Cat Fever Threshold: What Temperature Indicates Illness

How to Measure Your Cat's Body Temperature:

When a cat is feeling unwell, its body temperature often becomes irregular. As a responsible pet owner, it's important to be able to take your cat's temperature to determine if it has a fever. A cat's normal body temperature typically ranges from 38℃ to 39.5℃, which is slightly higher than a human's. Cats usually have lower temperatures in the morning and higher ones in the evening, and their body heat can increase significantly after exercise. The most accurate way to measure a cat's temperature is through the rectum, but if the cat is restless and refuses, you can also use the base of its hind legs. This latter method is generally a last resort when the cat is struggling against rectal measurement.

Cats tend to have lower temperatures in the morning and higher ones in the evening, with a temperature difference of about 0.20.5℃. External factors such as high temperatures, eating, activity, excitement, or stress can cause temporary increases in body temperature. However, if a cat has rectal inflammation, diarrhea, a loose anus, or if the thermometer is inserted into feces in the large intestine, the temperature reading may be inaccurate.

Most sick cats will have a fever, so it's advisable to check their temperature first if you suspect they're ill. You can easily feel a feverish cat when holding it in your arms. The correct method for measuring a cat's temperature is through the rectum. However, if there's strong resistance, you can also try the armpit or the base of the hind legs. It's essential to measure the temperature at the appropriate location to monitor your pet's health. If a kitten has a high fever, its ears and tail will also feel warm, and it may prefer to lie on a cold floor. In such cases, you may not even need to measure the temperature to know your kitten is feverish. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately, and if the temperature exceeds 40℃, hospitalization should be considered.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on your cat's body temperature, you can read the article "How to Measure Your Cat's Temperature When It Has a Cold" by clicking here.