How To Take A Cats Temperature?
Best Answer:
If you measure the body temperature of the cat, after adjusting the thermometer, when the cat is sleeping or relaxing, clip the thermometer to the inside of the cat's hind legs, where the hair is the least, and leave it for 5 minutes to read. Ear temperature measurement is also possible, which is measured with an ear thermometer specially used for pets, but the accuracy is usually not high.
Rectal temperature measurement is often used to detect the cat's body temperature when the cat is sick. This operation is relatively difficult, and it is best to operate with two people. One person holds the cat so that it doesn't move, and the other person applies a small amount of lubricant (such as erythromycin ointment) to the mercury tip of the thermometer. Then insert the thermometer into the cat's rectum and extend it to 3-4 cm. After two minutes, if the number no longer increases, you can take it out and read the value.
What kind of thermometer should be used?
We recommend a digital thermometer. Why?
As you may expect, cats do not consider rectal temperature taking fun and may kick up quite a fuss. As such a glass thermometer is not safe since it may break if the cat gets agitated.
Why is taking your cat’s temperature important?
In order to make sure that your cat remains healthy, there are some checks that you can do at home if you notice that your cat is lethargic or not her usual self. One of the first things you can do is take your cat’s temperature. However, you may be wondering exactly how to take your feline friend's temperature. Luckily, we can help you take your cat’s temperature safely making the process as painless as possible. Below we will explore why taking your cat’s temperature is a good idea. We will also walk you through the process of how to take your cat’s temperature the right way.
Like in humans, high temperatures or fevers can signal a variety of ailments in cats. Some are easily treatable while others can be more severe. Here are a few of the health issues that usually come with elevated temperatures:
• Bacterial infections
• Viral infections
• Fungal infections
• Injuries
• Parasites
Of course, low temperatures in cats are also dangerous and must be addressed. They may be a sign of hypothermia. This medical issue can be brought on by the following conditions:
• Cold shock
• Low environmental temperatures (for instance your cat may have been caught outside on a cold night)
• Submersion in frigid water (if your cat fell into a lake for example)
How to take a cat’s temperature?
So you may be wondering exactly how to take your cat’s temperature and to be sure there is a right way.
Let’s get the incorrect ways out of the way. So inserting a thermometer is not a plan. Firstly, the cat will not like it and it is highly unlikely that you will get an accurate reading.
Placing the thermometer in your pet cat’s mouth is also impractical since you will not be able to keep it there long enough to get a proper reading.
As such the only right way to take your cat’s temperature is by inserting the thermometer into the anus. Rectal temperatures are also known to be the most accurate. Here is our step-by-step guide to taking your cat’s temperature:
Step 1- Hold your cat close to your chest or have a friend who is accustomed to your cat hold her. Holding the cat prevents him from sitting.
Step 2- Lift the tail to gain access to the cat’s anus.
Step 3- Gently insert the thermometer into your pet’s anus. You should not go further than a quarter-inch.
Step 4- Slightly tilt the thermometer so it makes contact with the body.
Step 5- Hold securely in place until you get a reading
Step 6- Remove the thermometer and make a note of the temperature. Clean the thermometer with alcohol or an antibacterial solution.
So now you know how to take your cat’s temperature properly. We wish you many healthy years with your beloved pet.
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