What is considered a normal body temperature for a cat?

To know if your pet is sick, you need to know what their normal temperature is. Each animal species has its own temperature range. Some are higher, others lower. It can also fluctuate among pets of different ages and even breeds. So, what's considered a normal temperature for a cat? take the temperature cat at home independently and correctly?

Physiological parameters in cats and normal body temperature

Let's start with the most basic physiological indicator: temperature. In a healthy animal, it can depend on:

• gender;
• Breed and body size (the larger the cat, the lower its body temperature). However, a Sphynx cat's body temperature will be higher than that of its furry counterparts (due to the fact that they have to independently "adjust" to their environment);
• age;
• environment (mainly from its temperature);
• time of day (it rises in the evening, because the animal expends energy during the day).

A normal body temperature for cats ranges from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius (100.4 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit). However, in babies, it's slightly higher, ranging from 38.5 to 39.5 degrees Celsius (100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit). In newborns, it can reach as high as 40.5 degrees Celsius (104.5 degrees Fahrenheit), but it's best not to use thermometers on these little ones unless absolutely necessary.

But to know what your pet's temperature is, you need to know how to take a cat's temperature at home correctly. There's nothing complicated about this procedure, rather, it's rather unpleasant. You'll need:

1. a thermometer (you can use a mercury one, but an electronic one will be faster, which is important when measuring an animal's temperature),
2. Vaseline (but you can replace it with some kind of fatty cream, ideally without fragrances, you can use baby cream),
3. a towel or blanket (to tuck in a particularly unruly pet).

It's unlikely you'll be able to handle this alone unless you're experienced. It's best to ask someone to help. One person will hold the animal steady, while the other holds the thermometer and takes readings. Now let's move on to the actual measurement technique.

How to take a cat's temperature

• The animal must be restrained. For calmer cats, it's enough to press them firmly to a horizontal surface (floor, table, bed), grasping them firmly by the scruff of the neck and pelvic area. For cats with a strong personality, it's best to wrap them in a bath towel or blanket, leaving the rectum uncovered. The restrainer must remain calm, not panic, and not loosen their grip under any circumstances, otherwise the cat will break free, bite, and scratch.
• Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline or greasy cream.

Lift the cat's tail and gently but firmly insert the tip of the thermometer into the pet's rectum (to a depth of one to two centimeters maximum). Remember that a cat's temperature (like that of other warm-blooded domestic animals) is measured rectally. Avoid inserting the thermometer too deeply or too forcefully to avoid injury. Time the thermometer—three to five minutes is sufficient. If you're using an electronic thermometer, remove it after the beep.

After removing the thermometer, be sure to disinfect the tip with a disinfectant (at least vodka or an alcohol-based solution). It's advisable to have a separate thermometer for your pet, not one that will be used by people.

As you can see, taking a cat's temperature at home is not at all difficult. This will allow you to notice when your pet has a fever. But what does a rise in temperature indicate?

Why does a cat's body temperature rise?

There are several reasons why a cat's body temperature rises:

• Overheating. Especially if it's hot outside, an increase in body temperature is the body's defense mechanism. This is how your pet regulates its own heat exchange, releasing excess heat into the environment. So, make sure your cat isn't in outside in the heat Without the opportunity to hide in the shade and drink clean, cool water. And keep an eye on the room temperature. Cats often overheat indoors, too.
• After exercise, after feeding, and during pregnancy. This means your pet is completely healthy and there's no cause for concern. The temperature will rise slightly (no more than a degree, called a low-grade fever), and the cat will behave as usual: cheerful and with a good appetite.
• An inflammatory process in the body. Fever is the main symptom of inflammation. Therefore, if you don't notice any external changes in your pet, but the temperature has risen, seek immediate veterinary attention. It's especially dangerous when the fever is accompanied by a cough. runny nose, frequent or, conversely, rare breathing, vomiting or diarrheaThis often indicates an infectious disease or a serious inflammatory process.

Increased temperature after sterilization, vaccination

Fever after surgery isn't always a reaction to the procedure. Yes, a cat's temperature may rise slightly in the first 24 hours after spaying. This is, after all, a "shock" for the body, as it tries to recover and defend itself. However, if the thermometer reads above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), the cat becomes lethargic, apathetic, refuses food and water, and constantly lies down or hides, then contact a veterinarian immediately or have a veterinarian come to your home. This condition may indicate the onset of inflammation, and antibiotic therapy may be necessary.

A temperature spike may also be observed after vaccinations. If it's mild (about 1 degree above the upper limit of normal), don't panic. This is completely normal. The immune system has begun to work, fighting off the pathogens introduced with the vaccine. A low-grade fever can last up to three days. However, if the temperature is extremely high, it's best to consult a veterinarian to rule out (or confirm) any underlying medical condition and begin treatment promptly.

Why does a cat's temperature drop?

A cat's body temperature doesn't always rise; it can also drop. This is also a worrying symptom, as the body's metabolic processes slow down significantly. Such a drop can be caused by hypothermia or poisoning. In any case, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out serious health issues.

What to do if your cat's temperature rises

If your cat's temperature is abnormal, do not rush to bring it down without consulting a veterinarian.

1. If it's elevated (slightly), it's a sign that the body's immune system has begun to "work." It needs time to fight the fever. But if the fever persists for a long time or is high, it needs to be brought down.
2. Self-administering fever medications can lead to death. Yes, death. Because the familiar aspirin and paracetamol (and medications containing them) damage the renal tubules.
3. Remember the dosage. Cats are smaller than humans, so the dosage should be calculated based on their weight.

Therefore, any treatment should only be prescribed by a veterinarian after an in-person examination. It may require not only antipyretics and antispasmodics (to reduce the temperature more quickly), but also other medications (antibiotics, antivirals, immunostimulants, cardiac and respiratory support, and others).

So, a normal temperature for cats is considered to be one that ranges from 38 to 39 degrees; if it is within these limits, then there is no need to worry.

You can also ask our website's staff veterinarian a question, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comments box below.

Read also:

• Colds in Cats: Symptoms and Treatment
• Why does a cat sneeze?
• Why does a cat have watery eyes?