Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
DOES YOUR CAT HAVE A FEVER?
A warm, dry nose or warm ears does not indicate a fever in a cat.The
only way to be certain about the presence of a fever is by actually tak-
ing a cat's temperature.The normal body temperature of a cat is high-
er than that of a human:The normal range is from 100.5°F to 102.5°F.
You may need two people to take a cat's temperature with a rectal
thermometer. Here's how to do it properly:
1. Shake down a glass thermometer so that the mercury is below
98°F.
2. Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly or
a water-soluble lubricant.
3. Insert the thermometer into the cat's rectum.
4. Hold the cat standing and as still as possible and leave the
thermometer in place for two minutes.
5. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
Inexpensive digital thermometers are available at drugstores and can
be used rectally in cats. Human ear (tympanic) thermometers are not
accurate in cats. Special ear thermometers are available for animals, but
they are expensive and are only sold through veterinary distributors.
What Causes a Fever?
In a cat, a fever is generally considered to be a temperature reading
above 103°F. Increased body temperature does not always mean the
animal is sick, but if the cat has a fever you should try to find out why.
An increased body temperature can be due to:
•
High environmental temperature
•
Stress or excitement, such as putting the cat into a carrier and
taking him to the veterinarian
•
Intense playing or running
•
Bacterial infections
•
Viral infections
•
Seizures due to increased muscle activity
