not want to eat, drinks a lot.Sometimes the pet hides from the owners, gathers in a ball and sits on strained paws.
4. In addition to changes in diet and mood, a cat may suffer other symptoms at a high temperature, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Check the tray, maybe it's time for you to run to the doctor.

First aid to a cat at high temperature

Increased fever in cats can be a sign of a simple ailment or a serious illness. In any case, you need to show the animal to a competent specialist who will make the correct diagnosis. Ideally, you should see a doctor the same day.

If the animal has a high fever, it is not recommended to give antipyretic drugs intended for humans. In case you cannot get to the doctor soon, and the temperature does not fall below 40 degrees, you can give the animal a tablet of dipyrone. Kittens enough half or quarter pills. This drug will relieve swelling. The cat must be saved from dehydration, so try to water it as often as possible. Offer her milk or another favorite drink.

If you are going to the doctor, and the temperature quickly rises, then on the road you need to take pieces of ice and wet tissue. Wrap the ice in a cloth and place it on the inside of the thighs and neck of the animal.Wrap your pet with a wet cloth and go to the doctor, high fever is very serious.

Everyone knows that a veterinarian can be called at home, but it is better to get to the clinic yourself. After all, often the body temperature of an animal is high - these are the consequences of a virus or infection, therefore it is better to get tested right on the spot, to get a result and appropriate treatment. Take care of your pets, and they will repay you with love and devotion.

Video: how to measure the temperature of the animal