Ever notice that a cat is particularly nice to cuddle up to on a chilly night? That's because the average body temperature for a cat is 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit — or 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. Disease — or prolonged exposure to heat or cold — can send a cat's temperature above or below the normal range.
Usually, a mild fever is a normal part of a cat's natural disease-fighting system. But extremely high or persistent fever can do serious — or even fatal — damage, and calls for professional help. You can't really rely on touching your cat to tell if he's running a fever, and you can't get him to hold a thermometer under his tongue. Unfortunately, the most accurate and reliable way to take your cat's temperature is the way he's going to like least — rectally. Of course, your cat isn't going to like this, especially if he or she is already not feeling well. If your cat is already showing signs of being ill, it may be worth trying. If you can manage to take your cat's temperature, it can help to let the vet know that he or she is running a fever before you get to the office.
Obviously, a rectal thermometer is the equipment called for here; you'll want to have a dedicated "cat thermometer" on hand ahead of time. A digital one is best. Lubricate the end with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. With your cat's feet firmly planted on a secure surface, tuck him or her under one arm with the tail pointed outward and the nose back by your elbow. (This may be a two-person operation.) With the hand of that same arm, hold the cat's tail up, and gently insert the thermometer in the anus with the other hand (you may have to bear down slightly at first). Slowly insert the thermometer about one inch, and keep it there for up to three minutes, if possible. Gently remove the thermometer, wipe it off and read the temperature. Write it down so you can report it accurately to the vet when you call.
Now you know how to examine your cat inside and out, and hopefully, we've given you a better idea of when it's necessary to take him or her to the vet. If you do decide it's time for a visit, you can tell your vet exactly what you've observed, and your cat will be soon be on the road to recovery.
Originally Published: Jun 1, 2011
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- Cat World. "How to Perform a Monthly Health Check on Your Cat at Home." Cat World. 2011. (Jan. 25, 2022) //www.cat-world.com.au/performing-monthly-health-checks-on-your-cat
- Eldredge, Debra M., et al. "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Howell Book House. Dec. 10, 2007.
- Haynes, Dr. Marie. "Lentigo on a cat." Ask A Vet Question. 2010. (Jan. 25, 2022) //www.askavetquestion.com/answer_np.php?id=1196--35-year-old-tortoiseshell-cat-developed-
- Nash, Holly. "A Comprehensive Dental Care Program for Your Cat." Drs. Foster & Smith. 2011. (Jan. 25, 2022) //www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2121&aid=516
- Schelling, Christianne. "You and Your Cat: Monitoring Health at Home." Cat Health. 2005. (Jan. 25, 2022) //www.cathealth.com/monitorhealth.htm
The only way to know for sure whether your cat has a fever is to take its temperature. The whole process should only take a few minutes, provided the cat isn't resisting you. The normal temperature for most cats is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures may require a visit to the veterinarian, depending on other symptoms.
Watch your cat for certain behaviors that can accompany a fever. These allow the cat to conserve energy so more can go into fighting the disease that provoked the fever. Fevers fight disease by stimulating the immune system and slowing the growth of bacteria and viruses. Although fevers can sometimes help fight illness, a fever higher than 106 degrees Fahrenheit can cause organ damage. Contact your vet as soon as possible if your cat has a high fever.
Watch out for these telltale signs of a fever:
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Lack of energy or activity
- Decreased drinking
- Decreased grooming
- Shivering or rapid breathing
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
You can either take your cat's temperature rectally, or via its ear, but rectal temperatures are more accurate. If you're trying to determine just how high the cat's temperature is, use a rectal thermometer. Digital thermometers give a reading much faster and make the process shorter. Make sure you keep the thermometer separate so that it's only used on the cat.
To take a rectal temperature, gather the following:
- Human rectal thermometer
- Vaseline or KY Jelly for lubrication
- Timer with second hand
- Towel
Turn the thermometer on and set it to zero, then lubricate the thermometer with the Vaseline or KY Jelly. Stand the cat on the counter and hold it securely with your arm. Its face should be resting in the crook of your elbow with its tail end toward your other hand. If necessary, wrap the cat in the towel with its butt end protruding.
Lift the cat's tail with one hand while inserting the thermometer slowly and steadily into its anus, to a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch, with your other hand. You will feel the sphincter muscle tighten, then relax. Hold the thermometer there for two minutes (or until it beeps if it is digital) while talking to the cat in a soothing voice.
Remove the thermometer. Record the temperature and the date and time. Wash the thermometer well with warm water and disinfectant soap, then store separately from any thermometers used for humans. Thoroughly wash your hands and the sink where you washed the thermometer; cat feces can contain many harmful bacteria.
Although the cat is less likely to resist you if you take its temperature via its ear, the process can be a bit more difficult. Ear thermometers need to be placed in the right area to get an accurate reading. While your cat may tolerate this method better than having its temperature taken rectally, the animal may try to get away from you. If it does, grab it by the scruff of the neck, which usually (if temporarily) will calm most cats.
Insert a digital ear thermometer in your cat's ear. Hold it horizontally while keeping the cat's head still. When it beeps to let you know it has a reading, release your cat and record the temperature. Thoroughly clean the thermometer.
If you are having trouble with getting an accurate read, a second (or third) set of hands can be helpful. If one person can hold the cat, the other can usually handle the thermometer. A temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit is a dangerous level and your cat should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. If it's higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit, you should call your veterinarian for advice.
- Most cats will resist having their temperature taken and your cat may bite or scratch you. Wear long sleeves and consider wearing protective gloves.
- If possible, have a second person the cat knows assist by holding, talking to, and petting the cat while you take its temperature.
- Once you have the reading, let your cat get away. It may sulk for a while.
- Offer your cat a treat or small snack (as long as it's not showing signs of a digestive illness) after the procedure.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.