How To Take Your Cat's Temperature

For many pet owners, their cats are essential parts of the family, almost like children. If your cat is showing signs of illness, you’re probably becoming quite concerned. Unlike humans, pet health insurance is not common, so you may get stuck with expensive vet bills. Although you should always visit the vet at the first sign of serious illness, there are ways to determine whether the visit is really needed. One way to determine whether your cat is ill is by taking its temperature. Unfortunately, measuring the temperature in the ear is not very reliable for cats, so you’ll need to take the temperature rectally. Here’s how to take your cat’s temperature:

1. Get the right thermometer. Use any rectal thermometer designed for human or pet use. A digital one can be invaluable because of the instant reading, although a mercury thermometer can also be used.
2. Gather your supplies. Besides the thermometer, you’ll also need petroleum jelly or KY jelly to lubricate the thermometer, and rubbing alcohol to clean the thermometer. A towel can also be helpful for securing the cat. Depending on your comfort level, you may also want a pair of rubber or latex gloves.
3. Prepare the thermometer. When you’re ready to take your cat’s temperature, turn the thermometer on, and make sure that is powers up and has enough battery life. If you must use an alcohol or mercury thermometer rather than a digital one, shake it so that the liquid reads below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, lubricate the thermometer tip using the petroleum jelly or KY jelly.
4. Secure your cat. Having a second person helping you is invaluable. You’ll need to keep the cat immobile. This may be done by grasping the skin at the top of the neck, holding the cat securely under one arm, or gently wrapping your cat’s head and front paws in a towel, leaving the hind end exposed. While taking your cat’s temperature, remain calm or your cat may start to panic and try to escape. Be aware that many cats will fight back when you try to take their temperature.
5. Take your cat’s temperature. Lift up the cat’s tail. Now, slowly insert the thermometer about an inch into the rectum. Gently twisting the thermometer can make the insertion process easier; do not force it in, because this can damage the internal tissues. Hold the thermometer in place for two minutes. During this time, keep your cat as still as possible. If you are using a digital thermometer, it will beep to indicate that it is done. Gently remove the thermometer, read the temperature, and then clean and sterilize it with rubbing alcohol.
6. Evaluate the results. The normal temperature range for adult cats is anywhere from 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Young kittens, particularly those under ten days old, have a normal temperature range of 97 to 100 degrees. If your cat’s temperature differs significantly from this range, and especially if it higher, it is time to make a trip to the vet.

Taking your cat’s temperature at home is easy, but many people choose to take their cat in to the veterinarian for a professional temperature reading because they don’t want to do it themselves. Although some people say that feeling the cat’s nose or ears is a way to tell your cat’s temperature, this is not considered a reliable method.