You may need to check your cat's temperature.It is important to know how to check this vital sign.Cats can give you several signs that they aren't feeling well, such as a loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.Your cat's personality and normal behaviors will allow you to see other changes.The only way to get your cat's temperature is with a thermometer.If you have your cat's temperature, you should talk to your vet.
Step 1: Purchase a rectal device.
There are two ways to take your cat's temperature.The most accurate results will be provided by rectal thermometers.You can choose between digital or mercury thermometers.Digital thermometers will make the experience less unpleasant for you and your cat.Mercury thermometers are made of glass.If you choose to use this type of thermometer when taking the temperature of a cat, you need to be very careful.Regardless of the type of thermometer you choose, you should label it for use on your cat only to make sure no one else in the house uses it.
Step 2: Someone else may be able to help.
Cats don't like being put in their rectum.The cat is likely to try to wriggle and run, which can lead to scratching.If you want to hold the cat still, you need to ask someone else to help.
Step 3: The cat should be wrapped in a small towel.
If you want to restrain your cat, wrap it in a blanket or small towel.This makes it easier to hold on to the animal.The blanket can be used to wrap the cat like a burrito.
Step 4: To scruff the cat, use thick leather gloves.
If you prefer not to wrap your cat, you can have your helpers grab the animal.The person should use thick leather gloves.The person should grab the back of the cat's neck.The best control of the cat's head is provided by a gentle grip here.This grip has a calming effect on the animal since mother cats pick up kittens by the scruff of their neck.
Step 5: The cat has a body.
The person should use his or her free arm to secure the cat's body against theirs once you have it by the scruff.The rear end should face outward to give you easier access.The arm should be positioned as if it was a football to help picture it.
Step 6: The temperature should be prepared.
If you are using a mercury thermometer, you should shake it by flicking your wrist.Wait until the temperature reads below 96F.If you own a mercury or digital thermometer, you should lubricate it to make it easier to insert and less unpleasant for your cat.You can use KY Jelly and Vaseline for this process.
Step 7: The thermometer needs to be inserted.
Lift your cat's tail and put a thermometer in his rectum.Don't force the temperature.
Step 8: Wait for the right amount of time.
When it is ready, a digital thermometer will sound.If you are using a mercury thermometer, you should leave it for two minutes.
Step 9: Check the temperature.
The thermometer can be removed after the two-minute mark.There is an easy digital readout for a digital thermometer.Hold the handle and angle the inside scale until you can see the bar of mercury next to the numbers.The mercury is pushed to the highest point.
Step 10: Allow your cat to run.
The cat wants to get away as soon as possible.Let go of the cat's scruff or release the blanket with caution so that your cat can't scratch either you or your helpers in the process.
Step 11: The temperature can be compared to the normal range.
The normal temperature range for a cat is between 100.4 and 102.5F.A slight deviation from the normal is not cause for alarm.If your cat's temperature is below 99F, you should immediately consult your vet.A normal temperature doesn't mean that your cat is healthy.If your cat is acting strange or you have other reason to suspect an injury or illness, you should see a doctor.
Step 12: It's a good idea to wash the thermometer.
It is a good idea to clean the thermometer with warm, soapy water or rubbing alcohol.Before putting it away, allow it to dry completely.You should wash the sink where you washed the thermometer to make sure it's free of harmful organisms.Don't make the water too hot if you use a mercury thermometer.The temperature can be broken.Don't forget to wash your hands.
Step 13: Purchase a device to measure your ears.
There are pros and cons to using a digital ear thermometer.It is easier to use with cats that are resistant to rectal thermometers.It can be difficult to place the thermometer in the cat's ear canal.Ear thermometers are more expensive if you consider the cost.
Step 14: Help is needed to securely hold the cat.
Cats don't mind rectal and ear thermometers the same.If your cat's temperature is rectally taken, assistance may not be necessary.If your cat allows you to scratch its ear, you may not need help.
Step 15: The cat's head needs to be held still.
You still want to hold the cat's head still to make sure it doesn't wriggle while you have the thermometer in its ear.It's helpful toscruff the cat.The cat is being held by the back of its neck.It calms many cats and gives you control of the cat's head.
Step 16: The ear thermometer should be inserted.
It is possible to insert a rectal thermometer into the cat's ear.As you insert the thermometer, keep it at a horizontal angle.
Step 17: Wait for the temperature to register a reading.
An accurate representation of brain blood temperature can be obtained by taking a temperature reading of the recipient's eardrum area.When you can remove it, the thermometer will chirp to let you know.
Step 18: Check the reading after removing the ear thermometer.
A cat's temperature can be taken by ear or rectally.A normal ear temperature for a cat is between 100 and 103F.If you have a rectal temperature reading, you should immediately consult your vet for a temperature over 104F.A normal temperature doesn't mean that your cat is healthy.If your cat is acting strange or you have other reason to suspect an injury or illness, you should see a doctor.