The body temperature of cats, although higher than that of humans, still has its limits. Any deviations from the norm should cause anxiety and excitement in the owners. Many people try to find out what the body temperature of cats is by their nose, but this is a mistake. The final and accurate verdict on the health of the pet can be made only on the basis of a thermometer.
Normal temperature cats
If the owner has doubts about the condition of his pet, you should use a thermometer. The first indicator of an ailment should always be the temperature of the cat's body. The norm is from 38 to 39 degrees. You should not resort to such popular signs as a wet nose or sleepy behavior. Not always these signs indicate a pet's disease.
Increased or decreased indicators of the thermometer depend on many factors. In this case, the age of the pet, its gender, and time of the year are also important. Like any other animal, the normal body temperature in cats depends on the processes taking place in their bodies. In a dream, their indicators noticeably decrease, since maintaining this state requires a minimum of energy.
During eating, the cat's body temperature rises to 38.5, but still remains normal. The limit of 39 degrees is reached only in the active state, when the pet jumps and runs a lot. It is worth noting immediately that in kittens, normal rates are slightly higher than in adult representatives of the species. This is due to a mobile lifestyle. Kittens spend several times more energy on ensuring an active state, because their organs and systems have not yet become stronger.
It is recommended to
measure the temperature of the pet in the afternoon, some time after sleep. The fact is that in the evening, indicators can slightly increase, and in the morning - vice versa.
How to make measurements?
Before you determine what the body temperature of cats, you need to know a few nuances. Measurements are carried out only with a mercury thermometer, although some veterinarians allow the use of an electronic analogue. The difference is that the first shows more accurately, and the second - much faster, but with errors.
For measurement, a thermometer is introduced rectally. This unexpected initiative of the owners is unlikely to please the pet, therefore it is recommended to carry out the procedure together with an assistant who would keep the animal in a horizontal position. For convenient fixation of paws, a thick sheet or towel is suitable.
You should also hold the cat's head with your hand, as it may begin to bite. In addition, this action will calm the pet: he will feel the warmth of a person he knows. The most effective way to fix the animal is to firmly grab it by the scruff of the neck and gently press it against a horizontal surface (floor, sofa).
Before entering, the thermometer must be lubricated with petroleum jelly (any oils are prohibited). The result can be viewed in 3 minutes. If the indicators are in the range of 38-39 degrees, you can calm down and leave the animal alone. Otherwise, you need to look for the cause of the disease. If the temperature is too high or low, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.
In addition to the rectal method, there is another method of measurement - an infrared-based ear thermometer. Such a thermometer is ideal for determining the condition of a cat at home. He has no contraindications and does not cause negative emotions in the pet. Its norm in degrees is from 37.8 to 39.5. The only drawback of this measurement is that during the inflammation of the ear, the thermometer may show several divisions higher than it actually is.
Hyperthermia in pets
A fever in a cat may be due to several reasons. Firstly, it is worth paying attention to the presence of infectious diseases in a pet. Also, worms influence the increase in indicators. If kittens have intestinal parasites, then the temperature can reach 41 degrees. However, the main cause of hyperthermia is a bacterial imbalance in the body.
If the temperature indicators are significantly higher than normal, then urgently need to bring down to at least 39.0. As a result of hyperthermia in cats, the breakdown of protein compounds occurs, as a result of which problems with the heart and other internal organs can begin. The first signs of a shortage of vital substances are hair loss and peeling of the skin. Also, at elevated temperatures, the animal's breathing and pulse become more frequent. With severe and prolonged course of hyperthermia, dehydration appears.
To reduce the temperature, you can use ice, applying it to places where there is no wool. It is important that the pet drank a lot and was not near heating appliances. Kittens who have a pronounced weakness and lack of appetite should be infused with a syringe. Any medication is prescribed only by a veterinarian.
Symptoms and causes of hyperthermia
The main signs that cats' body temperature is elevated is a change in their behavior and condition. Such symptoms include weakness, constant trembling, poor appetite. In animals with hyperthermia, severe dehydration occurs within 2 days, breathing and palpitations increase. In rare cases, the animal has a state of shock or fear.
The causes of fever can be infections, and viruses, and parasites. Most often, it is because of foreign microorganisms that pets experience acute malaise and hyperthermia. Also,
an elevated temperature can be the result of a metabolic disorder, a malfunction in the endocrine system or the presence of a tumor. Before determining the cause of the onset of hyperthermia, it is necessary to exclude variants with the reaction of the animal's body to drugs and complementary foods.
Hypothermia in cats
Along with increased rates in pets, lower ones are often observed. Such a body temperature in cats can be the result of hypothermia or kidney pathology. Sometimes the causes of hypothermia are complex operations in which anesthesia was used.
At low temperatures, animals become depressed, lethargic and look for a secluded place warmer, for example, near the battery. In kittens, a sign of ailment can be tousled hair, a noticeable tremor and a pale color of the mucous membranes.
At home, you can help your pet by warming. However, the process should not take too long. If warming does not produce results, you should consult a specialist.
Temperature in cats before childbirth
During pregnancy, temperature deviations are rarely observed in animals. However, a few days before the onset of labor, changes are inevitable. Firstly, it concerns the cat’s behavior when it starts to equip its place, pulling soft toys, paper and even food into it. In this case, there is no need to worry about the animal. The main thing is to be aware of what is the current temperature of the cat's body. The norm for a couple of days before giving birth is 37 degrees.
At this time, the mammary glands of the cat swell, and her gait begins to resemble a bear. Behavior can change overnight - from undue anxiety to a gentle purr. A few days before birth, the animal may refuse to eat, but you should not worry. The most important thing for the owner at this period of time is to monitor the condition of the pet. The normal body temperature in cats the day before lambing can vary from 36.8 to 37.7 degrees. The day after childbirth, indicators should not go beyond 37.5-39.2.
The temperature in kittens
The performance of the smallest representatives of the species often exceeds the norm of adults. The fact is that kittens are very active, despite their small age and undeveloped body. That is why the temperature in cats and kittens can vary by a whole degree. If the former have rates up to 39.0, then the latter - up to 40.5.
In weakened kittens, the temperature does not exceed 38.0 degrees. On the other hand, too high rates can be even more destructive and lead to death.
Sphinx temperature
Representatives of this breed differ from the rest not only in appearance, but also in the internal indicators of the body. For example, body temperature in sphynx cats can be from 38.5 to 39.5. A similar situation is with newborns. Their indicators should be no more than 40 degrees. In general, in kittens of this breed, the norm does not differ from the temperature of adult sphinxes.
Some owners experience constant excitement, thinking that their pet has hyperthermia, since it is too hot. This opinion is erroneous, since the heat of the sphinxes is directly transmitted to a person with a touch. In conventional breeds, heat interferes with wool.
Establishing diagnosis
It is easy to determine temperature deviations from normal in cats. To do this, just measure it with an ordinary thermometer.
If there is an increased body temperature in cats, then to identify the cause, it is recommended to do a biochemical blood test of the pet, a test to determine diseases in the immune system and a urinalysis.
In complex cases, veterinarians are sent to an animal for an x-ray or ultrasound of the internal organs.