The best way to determine your cat's body temperature is to measure it rectally. Please make sure that the thermometer is also sterile.Signs that your cat's body tempature is too high:<ul> <li>Fever Symptoms in Cats</li> <li>Fatigue and sluggishness</li> <li>No appetite; Treats are also not accepted</li> <li>The cat drinks more than usual</li> <li>Panting & trembling</li> <li>The cat's nose is dry and it moves stiffly</li> <li>The cat hides or becomes very clingy</li></ul>

What is a Cat’s Normal Body Temperature?

To determine whether your cat has an abnormal body temperature, you first need to know what is considered normal. A cat’s normal body temperature ranges between 38.0 and 39.0 degrees Celsius. Stress can cause a cat’s temperature to rise up to 39.5 degrees Celsius. A visit to the vet can often be stressful for your cat, so it may be more reliable to measure your cat’s temperature at home.

If your cat’s temperature is too high, it may be due to overheating or fever.

Overheating in Cats

Cats can overheat due to the following reasons:

Stress
Intense playing and running
A short nose due to a brachycephalic build (e.g., Persian and British Shorthair): in this case, your cat may struggle to cool down through breathing
A hot environment, such as a car in the sun or insufficient shade outdoors

Overheating can cause organ damage. It is crucial to cool your pet down immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Fever in Cats

Fever occurs as a bodily reaction and is often caused by an infection, such as:

A bacterial infection
A viral infection
Autoimmune diseases

Unlike overheating, fever serves a purpose in the body.

How to Measure a Cat’s Temperature

You measure a cat’s body temperature using a digital thermometer rectally, meaning in the anus. Use, for example, the Microlife VT 1831 Thermometer, which provides a result in just 10 seconds.

For an accurate measurement, insert the thermometer at least 2 cm into the anus. First, lubricate the thermometer with some saliva or petroleum jelly to make it smoother. This may cause resistance from your cat. It is important not to force it! This can be very painful for your cat, as it tenses its bowel muscles. Wait about a minute, then try to insert the thermometer further with a twisting motion.

Note! Sometimes, the anus may be slightly open. This can cause air to be present in the final part of the large intestine, making the temperature appear lower than it actually is.

Click here for a thermometer for dogs.

Do you have any questions about measuring your cat’s body temperature? Feel free to contact us at [email protected].