Normal body temperature for a cat is about 38.5 degrees. A deviation from this figure may indicate an animal's illness. Often this is how the first symptoms of the disease appear. So if there are doubts about the health of the pet, you should immediately measure its temperature.
It is necessary
- thermometer,
- cream or petroleum jelly,
- a blanket.
Instructions
Step 1
The cat or cat must have its own thermometer. Using a family thermometer to measure temperature is not only not hygienic, but also dangerous. In animals, parasites are often found, which are quite harmless for them, but very unpleasant for people. It is better if the thermometer is not mercury. A cat is unlikely to respond favorably to the procedure, and a mercury thermometer is fragile and can easily break during a fight. In addition to the alleged illness of the animal, mercury poisoning can be obtained.
Step 2
Carefully smear the tip of the thermometer with cream or petroleum jelly.
Step 3
Caress and calm the cat before the procedure. You should not approach an animal with a thermometer if it is in a bad mood. Scratch behind the ear, say sweet words, and only after you feel that the pet is relaxed and peaceful, proceed with further actions.
Step 4
Wrap the cat with a blanket or thick cloth, leaving only the head and tail outside. It is important that paws with sharp claws are immobilized by this makeshift diaper. The cat can start to resist at any moment, and you need to be ready to see it through.
Step 5
Lay the wrapped cat on a flat, hard surface, preferably on its stomach, and fix it in a comfortable position.
Step 6
After that, fold the tail towards the back and carefully insert the thermometer into the rectum. If you feel resistance, wait a few seconds for the animal to calm down, then continue. The thermometer should be inserted at 2-2.5 cm. Most cats tolerate this procedure patiently, but complications are possible. Treat the animal affectionately, but firmly, if you loosen the fixation at the moment when the thermometer is already inserted, the cat can seriously injure itself.
Step 7
Modern electronic thermometers usually measure the temperature very quickly, it is not necessary, as in the case of a mercury thermometer, to wait a few minutes, and this is in your favor. As soon as the thermometer beeps, remove it immediately.
Step 8
After use, be sure to wash the thermometer with soap and disinfect. If the cat is really sick, you should not leave possible pathogens on the thermometer until the next time you need it again.
