Welcome to visit Daqing!
Current location:front page >> pet

How to take a cat’s temperature

2026-01-20 14:21:32 pet

How to take a cat’s temperature

As a pet owner, it is important to understand the health of your cat, and body temperature is one of the important indicators to determine whether your cat is sick. Recently, among the hot topics about pet care on the Internet, cat health management has become the focus. This article details how to take a cat's temperature and provides structured data to help you better master this skill.

1. Why should we measure the temperature of cats?

How to take a cat’s temperature

Cats' normal body temperature range is higher than that of humans, usually between 38°C and 39.2°C. If the body temperature is above or below this range, it may mean that the cat is sick. The following are common body temperature abnormalities:

body temperature rangePossible reasons
Below 37.8°CHypothermia, shock, or serious illness
38°C-39.2°Cnormal body temperature
39.2°C-40°CMild fever or infection
above 40°CSevere fever requires immediate medical attention

2. How to measure the temperature of a cat?

There are usually two ways to measure a cat’s temperature:Rectal temperature measurementandEar thermometer temperature measurement. Here are the detailed steps for both methods:

1. Rectal thermometry

This is the most accurate method, but it requires the cat's cooperation. The steps are as follows:

  • Prepare a pet-specific thermometer (preferably a digital thermometer).
  • Apply a small amount of lubricant (such as Vaseline) to the tip of the thermometer.
  • Gently lift the cat's tail and insert the thermometer about 1-2 cm into the anus.
  • Wait for the thermometer to beep (about 30 seconds).
  • Remove the thermometer and record the reading.

2. Ear thermometer temperature measurement method

This method is faster but slightly less accurate. The steps are as follows:

  • Use an ear thermometer specifically designed for pets.
  • Gently hold the cat's head and aim the ear thermometer at the ear canal.
  • Press the measurement button and wait for the result (about 1-2 seconds).
  • Record the reading and repeat the measurement 2-3 times to take the average.

3. Precautions for measuring body temperature

To ensure a safe and smooth measurement process, please pay attention to the following points:

Things to noteDescription
Choose the right timeAvoid measuring after your cat has exercised strenuously or just after eating.
Keep the environment quietReduce cat’s stress
Use special toolsDo not use a human thermometer as it may harm your cat
Reward catsGive snacks or strokes after measurement to reduce stress

4. Countermeasures for cats with abnormal body temperature

If you notice that your cat has an abnormal body temperature, take action according to the following suggestions:

Body temperatureCountermeasures
Mild fever (39.2°C-40°C)Observe the cat’s behavior. If the fever does not subside within 24 hours, seek medical attention.
Severe fever (above 40°C)Contact your veterinarian immediately and avoid self-medication
Hypothermia (below 37.8°C)Keep warm with blankets and seek medical attention as soon as possible

5. Recent hot topics: pet health management

In the past 10 days, hot topics about pet care on the Internet include:

  • How to tell if your cat is in pain
  • Latest guidance on pet vaccinations
  • Tips for preventing heat stroke for cats in summer
  • Advice on purchasing pet insurance

Knowing how to measure a cat’s temperature is one of the essential skills for pet owners. Through regular monitoring, cats’ health problems can be detected in time and better care can be provided for them. If your cat frequently experiences abnormal body temperature, it is recommended to consult a professional veterinarian as soon as possible.

Next article
  • How to take a cat’s temperatureAs a pet owner, it is important to understand the health of your cat, and body temperature is one of the important indicators to determine whether your cat is sick. Recently, among the hot topics about pet care on the Internet, cat health management has become the focus. This article details how to take a cat's temperature and provides structured data to help you better master this sk
    2026-01-20 pet
  • What happens if you have roundworms in your stomach?Roundworms are common intestinal parasites that can cause a range of health problems when infected. Below is a detailed analysis of roundworm infection, including symptoms, dangers, prevention and treatment methods.1. Symptoms of roundworm infectionThe symptoms of roundworm infection vary depending on the degree of infection and individual differences. Common sympto
    2026-01-18 pet
  • How to check if you have diarrhea in the hospitalDiarrhea (diarrhea) is a common digestive system problem. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by other discomforts, you should seek medical attention promptly. The following is a detailed guide on how to check for diarrhea in the hospital. It combines recent hot health topics to provide you with structured data and analysis.1. Recent hot health topics (last 10 days)
    2026-01-15 pet
  • What should I do if my puppy has diarrhea that is very smelly? 10-day network hotspot analysis and solutionsRecently, pet health issues have become a hot topic on social platforms, especially the keyword "What to do if your puppy has diarrhea and smells bad" has seen a surge in searches on Baidu, Weibo and other platforms. This article will provide you with structured solutions based on the hotspot data of the entire
    2026-01-13 pet
Recommended articles
Reading rankings
Friendly links
Dividing line