Body Temperature of the Cat: Important Tips for Fever and Hypothermia
The normal body temperature of a cat is between 38 and 39 degrees, which is slightly higher than in humans. Various causes can cause the body temperature to rise or fall.
Both can have serious consequences for the quadruped and require an immediate visit to the vet. In the following we will explain how to measure the body temperature of your cat correctly and when you have to take action due to temperature changes.
Fever in cats
If the body temperature of the cat rises above the normal value, the quadruped has a fever. A fever is a normal immune reaction with which the body tries to neutralize invading pathogens.
Just like with us humans, fever in cats is not an independent disease, but always a symptom of another health problem. The possible causes for the increased body temperature are numerous and range from cat sniffles to Feline Infectious Peritonitis to poisoning.
Depending on the trigger, fever in cats occurs together with other symptoms such as lack of appetite, coughing and trembling. If the body temperature of a cat rises above 41.5 degrees, there is even acute danger to life. An animal with fever should therefore be taken to a vet in any case.
Hypothermia in cats
Besides fever, hypothermia is also surprisingly common in cats. Especially newborn quadrupeds are particularly susceptible to this. In addition to this, however, a wet coat in appropriate weather conditions or the shock after an accident can quickly cause the body of a cat to cool down.
If the body temperature of the cat falls below 37.5 degrees Celsius over a longer period of time, hypothermia can be quite dangerous. To avoid health consequences it is therefore important to get the temperature back to a normal level.
Depending on the cause, drying off and a warm blanket or even an infrared lamp may be helpful. However, make sure that your cat's body temperature does not rise too quickly, otherwise too much blood will be pumped into the skin and important organs may no longer be adequately supplied.
Measuring your cat's body temperature correctly
We recommend that you take the body temperature of your cat only rectally. Use some lubricant or Vaseline to help keep the measurement of body temperature from becoming too uncomfortable for your cat.
Although it is also possible to take a reading in the ear. However, this is far too inaccurate to give you a reliable result. As a deviation of a few degrees can quickly have dramatic consequences, we strongly advise you not to use an ear thermometer in cats.
If necessary, repeat the measurement at regular intervals to keep an eye on any changes in body temperature and to be able to react quickly if necessary.
It probably goes without saying that you should buy a separate thermometer for your cat, which you use exclusively for your four-legged friend.
Preventing problems with the cat's body temperature
Especially fever in cats can have countless causes against which you can hardly protect your house cat completely. However, there are a number of things you can do to support your cat's health and prevent body temperature problems to a certain extent.
The most important thing in this context is a functioning immune system. Support the immune system by not exposing your four-legged friend to unnecessary stress and by ensuring that your cat is fed properly.
With cat food from I love my cat you are exactly right for this purpose. Because our easily digestible food contains only natural ingredients that provide your four-legged friend with exactly the right nutrients for a healthy cat life.
In addition, we recommend that you supplement your cat's diet with I love my cat Immun. This is our natural food supplement for strengthening the immune system, which is also available in a special version for kittens if required.
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