How to understand that the cat has a fever

Next, it is necessary to properly position the animal by taking it under the arm, and the cat's paws should rest on a solid surface. Not superfluous in this process will be the help of the housemates. The thermometer is gently inserted into the rectal passage not more than 2.5 centimeters. The measuring device must be held strictly at an angle of 90 degrees, so that it is directed parallel to the rectum. Deviation in degrees can give the animal a lot of discomfort and pain.

How to tell if a cat has a high fever

Cats are warm-blooded animals whose healthy temperature ranges from 37.5 to 38.9 C. Throughout the day the readings change by 0.5 C. There is a decrease in the morning and during rest, and an increase after eating, playing or stress. A fever of 41 C is dangerous for the body.

Changes in behavior

During illness, cats feel vulnerable, so they try to seclude themselves. The sick pet hides under the bed, in the closet or under the bathtub. The animal responds to the owner's attempts to get it out of hiding with aggression and runs away to a safe place.

You can tell if a cat has a high fever by a change in its usual behavior. The active cat becomes lethargic and apathetic, stops taking interest in games and does not respond to a nickname. The pet sleeps all day, does not show attention to food, treats and favorite pastimes. The pet nervously twitches its tail or clutches it between its paws. Fever symptoms:

Physiological Signs.

Fever in cats manifests as a rapid heart rate. In adult animals, a healthy reading is 100 to 160 beats per minute. Females have higher parameters than males, and larger breeds have slightly lower numbers than smaller species. For older pets, 75-100 is considered the norm, for kittens – from 160 to 185. To measure the heart rate, you need to:

To know that the cat has a high temperature is possible by the nose. In healthy awake cats, the respiratory organ is barely moist and cool. In fever, the skin feels dry and hot to the touch and fluid may be secreted from the nostrils. If the animal has slept near heating devices, the mucous membranes become dry. Thirty minutes after waking up, readings return to normal.

The ears in the animal's body act as a heat exchanger and get warm before the rest of the body. There is no fat layer on the hearing organs and the vessels run under the skin. If you touch the shell with warm fingers, you can easily tell by the heat that the cat has a fever.

The armpits and abdominal area will be an indicator of a rising degree. To determine the problem, you need to put your palms against the area with a minimum of hair. The hands are held for 2 minutes. If the skin does not feel hot on contact, the condition is normal.

How to understand that the cat has a low temperature

A low temperature (hypothermia) in cats is less common than an elevated temperature. In pregnant females, the values decrease 2-3 days before delivery. The problem often occurs after hypothermia or becomes a consequence of anesthesia. Parameters below 36 C are life-threatening.

When hypothermia occurs, the cat's metabolic rate is impaired. Blood flow rushes to the heart and brain, reducing the flow to the periphery. The animal tries to find a warm place, cannot get warm near heating devices. If you touch the body with your hand, you feel a constant trembling in the muscles, a raised coat. The tremor does not go away after wrapping it with a blanket.

Hypothermia in the cat manifests as apathy and lethargy. The pet does not respond to petting, does not respond to a nickname. The cat refuses food and water, ignores treats. Due to weakness in the muscles, it is difficult to get up and move around. The animal has cold ears, armpit area and abdomen. In hairless breeds, the body feels hotter tactilely than in shaggy species.

You can tell if a cat has a low-grade fever by the condition of his mucous membranes. The skin on the gums shrinks, turns a bluish-blue color, and the saliva becomes thick. The cat's eyes do not respond well to light, the dilated pupil fills the entire cornea.

Critical condition

If the cat's temperature drops below 36 C, irreversible consequences occur in the animal's body. Because of disorders in the kidneys, the cat rarely and not abundantly defecates. Weak peristalsis provokes constipation and vomiting. The heart rhythm slows down, which is manifested by a rare (below 70 beats per second) pulse. A large artery on the thigh is difficult to feel.

If the cat is hypothermic, the number of breathing movements is reduced. Due to the increase in carbon dioxide in the lungs, the air supply is disturbed. The animal takes shallow, jerky, and infrequent breaths. To feel the breaths, you must lean your ear against the peritoneum. In severe cases, there is foaming from the mouth.

Method #1 – indirect signs

Redness of the skin of the cat's ears, dry mucous membranes tell about the disease.

• Cat is inactive. Avoiding the owner, hides in hiding places.
• The animal refuses to eat, misses feeding time, does not eat the usual portion – evidence of the beginning of the disease.
• The cat has a rapid pulse.
• Diarrhea and vomiting. Some viral infections, poisonings are accompanied by fever, gastrointestinal disorders. Inspect the pet's litter box.
• Signs of dehydration, dry gums are observed.

Method #2 – rectal thermometer

It is more reliable to measure a cat's temperature with a thermometer. Ideally, a pet thermometer is used. In an emergency, a human mercury thermometer or an electronic thermometer will do. It is more convenient to use an electronic device: it will show the result in 2 to 3 minutes.

Step by step instructions for using a rectal thermometer:

• Prepare the table on which you will put/place the pet: remove all unnecessary things from it.
• Find a helper: it is more convenient to take the pet's temperature with two people. One person holds the cat and the other person inserts the thermometer.
• Prepare a towel, rug, or blanket in which you will wrap the cat. They will be needed if you plan to put the cat on the table. In the horizontal position the cat's back is straightened, don't let the cat curl or arch its spine. Because of the movement, the wrong position of the back, injuries of the rectum are possible.
• Calm the pussycat, pet the animal. Gently wrap it in a towel, leaving access to the butt and tail. Secure its paws to prevent the cat from scratching you.
• Place the baked cat on the table. A helper will hold the cat so it doesn't move or hurt itself during the procedure.
• Decided to take the cat's temperature in a standing position – fix the animal under the armpit, as if you were holding a basketball. The tail is positioned in front of the person introducing the thermometer. It is comfortable to firmly grasp the cat by the scruff. The animal will feel calm, the gesture is associated in cats with maternal care, relaxing.
• Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly, baby cream, liquid cosmetic oil.
• Gently lift the tail, insert the thermometer, but not deeply. The optimal depth is 2.5 centimeters. Inserting the device more than 5 centimeters is dangerous for the health of the pet. Hold the thermometer parallel to the rectum. The angle in relation to you is 90°. Do not rotate, do not deflect the thermometer, this will cause discomfort, injury to the cat.
• Try to hold the cat firmly: do not let it wriggle.
• Wait for the result. Electronic thermometer will measure temperature in 2 – 3 minutes, mercury thermometer in 5 – 7 minutes.

Rapid Breathing.

Another way to know if your cat has a temperature is to pay attention to her breathing. When your cat has a fever, she may start panting or breathing faster. Your cat probably has a fever if you notice him breathing faster and his heart beating faster.

Cats are "noisy" in the sense that they express themselves through various sounds. When they have a fever, they may become silent and peaceful. Others may meow and scream incessantly for hours. Either way, every owner knows their cat's normal behavior and when they meow irregularly rarely or often.

They have a lower level of activity

If you have a cat, you undoubtedly know that cats sleep for several hours each day. However, they usually wake up at certain times of the day, especially at night, to play, eat, sniff the house, and so on.

When a cat has a fever, they lie motionless in bed, not wanting to move a single muscle. They will be depressed, weak and indifferent.

Show them something that usually piques their interest, like a toy or something noisy as a test. Throw the cats their favorite ball, rustle up a bag. They may feel bad if they don't make an effort to grab it or pick it up.

Treatment

In addition to resting and drinking plenty of fluids, antibiotics are usually used to treat fever in cats. Getting the cat to take the medication, as well as taking his temperature, is not easy, but very important. If he spits out a pill or won't eat the cat food you hid it in, use some great tips from VCP Hospitals on how to give pills to your pet. One is to wrap your pet in a towel – for his comfort and safety. It's a good idea to get an assistant to handle this non-trivial task.

In some cases, the vet may recommend a liquid hyperthermia medication, which is easier to give.

It's not easy to watch your furry little one suffering from a fever, but beyond the medical instructions your vet has prescribed, there are some steps you can take to keep the disease from developing. Regular cat care (brushing, nail trimming) and periodic checkups (ear exams, checking her eating habits and drinking habits) will help lay an excellent foundation for a healthy life for your cat.

And don't forget to cuddle your cat. A little love will help your pet get better sooner!

About the author

Christine O'Brien is a writer, mother, and owner of two Russian blue mestizos. She writes not only about pets, but also about parenting. Subscribe to her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.

Preparing to Measure

These types of thermometers are used to measure a cat's body temperature:

In practice, veterinarians use household mercury thermometers and special veterinary thermometers.

For hygiene reasons, it is better to keep a separate thermometer in the home medicine cabinet for the cat.

Before measuring the rectal temperature it is recommended to wear disposable rubber gloves, disinfect the thermometer and lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly or greasy cream.

Temperature Measurement

Remember that human excitement transmits to the pet. The cat reacts acutely to the mood of the person and becomes nervous if he himself is afraid of the upcoming procedure. During manipulation, the owner should speak gently and reassure the cat, but act clearly and confidently.

The device is inserted into the anus with gentle rotating movements, to a depth of 1 cm. If the animal becomes anxious and lashes out, it is secured with a plaid or towel. It is good to work with an assistant who will hold the cat for this purpose.

The thermometer must not be moved sharply so as not to damage the cat's rectum with the thermometer itself or with shards if it is damaged.

If a sick animal is aggressive and reacts badly to touch, it is better to carry out the procedure with a helper. He will hold the cat and the owner will do the manipulation (or vice versa).

How to determine the temperature of a cat without a thermometer

It is possible to assess the thermal condition of the animal without the use of special devices. The owner diagnoses fever or a decrease in temperature in a four-legged friend by palpating (feeling) the nose and body of the animal and subjective feelings of "hot" or "cool".

Put your finger to your cat's nose: if your cat is healthy and her temperature is normal, her nose is cool and moist.

Remember that immediately after sleeping or playing active games the cat's nose may be hot, and this is normal.

Pros and cons of devices

Low temperature in a cat

Low temperature (hypothermia) is much less common. It usually occurs after surgery, severe shock or hypothermia. But if the temperature drop occurs for no reason – it is a sign of more serious pathologies that have developed in a latent form.

In the risk group: kittens up to 3 months old and older cats over 10 years.

If you prescribe medication yourself, it can lead to a distorted picture of the disease, misdiagnosis in the clinic and worsening of the pet's well-being.

Causes of fever

Hyperthermia occurs due to external and internal irritants, more often under the influence of the following factors:

• Viral diseases. The immune system responds to pathogens by increasing the temperature, so the bacteria die faster. In cats, panleukopenia (nar. plague), rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis, coronavirus are more common. From these diseases, except for the latter, it is possible to protect the pet with vaccination.
• Inflammations. Pathogenic bacteria enter the body when wounds and stitches after injury or surgery heal slowly or are carelessly treated.
• Overheating. Heat is disrupted in a stuffy, hot room, car, or in direct sunlight. Kittens and older cats are more often affected by overheating.
• Stress. The thermoregulatory disorder sometimes begins in stressful situations: a trip in transportation, a change of residence, a visit to the vet.
• Temperature spike within 1 degree occurs after sterilization and vaccinations. In the first case it is a reaction to surgery, in the second – protection from viruses that enter the body with a vaccine. Elevated values hold for 1 day; if the fever does not subside for longer, it is better to take the pet to the veterinarian.

Causes of low fever

Hypothermia directs blood flow to the heart and brain; the rest of the body decreases, resulting in slower metabolism.

• Hypothermia After being out in the cold with high humidity.
• Weakened condition: Exhaustion from malnutrition.
• Disorders of the internal organs: Pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, kidneys and liver, endocrine system.
• Viral infections, If the disease occurs against a background of suppressed immunity.
• Blood loss: occur after serious cuts, surgical operations, but more dangerous internal bleeding due to bruises, falls, diseases. Owners often do not notice this and do not help their pets.

The owner may know for sure about hypothermia, the other causes cannot be identified without a veterinary education and special examination.

How to determine the temperature in a cat

Let's understand at once how to determine the temperature in a pet without an error. Traditionally, a mercury thermometer is used to measure the baseline temperature, which is inserted into the anus.

To reduce discomfort, the tip of the thermometer should be warmed in the hands and thoroughly lubricated with petroleum jelly before insertion into the anus. Preferably, the cat should lie on its side, although some animals tolerate the procedure easier in a standing position.

As you know, measuring with a mercury thermometer is considered to be accurate if it is done within 7-10 minutes. Be careful and hold the thermometer firmly as the cat may relax and strain, which will cause it to move in the rectum.

The pet should be held firmly during the entire temperature measurement period, as sloppy movement and sudden movements can damage the thermometer and cause injury.

Please note! It is possible to reduce the temperature measurement time by using an electronic thermometer. The measuring method is similar, but the duration is 2-5 minutes. As soon as the measurement is finished, the thermometer gives a signal.

Modern technology offers several methods of measuring temperature with less discomfort for the pet. Clinics quite often use thermometers, which quickly record the temperature reading by measuring in the ear. The device is specific, veterinary specific and not cheap.

Many owners have adapted to measuring the temperature of their pets with pediatric, non-contact thermometers.

The algorithm of the device is simple: an infrared beam is directed to the area of the body whose temperature is to be measured. As you know, the temperature difference between the skin and the internal organs can be 2 to 3 degrees.

Note: The use of non-contact thermometers often gives a serious error.

How to determine the temperature without a thermometer

Determining body temperature without a thermometer is always fraught with inaccuracy. Note that a tactile temperature reading does not provide enough data to suspect a cat is lethargic or febrile. A critical drop in temperature and a rise in temperature are considered equally dangerous conditions.

By the cat's nose.

Many owners believe that body temperature is determined by the nose. The cliché is "cold and wet nose – no temperature, hot and dry nose – fever."

• In fact, a cool and wet nose is normal when the cat is active.
• If the pet has been sleeping in a warm place for a long time, a dry and warm nose will be considered normal.
• During a fever, the cat's nose may be hot and wet, which may indicate the development of a viral or infectious disease.

By the ears

The next reference point by which it is customary to determine the temperature is the ears. The method of diagnosis cannot be called accurate, but the data obtained by it is clearly closer to the truth than the "nasal diagnosis".

A cat's ears are covered with thin, sensitive skin without any fat layer. Blood vessels run directly under the skin, so the tactile sensation gives a fairly accurate indication of body temperature.

Pay attention! It is important to keep in mind that the ears may appear much hotter than the actual temperature. The ears may be cold if the cat is feverish, emaciated or dehydrated.

By axillae.

The axillae and abdominal area, provided there is not a lot of hair, also serve as indicators for temperature.

• To properly feel your body temperature, you need to keep your hands warm.
• Place your palms on an exposed area of your body and hold them for a few seconds.
• If your skin quickly adapts to the body temperature – most likely, the temperature is normal.

Determining a cat's temperature without a thermometer: signs

A healthy animal and an animal that is sick, are drastically different from each other. A healthy cat has an even coat, its eyes are clear, and its nose is moist and cool. At the same time, the animal eats perfectly and the functional features of the gastrointestinal tract are unimpaired. It is possible to determine that a cat has a fever without a thermometer, relying on the characteristic signs.

The main symptoms of fever in a cat are:

• Dry nose. – In normal situations, the pet's nose is cool and moist. It is worth noting that after waking up from sleep, the cat's nose may be dry and warm, but a few minutes after, it is moist. In addition, the dry nose can be in animals at an age, as all body functions decrease and the normal production of glands is impaired.

• Lack of desire for food and severe lethargy – Is observed when the body temperature is high. The animal stops moving around, tries to get comfortable and lies down all the time. The coat begins to visibly fade and tangle in different directions. There may be oozing from the ear canal and eyes. In most cases, when the cat's temperature increases, the eyes are half-closed with the third eyelid and the pupils are severely dilated.

• Digestive system disorders – The cat may show clear signs of intoxication in the form of an eruption of gastric contents, constipation or stool disorders. The act of urination also undergoes changes – the animal urinates less frequently and the urine is concentrated.

• Disorders of the act of breathing – The cat's body is working to lower its temperature and as a result the cat is panting and its pulse is racing.

• Avoiding the owner – If the cat begins to behave strangely, trying to hide in secluded and dark places in the living room, it is a very alarming symptom, which means the strongest violations of the cat's health.

How to measure the temperature in a cat

Representatives of the feline family are warm-blooded animals and their temperature is different from that of humans. Minor increases in temperature are seen most often in small kittens because of their mobility and in cats during pregnancy due to the increased stress on the body. The temperature may change in cats closer to evening and after a therapeutic course of medications.

Please note! The body of cats is hot regardless of breed. There is a perception that the cat breed Sphynx, is warmer than its relatives. In fact, this is a myth, because in breeds of cats with thick coats, the coat smoothes out the sudden change in temperature.

These days mercury thermometer use quite rarely. This device is not quite suitable to measure the temperature, in order to know the exact value, you need to keep the animal at least 6-8 minutes in one position. During this time, the cat is noticeably nervous, may jerk or vomit. The mercury thermometer is quite fragile and can break and cause harm to both the pet and the owner.

Another type of thermometer used to measure temperature readings is rectal electronic. It is often used in the practice of veterinarians. Using this thermometer you can quickly and painlessly measure the temperature of the animal for one minute. The data obtained with the electronic thermometer is quite accurate and fast. In addition, the electronic thermometer is not as fragile and will not bring harm if the animal is very stroppy and willful.

The third type of thermometer is a universal thermometer with an electronic sensor and a tablet. Using this type of electronic thermometer involves not only rectal insertion, but also measuring the temperature in other parts (oral cavity, ear canal). This type of thermometer has a plastic tip and not a flexible one like the electronic rectal thermometer, so when putting this type of measuring device into the anus of the cat, you need to be as careful as possible so as not to cause any damage. You will get the results within 3 minutes.