How to take a cat’s temperature
Recently, pet health has become a hot topic, especially the daily care of cats. Many cat owners are concerned about how to correctly measure their cats’ body temperature to ensure their health. This article will introduce in detail the methods, precautions and related data of measuring the temperature of cats to help you take better care of your pet.
1. Why should we measure the temperature of cats?

Cats' normal body temperature range is different from that of humans, usually between 38°C and 39°C. If your body temperature is too high or too low, it could be a sign of a health problem. For example, fever may be a symptom of infection, while hypothermia may indicate hypoglycemia or shock. Taking your temperature regularly can help detect potential health problems early.
| Cat body temperature status | temperature range | Possible reasons |
|---|---|---|
| normal body temperature | 38°C - 39°C | health status |
| hypothermia | below 37°C | hypoglycemia, shock |
| high body temperature | above 39.5°C | Infection, heatstroke |
2. How to measure the temperature of a cat?
There are two main ways to measure a cat’s temperature: rectal thermometry and ear temperature measurement. Here are the specific steps:
1. Rectal thermometry
This is the most accurate method, but it requires the cat's cooperation. The steps are as follows:
(1) Prepare a pet-specific electronic thermometer and apply a small amount of lubricant.
(2) Gently lift the cat’s tail and slowly insert the thermometer into the anus about 1-2 cm.
(3) Wait for the thermometer to sound, then take it out and record the reading.
2. Ear temperature measurement method
This method is simpler, but slightly less accurate. The steps are as follows:
(1) Use a pet-specific ear thermometer to aim at the cat’s ear canal.
(2) Press the measurement button and wait for the results.
(3) Repeat the measurement 2-3 times and take the average value.
| Temperature measurement method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| rectal thermometry | High accuracy | Cat may be unwell |
| Ear temperature measurement | Easy to operate | less accurate |
3. Precautions
1. When measuring body temperature, try to keep the environment as quiet as possible to prevent the cat from becoming nervous.
2. If the cat shows strong resistance, do not force the operation to avoid injury.
3. After measurement, you can reward the cat with snacks to form a positive association.
4. If abnormal body temperature is found, contact the veterinarian immediately.
4. Recent hot pet health topics
According to the data from the entire network in the past 10 days, the following are hot topics related to cat health:
| hot topics | Discussion popularity | Related suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention of heat stroke in cats | high | Maintain indoor ventilation and provide adequate drinking water |
| Cat vaccination | in | Get regular core vaccinations |
| Cat gastrointestinal care | high | Choose easy-to-digest foods and avoid frequent food changes |
5. Summary
Taking your cat's temperature is an important part of daily care. Knowing the correct methods and precautions can help you detect health problems in time. Whether it is rectal or ear temperature measurement, the cat’s comfort should be given priority. If abnormal body temperature is found, it is recommended to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to ensure the health of the cat.
check the details
check the details