Cat Body Temperature: Which is High or Low? When is It a Problem?

Have you ever wondered what body temperature cats have?

You can probably guess that the body temperatures of humans and cats are slightly different. Or a lot… ❓

Actually, just like in humans, checking the temperature is a good way to gather clues about whether our feline friends are sick or, on the contrary, in good health.

Today we’d like to talk specifically about cat temperatures, how high or low they are, and when to run to the vet.

Table of Content

• What do we know about cats’ body temperature?
• When can high temperature (fever) occur in cats?
• What are the causes of low temperatures in cats?
• Symptoms when it is necessary to measure body temperature in cats
• How do you take a cat’s temperature?
• What should you do if your cat’s temperature is out of the acceptable range?
• What should be done when cats have a low temperature? What is hypothermia?

What Do We Know About Cats’ Body Temperature?

“Since our cats don’t talk to us, temperature is one way to determine their overall health with a simple tool,” confirms Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, veterinary expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance.

The temperature range of a healthy cat should normally be between 37.7 and 39.4 °C. Although it seems quite small to us, Dr. Chocinski says it is actually quite large.

“When the fever reaches 39 °C, it may be due to the heat outside or a lot of excitement,” says Dr. Chocinski. “When it gets above 39.4 °C, it’s a real fever and cause for concern.“

Too low a temperature can also be a sign that something is wrong. We will talk about this later.

What is the normal body temperature in cats?

Normal temperature in cats:

• The average for cats: 38.6 °C;
• Adult cats: 37.7 °C to 39.4 °C;
• Newborn kitten: 35 to 37.2 °C;
• Kitten after 2 weeks of age: 37.8 °C or higher.

What is fever in cats?

Fever is the term for an elevated body temperature.

Fever is caused by the presence of pyrogen (a substance that causes fever).

Pyrogen can be endogenous (produced inside the body) or exogenous (from outside the body).

This pyrogen causes the release of substances such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor from white blood cells. And these, in turn, reset the body’s “thermostat”, a temperature-regulating area located in the hypothalamus (located in the brain). This activates the body’s physiological responses to a rise in temperature.

When a fever does not go away, several effects can occur in the body.

Among them are increased metabolic demands to maintain a higher temperature. This, in turn, causes increased fluid and calorie requirements and increases the breakdown of muscle tissue.

A persistent high fever (that lasts more than 48 hours) is considered serious and potentially life-threatening.

When Can High Temperature (Fever) Occur in Cats?

High fever in cats can occur for a number of reasons:

Food poisoning.

Signs of poisoning include drooling, depression, muscle tremors, wobbling, vomiting, and rapid labored breathing. Keep in mind that there are a number of particularly dangerous cat foods that can cause poisoning.

Viral infections.

Most cases of fever in cats are caused by viral infections like FeLV, FIV, FIP, feline panleukopenia virus, herpes virus, or calicivirus.

Many viral infections can manifest in waves – increasing and decreasing until they disappear. For example, a cat with a viral infection will usually appear completely healthy and then relapse a week or two later.

Bacterial infections.

Bacterial infections can also cause fever, but this is usually accompanied by an obvious wound or swelling.

The infection may be localized in the chest cavity (pyothorax), kidneys (pyelonephritis), abdomen (as a result of a penetrating intestinal injury leading to low-grade peritonitis), mouth, tooth root abscess, and more.

Postpartum eclampsia.

Eclampsia is a muscle spasm associated with low serum calcium levels.

It is sometimes called milk fever because it usually occurs a few days to a few weeks after delivery. Eclampsia is an emergency and urgent – if not treated within 12 hours, it can be fatal.

Heatstroke.

This is an emergency situation that requires immediate recognition and immediate treatment. Cats are just as intolerant to high temperatures as humans.

Of course, these are probably not all cases – we have only tried to present the most common ones. If we have missed something, your comments are always welcome.

What Are the Causes of Low Temperatures in Cats?

Shock. It occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, causing the circulatory system to slow down. Shock can be caused by many factors, including trauma or an allergic reaction.

The prolonged period of anesthesia. Refers to the postoperative period when the activity of all organs slows down slightly.

In newborn kittens. Here and do not argue – so intended by nature.

Diseases (pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, and others). Low temperatures in cats can also be observed due to some diseases.

Symptoms When It is Necessary to Measure Body Temperature in Cats

Watch for cat behaviors that may characterize a fever.

Their certain behaviors conserve energy to throw more resources at fighting the illness that caused the fever.

Fever fights disease by stimulating the immune system and slowing the growth of bacteria and viruses.

Although in most cases fever helps fight the disease, temperatures above 41 degrees can cause organ damage. And this in turn will lead to unavoidable consequences, up to and including death.

If your cat has a high fever, it is advisable to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

When (at what symptoms) to measure the temperature in cats:

• appetite loss;
• depression;
• lack of energy or activity;
• reducing water consumption;
• low self-care;
• shivering or rapid breathing;
• sneezing;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• the cat’s hiding in a private place.

How Do You Take a Cat’s Temperature?

The only effective way to measure your cat’s temperature is to use a rectal thermometer.

You can certainly take your cat’s temperature through the ear, but a rectal thermometer will be more accurate.

The whole process will only take a few minutes if the cat does not resist you. The normal temperature for most cats is 38-39°C.

Higher temperatures may require a visit to the vet, depending on other symptoms.

Mercury and digital rectal thermometers are equally acceptable, but a digital thermometer is more convenient and registers temperature faster.

And so the steps of how to take a cat’s temperature:

1. If you are using a mercury thermometer, shake it until it shows about 35.5 °C.
2. Lubricate the thermometer ball with vaseline.
3. When the cat is standing, lift its tail and hold it firmly in a standing position so that she does not sit down. We usually do this with two of us: one of us strokes and holds the cat, while the other does the very “unpleasant” procedure. To simplify this process you can use a special fixation bag!
4. Next, gently insert the thermometer ball 2.5-3.5 cm into the anal canal with gentle rotating movements. This is the point at which your cat will not like this procedure. You will have to hold the cat firmly so that it doesn’t run away. Actually, put your hand under the cat’s tummy and it will be able to stay on its feet for the right amount of time.
5. Hold the thermometer in place for about 3-5 minutes.
6. Then remove it, wipe it clean, and see the temperature by the height of the silver mercury column on the thermometer scale.

Important: Remember to clean the thermometer with alcohol to prevent disease transmission.

If you are using a digital thermometer, insert it in the same way and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the thermometer breaks – usually due to the cat sitting down – do not try to find and remove the broken end yourself. Instead, report it to your veterinarian immediately.

Here’s what the fixing bag we talked about earlier looks like:

Veterinarians also say that the temperature of cats can be measured while they are lying down.

Apparently, this is relevant for very weak or sick animals.

If after measuring the temperature, the thermometer shows – about 38-39 degrees, everything is fine. This is the normal temperature range for cats.

It should be mentioned that kittens have a slightly lower temperature – around 36 °C. As they get older, their temperature will gradually increase.

Conversely, in adult and older animals, metabolic processes are a bit slower and the temperature will become slightly lower.

Measuring cat temperature through the ear

Although the cat is unlikely to resist when you take its temperature through the ear, the process can be a little more complicated.

Ear thermometers need to be placed in the correct location to get an accurate reading.

While your cat may tolerate this method better than rectal temperature measurement, the animal will also resist.

How to measure a cat’s body temperature through the ear (sequence of steps):

1. If the cat resists, take it by the scruff of the neck – this calms all cats in most cases.
2. Insert the digital ear thermometer into the cat’s ear. Hold it horizontally while keeping the cat’s head still.
3. When the thermometer beeps, release the cat and record the temperature.
4. Clean the thermometer thoroughly.

Some tips 👍!

• Most cats will resist temperature measurement, and your cat may bite or scratch you. Be careful, you can even wear protective gloves (e.g. winter gloves).
• If possible, ask a second person the cat knows to hold, talk to, and pet the cat while you take its temperature.
• After you have taken the temperature, leave the cat alone. He may ” feel resentful” 😾 for a while.
• After the procedure, offer your cat a treat or small snack (provided she shows no signs of digestive distress).

Non-contact infrared thermometers – can they measure a pet’s temperature?

We would like to mention non-contact thermometers.

Let us remind you that non-contact infrared thermometers allow you to measure the temperature of animals quite quickly by pointing at their eyes.

Of course, that this way of measuring temperature in cats seems to be as painless and simple as possible. However, as they say, “the devil is in the details”.

The problem with non-contact infrared thermometers is their accuracy.

One study reported a maximum deviation of 1.43 °C and -1.36 °C compared to a rectal thermometer, which was unacceptable for clinical purposes.

The results of this study indicate that, although the IR thermometer is easy to use, it cannot be used interchangeably with a rectal thermometer.

Another fairly detailed study also speaks not in favor of non-contact thermometers. Eye temperature measured with an IR thermometer lowered body temperature in animals.

Among other things, a problem with using a non-contact thermometer can be that cats will close their eyes.

This can negate the accuracy of the results.

What Should You Do if Your Cat’s Temperature is Out of the Acceptable Range?

It should be remembered that a rise or fall in temperature itself is only a symptom that indicates the presence of a certain disease in your cat.

Therefore, temperature is not treated as such, but the disease that caused the symptom should be diagnosed and treated.

Cats that are unresponsive, lethargic, breathing heavily, experiencing an elevated or low heart rate, or exhibiting red gums should be taken immediately to a veterinarian for evaluation.

These cases are clearly beyond the scope of our home care and there is little we can do on our own.

The vet may use special blankets to keep the cat warm or give fluids and antibiotics if the cat has a fever.

However, if the cat is a little hot or chilly, you can try home remedies.

“If the animal is a little chilled or wet after a rainstorm, it would be appropriate to try to keep it warm,” Dr. Choczynski says. “Create a cozy den for the cat.“

Use a blanket or several, or even a heating pad. “Put a thick blanket on top and turn the pet over regularly,” says the vet.

If the cat has a fever, you can try cooling them down with a fan or air conditioner. Also, make sure they are getting plenty of fluids.

Try rechecking the temperature after an hour. If the cat’s temperature has not normalized, schedule a visit to the veterinarian.

So, a high temperature in a cat does not always mean that urgent action is needed, i.e. contact the vet.

Some examples of cases of fever that are certain to pass without consequences for the cat:

• The stress of being in public or crowded places – for example, at a show, from moving, guests or other highly agitated events.
• The cat is recovering from dehydration, overheating, or other such external factors. If their effects are eliminated, the animal should soon return to normal.
• Temporary fever may also be seen after spaying in cats and neutering in male cats – these are common consequences after these surgeries.
• Prolonged physical activity can also cause your pet’s temperature to rise slightly.
• If your cat is in the late stages of pregnancy, her increased physiologic processes can also cause an elevated temperature.

We would like to talk separately about an extreme case – hypothermia or hypothermia in cats. Read further…

What Should Be Done When Cats Have a Low Temperature? What is Hypothermia?

Prolonged exposure to cold causes a drop in body temperature. This most often occurs when the cat is wet.

Actually, this hypothermia or hypothermia is a condition of the body in which the body temperature drops below what is required to maintain normal metabolism and function

Hypothermia also occurs in severe shock, after a long period of anesthesia, and in newborn kittens.

Prolonged hypothermia burns a lot of energy in the body and predisposes the cat to low blood sugar levels.

Signs of hypothermia in cats are severe shivering, followed by lethargy and lethargy, rectal temperature below 36 °C, and finally coma and death.

Hypothermia therapy.

Wrap the cat in a blanket or coat and take it inside. If the cat is wet (fell into icy water or was caught in cold rain), try offering it a warm bath. Remember, however, that not all cats like bathing and it may require some effort on your part.

Alternatively, you can warm a chilled cat by applying warm water compresses wrapped in towels to the armpits, chest, and abdomen.

You can also try rubbing her vigorously with a towel to dry the skin.

It makes sense to take the cat’s rectal temperature every 10 minutes. Keep warming the cat until its rectal temperature reaches 37.8 °C.

And yes, veterinarians advise against warming the cat with a hair dryer, as this can cause burns.

When the cat starts to move, give it some honey or a few spoonfuls of glucose solution made by adding 4 teaspoons of sugar to half a liter of warm water (7 g of sugar per 500 ml of warm water). If the cat does not drink, apply some honey or syrup to its gums.

So What is the Normal Temperature in Cats? And What Are the Causes of Its Deviation – the Bottom Line

Well, summarizing our thoughts on body temperature in cats we can draw some conclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully, now you know more about cat fever, its causes, and what to do about it.

Let’s learn more 🐱 and get smarter! And don’t forget to share the information with our other feline colleagues.

And that’s it for today. Pa!

The article partially used materials from:

1. Book «Cat owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook (3rd edition)»

2. Site Catster