Causes of hypothermia
There are two main reasons for a decrease in body temperature: physiological (old age, pregnancy) and pathological.
A day before giving birth, a cat’s body temperature drops by about one degree.
Remember, a decrease in your pet’s body temperature for physiological reasons is normal.
. It is enough to provide the cat with access to a heat source.
Hypothermia is also observed in animals during hypothermia, long-term chronic diseases, impaired thermoregulation, skull injuries, tumor processes, long-term anesthesia during surgical interventions, and diseases of the endocrine glands.
How to recognize a threat?
- Spending a long time outside in cold weather should already make you think about the development of hypothermia in your cat.
- Upon tactile contact (to the touch), the animal is not as warm as usual. Minor muscle tremors are characteristic in the initial stage of a decrease in body temperature, then this protective mechanism disappears.
- The animal is lethargic, does not run away, does not play. The wool is raised to increase the air gap and retain heat.
- Visible mucous membranes and skin become pale and cool to the touch.
- The pet tries to find a warm place and curls up into a ball.
Specialized assistance
The best solution when identifying signs of hypothermia in a pet is to contact a veterinarian. It is necessary to find out the cause of the disease in an animal rescued from the street and in your cat, and carry out a number of diagnostic measures:
- Examination by a specialist.
- Collection of tests.
- X-ray of the chest and abdominal organs.
- Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
- X-ray of skeletal bones.
Depending on the severity of the condition, when examining the animal, the doctor will detect a decrease in heart rate, an irregular heart rhythm, a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in the amount of urine excreted, changes in breathing - it becomes superficial and rare. The animal reacts sluggishly or not at all to inspection; consciousness may be absent.
In severe cases, breathing practically stops, single breaths appear, foam may appear at the mouth (a sign of pulmonary edema), lack of consciousness, pulse and blood pressure may be barely noticeable or not detectable.
The doctor prescribes intravenous infusions with warm solutions, medications that relieve symptoms of the underlying disease, and oxygen therapy. The clinic staff constantly monitors the cat’s vital signs.
For more severe hypothermia, internal warming is performed: the stomach is washed with warm solutions, enemas with heated solutions, and inhalation of warm air.
In case of clinical death, the animal begins to be resuscitated immediately. If the measures are not successful, the death of the animal can be declared if the body temperature is above 30 – 32°C. Surviving patients, especially old ones, may have consequences in the form of impaired brain function, a shift in the point of thermoregulation, and cardiovascular failure. Some experts believe that animals that have experienced severe hypothermia are more likely to experience repeated episodes of hypothermia.
On a note!
If you do not have special veterinary education, do not independently treat your pets. Providing first aid to an animal should be a step on the way to transporting a cat to a specialized clinic. The doctor will find out the causes of the disease, prescribe treatment and provide qualified observation and care. Take care of your pets.
In cats, like in other animals, with any ailment, the temperature rises or falls. This is the first signal that your pet needs immediate help. The cat tolerates any temperature deviation from the norm very poorly. As a rule, the animal does not eat or drink anything and lies quietly in a secluded place. What to do if your cat’s temperature rises or falls, and why can this happen? Let's talk about this now.
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How to normalize an animal's temperature
If your pet suffers from low body temperature, then it is necessary, first of all, to warm it up. To do this you should :
- if the cat is outside, bring it into the house;
- if the animal gets wet from rain or snow, it is dried with a hairdryer and wrapped in a towel;
- wrap in a warm blanket and place a heating pad on it, heated to 39 degrees;
- the mustachioed pet is given warm milk or warm broth;
- periodically measure the temperature, it must be under control;
- if the temperature begins to return to normal, then the cat needs to be fed a little.
When normal internal temperature in cats is not restored, you should definitely call a doctor or take your pet to him.
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Take the cat to the clinic immediately if its temperature drops to 36 degrees and continues to drop rapidly.
The veterinarian will carry out a full examination of the animal and will be sure to correctly diagnose the cause of the low temperature, and will also help treat your pet.
The veterinary clinic may:
- Give your pet a warm enema.
- Place a dropper with a warming solution.
Fever
The normal temperature for a cat is considered to be 38-39.2 degrees Celsius. An increase in this indicator by a degree or more already indicates that the pet is unwell. The first symptom of the onset of the disease can be called lethargy and when the pet does not eat anything for a long time. Also, the cat may constantly lie down and refuse any communication. Although, there are cases when the symptoms are the opposite - the pet, on the contrary, is overly active, has increased thirst and eats constantly.
High fever in cats can also provoke symptoms such as vomiting, dilated pupils, constipation, irregular pulse and breathing. There may also be discharge from the ears, eyes and nose. In most cases, an elevated temperature in a cat causes only a couple of symptoms. A sick animal's fur often becomes dull and bristles in different directions.
When signs of fever appear in a cat, it is necessary to carry out an examination in order to quickly understand its cause. It’s worth starting with the fur and seeing if there is any discharge from the animal’s nose. You also need to look into the oral cavity. In a healthy cat, it is pale pink, there is no stomatitis or ulcers. Feeling the abdomen will help determine the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. After all, it is precisely because of such diseases that a sick pet does not eat anything.
We measure the temperature
A cat's fever can be measured using a rectal thermometer. If this is not the case, you can use the usual one. It will be more convenient if the animal is standing, but you can measure the heat of a sitting or lying cat. Next, you need to lubricate the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline or ordinary oil. Then lift the furry tail and carefully insert it into the rectum about three centimeters. For more information on this procedure, see the video below.
In a couple of minutes you can get exact numbers. The kitten's temperature is 40 degrees, what should I do? Try to find out what the reason is, although in any case you will have to take him to a specialist. When a cat’s fever rises to 40 degrees, postponing a trip to the veterinarian is dangerous. Thus, high temperatures negatively affect the pet’s health, causing problems such as dehydration or cerebral edema.
Reducing the temperature correctly
You should not try to reduce a fever of 40 degrees or higher at home with antipyretic drugs intended for humans. Only in the most extreme cases, if the veterinarian does not arrive soon, and the cat’s high temperature has risen above 40 degrees, is the pet given Analgin. However, the best way to reduce the fever is through physical methods, such as placing ice on your inner thighs or neck. Alternatively, you can wrap your pet in wet gauze.
The most correct decision when a cat’s temperature rises is to urgently take the pet to the veterinary clinic.
Why is it better not to call a veterinarian at home, but to immediately take a pet who has a fever to the clinic? The fact is that the animal’s high body temperature could be caused by a variety of viruses. They can only be identified by passing the necessary tests. This way, you can gain valuable time to save your pet’s life.
How else can you bring down the temperature?
- The cat does not eat anything, so the best option would be if you offer him something to drink.
- Use a fan to reduce the heat, but you will have to be careful to make sure your pet doesn't get blown out.
- Lubricating the seals' paw pads with vodka can also help reduce the fever. The period of wiping during this treatment is once an hour.
- In case of heatstroke, you should not try to reduce the fever; be sure to take your cat to the doctor.
First aid
Depending on the degree of hypothermia, the actions taken will differ:
- Mild hypothermia. Manifested by muscle tremors, rapid pulse, pale skin and mucous membranes. The animal is revived by external heating using heating pads and towels. The pet is also given warm broth to drink.
- Moderate hypothermia. In this case, the skin becomes pale with a marbled tint, while muscle tremors are not observed. The pulse is weak, rare, breathing is shallow. External heat sources are used for warming. However, they may not give the desired result, so it is recommended to use Roncoleukin and do warm enemas. Do not overheat to avoid causing tissue damage.
- Severe hypothermia. Severe rigor, the pulse becomes weak, breathing is barely visible, the animal is unconscious, there is no reaction of the pupils to light. At this point, you should at least wrap your pet in a warm towel. However, this often does not give the desired result; you need to make a warm drip as soon as possible.
Below we will consider each type of manipulation in more detail.
Passive warming
This is a primitive way to warm an animal. Helps with mild to moderate hypothermia.
To do this, do the following:
- blow dry and wrap in a warm towel;
- put the pet on a heating pad, into which pour water at a temperature of 39 C;
- the pet is given warm broth (not milk or vodka);
- After the temperature returns to normal, the cat is given a handful of food.
Warm enema
For an enema, you need an isotonic 0.9% saline solution with a temperature of 40 C. It is taken into a bulb with a volume of no more than 100 ml. It is better to carry out the procedure together, so that one person fixes the pet, and the other does the necessary manipulations. Most often, with hypothermia, cats are passive and easily agree to treatment. However, if the cat is fighting, wrap it tightly in a towel, leaving its hind legs and tail outside.
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Due to the fact that a deep enema is being performed, it is better to place the animal on its left side, so it will be much more comfortable for them. To prevent your pet from injuring its owner with its claws, hold its hind legs by the area above the knees. Before administration, the tip of the enema is lubricated with Vaseline. Inject carefully, with rotational movements to a depth of 1-1.5 cm and parallel to the spine. Next, gradually press the bulb so that the solution passes into the rectum slowly.
"Ronkoleikin"
The administration of this drug is an effective, simple and safe method of treatment. "Roncoleukin" is a solution for oral, external and injection use. For hypothermia, it is first administered subcutaneously. When you feel better, the medicine is taken orally.
The composition of the drug includes:
- human interleukin-2;
- sodium dodecyl sulfate;
- D-mannitol;
- dithiothreitol;
- ammonium carbonate;
- distilled water.
The animal is injected with 10,000 – 15,000 IU/kg. Practice shows that when Roncoleukin is combined with other procedures, it is possible to achieve an increase in temperature and save lives in 100% of cases. When using only Roncoleukin, this figure is also high - 90-95%.
If the pet's condition improves, it is recommended to re-use Roncoleukin in the next two days at the same dosage (once a day). The standard course of therapy is 3, less often 4 injections. The first administration is always subcutaneous, subsequent doses are administered with water through a syringe.
Reduced temperature
Hypothermia in a pet is also not a good thing. In most cases, this process occurs if the cat’s body feels weak due to a viral disease, and this is how immunosuppression manifests itself. Also, low temperature can be observed in pets who suffer from diseases of the kidneys, heart, endocrine and nervous systems. With hypothermia, the pet feels weak, depressed, does not eat or drink, and trembles. Pale mucous membranes and skin are also signs of the disease.
Stabilizing the temperature of cats
First aid for your beloved pet should be aimed at raising the temperature. To do this, it is necessary to cover the patient with hot water bottles. If this method does not help, you should take your pet to a veterinary clinic. Since your cat eats little or not at all during illness, give him something to drink.
Main causes of low temperature
In most cases, a cat develops a low temperature due to hypothermia. But this is not the only reason. An animal may also suffer from hypothermia for other reasons. There are the following causes of low temperature in a cat :
- Peculiar infections and viruses that provoke low temperature because they destroy the pet’s immunity.
- General malaise and weakened body.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Consequences of anesthesia.
- Malignant tumors.
- Kidney disease, which occurs mainly in old age;
- Various injuries.
- Violation of metabolic processes. This happens due to a lack of a number of different vitamins and nutrients in the body. Symptoms of this type of disorder are: hair loss, slow growth, deformation of limbs, deterioration of claws, low temperature.
- Consequences after poisoning.
- Dehydration. After the body loses 10% of water, severe pathological changes occur. The following signs indicate that your cat does not have enough water: general weakness, dry mucous membranes - the mouth, nose and conjunctiva, as well as sunken eyeballs, low temperature.
- Enteritis is the general name for diseases that are characterized by inflammation of the intestinal epithelium. Most often, this disease occurs in young kittens, but it is also dangerous for adults if they have poor nutrition, terrible living conditions, or have experienced some kind of stress. In addition, the virus of this disease leaves the body along with feces and poses a threat to surrounding pets.
- Severe bleeding, both internal and external. Of course, external bleeding is easy to notice, but the presence of internal bleeding can only be guessed by stool or urine.
- Heart diseases. The symptoms of this type of disease directly depend on the type of disease. A mustachioed pet may exhibit arrhythmia, shortness of breath, or blue discoloration of the mucous membranes, and low temperature.
- Disease of the nervous system. In this case, the behavior of the animal changes radically. It becomes completely indifferent to various games and amusements.
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Temperature in cats is normal
What is the normal temperature for mustachioed pets? Normal body temperature levels in cats are highly variable.
- On average, a limit of 37-38°C is considered normal.
- But under certain conditions, this limit shifts slightly – 37.5-38.5°C. But this is an exception rather than a pattern.
- A temperature of 39°C should already alert you.
The temperature indicator is affected by:
- State of health - in sick animals, the temperature always begins to fluctuate in one direction or another, different from the norm. In healthy people, it stays within the same limit.
- Physiological state -
During sleep, a temperature around 37°C is considered normal, because... vital processes are reduced due to the lack of need to generate energy. Pregnant cats have a normal body temperature that is slightly higher than normal cats. During games and after eating, the temperature rises slightly due to the active production of internal energy. It has also been proven that small cats have a higher temperature than large ones. - Age -
In old animals, the body temperature is slightly lower than in young ones, but this only indicates a slowdown in metabolic processes with age, and not about pathologies. In kittens, the indicators are higher than in adults due to an undeveloped thermoregulation system (from about 3-4 months of age, the temperature becomes close to adult indicators). - Gender -
Males are considered somewhat “hotter” than cats, because usually more active and mobile. - Time of day -
In the evening the temperature usually increases by several points, and in the morning it decreases.
Temperature in cats does NOT depend on:
- from fluctuations in ambient temperature;
- density and density of wool.
In hairless cat breeds, the body temperature is absolutely the same as in thick-haired ones, but purely tactilely it is felt as higher, due to its manifestation on bare skin.
Cat body temperature. What is the normal temperature for cats?
If a person's temperature is considered normal at 35.9 to 37.2 °C, then in a cat they are always higher - 38-39 degrees.
There is an opinion that a temperature of 42 °C is considered normal for representatives of hairless breeds. In fact, for Sphynxes it is the same as for long-haired cats. It's just that your pet's skin always feels hot when touched. It is not surprising, because there is no fur on it.
A slight increase in temperature in cats is always observed during the hot season. Indicators may vary throughout the day. So, during sleep and in the morning after waking up they are lower, but after physical activity, eating and in the late afternoon, on the contrary, they are increased. There's nothing wrong with that.
A temperature jump of 1 degree upward during estrus, pregnancy, childbirth, as well as after sterilization and vaccination should not cause concern.
It should be noted that in kittens the mechanism of thermoregulation is formed gradually. In newborns, the readings are considered normal: 35.5 to 36.5 ℃; in babies 1-2 months old, they range from 38.5 to 39.5 degrees. Once the kittens reach 7 months of age, the indicators stabilize.
The norm for cats should be considered a body temperature of 38-39 ° C, and for kittens this figure is slightly higher. This indicator is also affected by the time of year. In the summer season it is higher than normal. For Sphynx cats, the base temperature is 40-41 °C.
The temperature of animals should be measured rectally. To do this, use an electronic thermometer, the tip of which must first be lubricated with Vaseline or oil and inserted into the pet's anus. Holding the thermometer for 5 minutes is enough.
An alarming signal is a temperature below 40 in a kitten or adult. In this case, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of your pet. Remember if there has been any strangeness in his behavior recently - refusal of food or active games. The animal should be shown to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Thermometry process
Measuring temperature will not be difficult if you know the intricacies of the procedure. The process itself takes place using the same measuring instruments as for humans. It is better if the pet has its own personal instrument, which will then not be used by any people.
To carry out thermometry use:
- classic mercury thermometer;
- Digital Thermometer;
- electronic rectal thermometer.
It is worth noting the advantages of electronic devices for the speed of obtaining results, which allows less time to cause discomfort to the pet.
The temperature is measured in the animal's rectum. The procedure is unpleasant, so it involves restraining the cat to avoid injury from claws and teeth. It is better to carry out the procedure together - one holds, the other carries out the procedure. If the cat is especially aggressive, it may be necessary to involve someone else.
There are two ways to restrain your cat for temperature measurement:
- One person holds the pet’s paws and presses them against any horizontal surface in the area of the withers, securely fixing the head by the scruff of the neck. It is important not to overdo it, because... if you press down hard, the cat will try to escape from this position much stronger than from the thermometer. Injuries cannot be avoided!
- Wrap the cat in a towel or thick flannel diaper (or any thick piece of fabric), keeping its paws securely hidden. One person holds the resulting bundle, the other takes measurements.
After fixation, the tip of the thermometer is smeared with Vaseline or some other greasy cream (for example, baby cream) and inserted into the cat’s rectum to a depth of 2 cm for large cats and up to 1 cm for kittens. Electronic measuring instruments are held until a sound signal, classic mercury thermometers - 3-5 minutes.
After removal, the result is assessed and the tip is necessarily wiped with a swab moistened with alcohol or any other disinfectant solution. It should be noted that if during the procedure the cat behaves too actively and violently breaks out, then the result may be inaccurate as the indicator increases. This is due to the increased release of internal energy and heat.
To measure temperature using a more gentle method, you can use thermometers:
- infrared ear;
- non-contact infrared.
The principle of operation of the first is to determine the temperature that actively flows to the brain. Those. it picks up heat impulses from the ear. The cat does not feel any discomfort during the procedure. Two disadvantages: 1) cost; 2) incorrect result for ear disease.
When measured with a non-contact device, the cat does not feel anything at all. The device is aimed at the cat’s body (ideally hairless areas) and results are immediately obtained. It has errors in measurements within 0.2-0.3°C compared to the classic mercury “brother”. There is only one drawback - the cost of the device itself.
How to detect a fever in a cat
You can suspect an increase or decrease in temperature based on a number of signs, which include:
- ears, nose and skin that are hot or too cold to the touch;
- chills, severe body tremors;
- refusal to eat, nausea, vomiting;
- changes in behavior, aggression or desire to hide in a dark corner;
- increased heart rate, increased breathing;
- strong thirst;
- dilated pupils;
Dilated pupils in a cat are one of the signs of a change in temperature in an animal
- lack of physical activity, lethargy and drowsiness;
- discharge from the nose, ears and eyes.
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Many owners believe that the main sign of a febrile condition is a dry, hot nose, but veterinarians refute this opinion. A warm and dry surface of the nose occurs after sleep or active play, as well as in older individuals, who are characterized by a slowdown in metabolic processes.
A dry, hot cat's nose is not a cause for concern.
A sick cat will hide from people, hide in dark corners, lie motionless and refuse food - this is the way nature tells it to fight the disease. In addition, the pet may often close its eyes, which makes its third eyelid visible, which is normally invisible from the outside.
Lethargy and loss of appetite are a symptom of an increase or decrease in temperature
An indicator of an increase in a cat's body temperature is the nose. If it is cool and damp, then the pet is healthy. A warm and dry nose indicates hyperthermia. However, this method does not make it possible to determine accurate data. In order to measure the animal's temperature, you will need a mercury or electronic thermometer.
First of all, you need to prepare any available tool that will help you easily and painlessly insert the thermometer into the rectum. This could be Levomekol ointment, Vaseline or baby cream. Before the procedure, the pet should be carefully secured by wrapping it in a towel. It is good if someone helps, since it is difficult to do this on your own, especially when the cat is aggressive.
To measure temperature, you can use either an electronic or a mercury thermometer
After fixing, the tip of the thermometer must be lubricated with any of the listed products and carefully inserted into the animal’s anus to a depth of no more than 1 cm. If we are talking about a standard mercury thermometer, then you will have to wait from three to five minutes. Electronic thermometers cope with the task faster. After measuring the temperature, the device must be carefully removed from the rectum.
Measuring a cat's body temperature is done rectally
Signs of fluctuating body temperature
If the temperature drops, the cat:
- lethargic and inactive;
- has pale mucous membranes;
- tries to get into a warmer place;
- rarely breathes with sharp inhalation and exhalation;
- has low blood pressure and a slow pulse rate.
When the cat's temperature rises:
- shaking and feverish;
- there is no appetite and the animal hardly drinks;
- inactive, almost constantly sleeping;
- diarrhea or vomiting with a pungent odor of the contents may occur;
- has a rapid pulse;
- dehydrated (with prolonged fever).
Important: the state of nasal moisture is not an informative indicator of normal or high body temperature!
When does a cat experience fluctuations in body temperature?
Any changes in Murka’s body temperature are always a sign of ill health. The thermometry results can either rise or fall below normal - in any case, you need to find out the reason, what is wrong with the animal.
What does an increase in body temperature indicate:
Infectious causes:
- viral infection;
- bacterial infection;
- hidden or obvious inflammatory process in the body;
- helminthic infestation (if it is a kitten).
Non-infectious causes:
- necrotic processes in organs and tissues;
- increased accumulation of salts in the body;
- administration of medications that stimulate the brain's thermoregulation centers;
- overheat.
Physiological reasons:
- after active games and long running;
- during pregnancy;
- after eating;
- stress.
The temperature drops when:
- the cat is hypothermic;
- there was serious blood loss;
- there are pathologies in the endocrine and nervous systems;
- the functioning of the cardiovascular system and kidneys is impaired;
- there is an oncological disease;
- the animal has food poisoning (indigestion).
How to check a cat's temperature with a thermometer
Determining a cat's temperature without a thermometer is quite difficult - signs that may indicate an increase in temperature (hot nose, prominent third eyelid, decreased appetite and physical activity) are indirect and do not provide an accurate picture of the disease. Based on these signs, one can only suspect a deterioration in the pet’s condition, and the indicators can only be found out with the help of a thermometer.
To find out your cat's temperature, you can take a regular or electronic thermometer.
Before touching on the question of how to measure the temperature of a cat, you need to consider the most common types of thermometers.
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The most accessible and familiar to most breeders is a regular mercury thermometer. However, measuring body temperature with it is not safe. The duration of the procedure (from 5 minutes) makes it even more unpleasant and painful for the pet, and sudden movements and attempts to resist can lead to damage to the integrity of the thermometer.
Important! If the thermometer breaks during the procedure, the mercury must be collected using a copper plate. It is highly undesirable to use paper and rags. If residues of a toxic substance enter the animal's rectum, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.
An electronic thermometer is more convenient to use; it gives results within 1-2 minutes. after the start of the procedure, and also has high accuracy. Many of them are also equipped with a special sound sensor.
Digital Thermometer
A rectal thermometer is considered the most acceptable because it does not need to be inserted too deeply into the animal’s body, it is equipped with a special sound signal, and is also small in size.
An infrared thermometer can also be used to measure an animal's body temperature. One of its main advantages is that the device does not come into direct contact with the pet’s body and can be located at a distance of 5 to 15 cm from it. However, when working with such a thermometer, you need to remember that in the first few minutes it can react to the temperature not of the animal’s body, but of the environment, which is why you need to wait a little for more accurate indicators. Also, if possible, you should take a second measurement by placing the device behind the cat’s ear.
Note! Infrared thermometers are the most expensive.
To determine a cat's temperature, they use both a regular mercury thermometer and special medical devices - electronic and infrared thermometers. Using the latter, measurements are performed in the auricle, the rest are used only to measure temperature in the rectum. The procedure itself is not very pleasant for the patient, so it is important to know how to quickly and correctly check a cat’s temperature.
In the auricle
To use this method, you must have a special device - an ear thermometer.
How to use an ear thermometer
To make your task easier, you need to carry out the procedure when the cat is sitting or lying down, adhering to the following algorithm:
- Before determining the cat's temperature, you should fix its head in a motionless position.
- After this, it is necessary to disinfect the tip of the thermometer, and then insert it into the animal’s ear, while holding it in a horizontal position.
- A sound signal from the device indicates the end of the measurement. After this, you need to remove the device from the auricle and evaluate the indicators.
For your information! The entire measuring process lasts about 1.5-2 minutes, brings a minimum of discomfort to the pet, but is fraught with an error of 0.3-0.5 °C.
In the rectum
The most suitable method for measuring temperature is considered rectal, i.e. by inserting a thermometer into the pet's rectum. To make the results more accurate, the procedure should be carried out when the cat is calm or sleeping.
The rectal method is not the most pleasant for a cat, but is more accurate compared to an ear thermometer
The procedure is as follows:
- Before determining the kitten’s body temperature, you need to wrap it in a towel, firmly fixing its paws, leaving only its head and tail outside. If the pet is aggressive or too active, it is better to attract an assistant, since it is obvious that the procedure is not pleasant, and the cat will begin to resist.
- The tip of a thermometer, previously disinfected and lubricated with baby cream or Vaseline, is inserted 10-15 mm into the anus of the animal. In this case, the thermometer must be slightly tilted so that it touches the inside of the intestinal mucosa. When using a mercury thermometer, wait about 3 minutes. The electronic one will emit a corresponding signal indicating the completion of the measurement.
- The device is removed after the measurement is completed with a careful movement, after which the obtained value is compared with the norm.
Note! While taking measurements, it is advisable to constantly pet the pet and talk to it in a calm voice, and after the procedure, praise it by treating it with its favorite treat.
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Mucous membranes of a cat with hypothermia
- on the nose. In the absence of diseases, it should be moist and cool. A dry and hot nose indicates a painful condition of the animal. You can focus on the dryness and warmth of the nose only when the animal is awake and not involved in active games. A dry and warm nose may be normal if the cat has slept for a long time under the sun or in another heated place;
- by the ears. The cat's ear is covered with thin skin that has no fatty layer. Blood vessels are located directly under the skin, so tactile sensations can determine the temperature quite close to the actual one;
- according to the condition of the mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are the most accurate indicators when determining temperature without a thermometer. With hyperthermia, the gums become hot and their color darkens to dark pink or red. With hypothermia, the gums, on the contrary, become cold, and their color changes to pale pink or bluish;
- under the armpits. The axillary pits and abdominal area also serve as reference points for measuring thermal status (provided there is no large amount of fur). To measure body temperature correctly, it is important to keep your hands warm. It is necessary to place your palms on an open area of the body and hold them for 5-10 seconds. If the owner's skin quickly gets used to the pet's body temperature, most likely its temperature is normal.
The main thing is to remember that the health of the pet depends on the owner. A change in the mark on the thermometer indicates possible diseases of the cat, so it is very important to know how to correctly check the cat’s body temperature. Measuring your pet's thermal state can save not only its health, but also its life.
What to do, if…
If, after measuring the temperature, it is revealed that it has dropped below normal (hypothermia) or, conversely, has increased, then you need to immediately take the cat to the veterinarian. If this is not possible, then you can alleviate the pet’s condition yourself.
For hypothermia, a cat needs:
- warm by wrapping it in a soft cloth or blanket made of natural threads;
- put on a heating pad or, if there is none, cover it with ordinary plastic bottles with hot water (you just need to make sure that the animal does not get burned);
- give any warm drink (water, milk).
Usually, when a cat warms up, it falls asleep, and when it wakes up, it feels much better. But it is recommended not to postpone your visit to the doctor, because... the reason for such a condition must be identified.
If your cat has a fever, you should:
- give her cool water (not cold) often and in small portions, using a pipette or syringe without a needle;
- wrap the animal’s body with a thin towel or cloth moistened with cool water or simply moisten the fur with it;
- Apply ice wrapped in cloth to the inner thigh and neck area.
If there is a jump in body temperature, the cat should not be given any medications, especially those intended for humans.
Important: a well-known antipyretic from the human first aid kit called paracetamol, for a cat it is a poison that causes serious poisoning with a fatal outcome!
After the temperature is slightly reduced (not necessarily immediately to a normal level, but most importantly to a safe level), you need to arrange for the cat to be taken to a veterinarian. Most often, an increase in body temperature is caused by viral or bacterial infections, so antiviral and antibacterial therapies effectively normalize the pet’s condition.
Owners must be aware that the conditions described below can lead to the death of their pet:
- fever with a temperature of more than 40.5 ° C leads to dehydration, increases heart rate and respiratory rate, which, in turn, can provoke a certain degree of heart failure;
- a temperature of more than 41.1°C undeniably leads to cerebral edema, and also provokes disruptions in the heart (tachycardia or increased heart rate and heart rhythm disturbances), respiratory system (shortness of breath, wheezing), gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, smell of acetone from the mouth, intestinal bleeding and skin hemorrhages).
If the question is whether to take the cat to a veterinary hospital or call a veterinarian at home, the answer should be in favor of the clinic. It is possible that the temperature will continue to rise, and the pet will need a resuscitation procedure, which will be difficult to carry out at home.
How to properly place a thermometer on a pet
How to measure the temperature of a cat with a regular mercury or electronic thermometer? Temper for cats and kittens...
In animals, as in humans, an increase in body temperature in most cases signals the development of a disease. If a cat has a temperature of 40, then you should act immediately, because without timely assistance, the pet’s condition will rapidly deteriorate.
Every pet owner should know why the cat’s body temperature rises sharply, so that if there is a significant increase, they can immediately provide help at home.
- 1. Reasons for rising temperature
- 2. Alarming symptoms
- 3. How to measure temperature?
- 4. First aid for a pet
A cat's high body temperature should not always be a reason to visit the veterinarian, since in certain cases this symptom does not indicate a serious illness in the pet. A cat’s temperature rises for the following reasons:
- 1. Normal body overheating. If an animal has been in a stuffy, enclosed room or exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, overheating occurs.
- 2. Stress recently experienced by the pet. A long separation from the owner, moving, a sudden change of environment, visiting a veterinary clinic and participating in an exhibition - all these events are stressful for a cat.
- 3. Increased physical activity.
- 4. Eating food. During a meal, the cat's temperature rises, and this phenomenon is normal.
In kittens and pregnant cats, elevated temperatures are normal. This phenomenon is due to physiological processes occurring in the pet’s body.
It is worth sounding the alarm in cases where the temperature rises due to the occurrence of a certain disease in the cat. As a rule, this symptom indicates that the pet has one of the following ailments:
- infectious disease;
- various poisonings;
- malignant tumor;
- viral infection of the body;
- failure of the endocrine system;
- serious metabolic disorder.
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The cause of an increase in body temperature in a cat can be determined by the accompanying symptoms:
- increased tear production;
- runny nose;
- lethargy;
- the cat does not eat or drink;
- nose dry and hot;
- vomit;
- uncharacteristic, anxious or aggressive behavior;
- cardiopalmus;
- convulsions;
- indigestion;
- change in color of the oral mucosa, nose and visual organs;
- shortness of breath and wheezing when exhaling;
- Covering the cat's skin with hemorrhages.
All of the above symptoms indicate that the increase in temperature was not due to banal overheating of the body and the cat urgently needs first aid at home, and then taken to a veterinarian for further treatment.
If the pet is not provided with medical assistance in a timely manner, after two days irreversible changes will begin in its body, ultimately leading to cardiac arrest. The cat begins to lose vitality, dehydration occurs, as a result of which swelling of the brain occurs, leading to the death of cells.
Sometimes cats experience temporary or permanent paralysis of the entire body or limbs.
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First, you should take your temperature. You can measure it at home by following the following instructions:
- the cat must be immobilized by swaddling it with a towel so that the limbs are captured;
- take an electronic thermometer and lubricate it with Vaseline, oil or greasy cream;
- carefully insert the thermometer into the cat’s rectum, going no deeper than 2 cm;
- hold the thermometer inside until the signal;
- carefully remove it.
A mercury thermometer can be used only if there is no other option. This is dangerous, as the animal may break free and the thermometer will break.
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In order to bring down an animal’s temperature at home, you must follow the following algorithm of actions:
- place the cat in a cool and well-ventilated room in the apartment;
- provide fresh air access to the room by opening the door and windows;
- turn on the air conditioner or fan;
- apply ice cubes or a towel or napkin soaked in cold water to the pet’s neck;
- periodically re-wet the towel and apply a cold compress;
- cover the cat's body with gauze soaked in cool water (care should be taken to prevent hypothermia);
- Give your cat water to prevent dehydration;
- Lubricate your pet's paw pads with a solution of vinegar and medical alcohol, doing the procedure every hour.
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It is recommended to feed your cat dietary meals, preferably liquid ones. Low-fat chicken broth is best. To lower the temperature, you can resort to medicinal herbs, for example, echinacea tincture, which helps fight infection and suppress the virus.
It must be dissolved in a small amount of water in a ratio of 1 drop per 1 kg of cat weight. The resulting product must be poured into the cat’s mouth using a syringe without a needle. If the temperature cannot be brought down within 24 hours, then it is necessary to urgently take the cat to the veterinarian.
Giving a cat antipyretic drugs intended for humans is prohibited. They will only significantly worsen the pet’s condition and cause an allergic reaction.
Like any other living creature, a cat’s temperature is a kind of indicator of health. Even a slight increase may indicate that a serious pathology is developing in the animal’s body.
If a person's temperature is considered normal at 35.9 to 37.2 °C, then in a cat they are always higher - 38-39 degrees. There is an opinion that a temperature of 42 °C is considered normal for representatives of hairless breeds.
In fact, for Sphynxes it is the same as for long-haired cats. It's just that your pet's skin always feels hot when touched. It is not surprising, because there is no fur on it.
A slight increase in temperature in cats is always observed during the hot season. Indicators may vary throughout the day. So, during sleep and in the morning after waking up they are lower, but after physical activity, eating and in the late afternoon, on the contrary, they are increased. There's nothing wrong with that.
A temperature jump of 1 degree upward during estrus, pregnancy, childbirth, as well as after sterilization and vaccination should not cause concern.
It should be noted that in kittens the mechanism of thermoregulation is formed gradually. In newborns, the readings are considered normal: 35.5 to 36.5 ℃; in babies 1-2 months old, they range from 38.5 to 39.5 degrees. Once the kittens reach 7 months of age, the indicators stabilize.
An increase in body temperature in a pet can be caused by a variety of reasons. The most common of these is ordinary overheating. If the cat has been in the sun or in a stuffy room for a long time, the readings can jump up to 41 degrees.
To stabilize the temperature, it is enough to place the animal in a cool room and give it water to drink. As a rule, after a couple of hours thermoregulation returns to normal.
Temperature can also rise significantly due to stress. Cats are emotional, and the appearance of another pet in the house, moving to a new place of residence, changing or losing an owner, even a banal trip by car to the veterinary clinic causes them great anxiety.
The animal's condition will stabilize as soon as it feels that it is not in danger and its loving owner is still nearby.
Hyperthermia can be triggered by infections. In such cases, the pet experiences symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, urinary retention, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Infectious diseases are very dangerous and require immediate attention to a veterinarian.
If a cat's fever is accompanied by sneezing, mucous discharge from the nose, and watery eyes, it is most likely that the body is infected with a virus. In such cases, it is also necessary to visit a veterinary hospital.
A high temperature can be caused by an inflammatory process occurring in the body, such as mastitis. There are often cases when impaired thermoregulation is a sign of cancer.
The four-legged pet's temperature should be measured rectally with a thermometer. It makes no sense to measure under the paw, since all animals have hair, and the result will be incorrect.
Many owners prefer to use an electronic thermometer as it is the safest. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the error of changes, which will be 0.1–0.5 ℃.
A regular mercury thermometer will give an accurate result, but it is very fragile and therefore unsafe. Therefore, it is advisable for cat lovers without experience to resort to the first option.
Measuring a cat's temperature:
- Place your pet on a hard, horizontal surface, tummy down.
- Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline oil.
- Lift the cat's tail, carefully, in a circular motion, insert the thermometer into the anus about 1 cm (for kittens - 0.5 cm).
- Hold the electronic thermometer until the beep sounds, and hold the mercury thermometer for at least 5 minutes.
- After the procedure, wipe the thermometer with alcohol.
You can take your cat's temperature with an infrared ear thermometer. The procedure is absolutely safe and painless, in addition, the device will show the result in a maximum of 10 seconds. However, if an animal has an inflammatory process in its ear, the results will be unreliable.
Inexperienced pet owners prefer to determine the cat's temperature by looking at the nose: if it is wet and cool, then everything is in order with the pet's health. But if the nose is dry, then this indicates poor health, including a possible increase in temperature.
You should not rely on this method, because a cat that has just woken up from sleep will always have a dry earlobe. But you can touch the ears. If the cat's temperature is above 41 degrees, then they will be hot.
By measuring your cat's temperature rectally, you will get the most accurate data.
What does a veterinarian do?
When taking a cat to a veterinarian, the specialist tries to find out the reason for the increase/decrease in body temperature in order to prescribe adequate and correct treatment.
For this:
- anamnesis information is collected;
- a clinical examination is carried out;
- a number of necessary urine and blood tests are prescribed;
- Ultrasound and x-rays are performed;
- If necessary, a biopsy is taken.
After making a diagnosis and determining the exact cause of temperature fluctuations, treatment is prescribed, which may include:
- antiviral drugs;
- antibiotics;
- anthelmintics;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- general health-improving drugs and vitamin complexes;
- rehydrating (restoring the water-salt balance in the body) and detoxification droppers.
Antipyretics are prescribed in the most extreme cases, when there is a threat to the life of the animal. But usually, timely, appropriate therapy for the situation brings down the rising (or falling) temperature within 24 hours.
Be attentive to your pets, monitor for any changes in their health, including fluctuations in body temperature.
The importance of such a parameter as a cat’s body temperature cannot be overestimated. Hyper- or hypothermia, in the presence of other warning signs, will tell about the animal’s malaise, prompting the owner to take action.
Normal cat body temperature
The normal temperature of a cat falls within the average range of 38–39 degrees
. Higher or lower numbers do not always indicate problems in the body. In order not to panic ahead of time, you need to:
- know the normal temperature for your pet;
- understand the nature of its daily fluctuations;
- understand the reasons for the decrease/increase (if they are caused by illness);
- learn to measure temperature;
- be able to provide first aid.
Temperature of adult cats
When measuring a healthy cat, you may see readings slightly higher or lower than the generally accepted 38–39°, such as 37.2 degrees or 39.4 degrees. Each animal has its own temperature, which does not go beyond the norm, which, however, should not be above 40° and below 37° (such values are already associated with pathology). So, a figure of 39.2° will be fairly standard for an adult cat with a usual temperature of 39°, but will serve as an alarm bell if the animal’s daily temperature is 38°.
This is interesting!
Cats, especially young and active ones, are always somewhat “hotter” than cats. Cats expecting offspring also have a warmer body. Old animals are a little “colder” than active ones due to inhibition of metabolic processes.
In addition, throughout the day, the cat’s body temperature varies by half a degree (in both directions), decreasing during sleep and in the morning, but increasing after eating, outdoor games or in the evening.
Kitten temperature
Newly born animals have their own norms, which is due to the unstable mechanism of thermoregulation. The body temperature of a newborn is in the range of 35.5–36.5 degrees, but gradually increases as they grow older. Values of 38.5–39.5° appear on the thermometer at approximately 3–4 months, as soon as the kitten’s body learns to regulate body temperature.
Breed Features
One of the persistent misconceptions is that hairless cats (Sphynxes, Peterbalds, Ukrainian Levkoys, Don Sphynxes, Bambinos, Elves, Kohans and Dwelfs) have an elevated body temperature. In reality, these cats are not hotter than their “woolen” counterparts, and the feeling of an overheated body arises due to the lack of a layer between the human palm and the cat’s skin. The coat of ordinary cats simply does not allow us to feel the real warmth of their bodies.
What indicators are considered critical and require contacting a veterinarian?
It is recommended to carry out measurements over time at 3-6 hour intervals, making sure to record the time of the procedure and the thermometer readings.
If they deviate from the norm by 0.5°C, there is no cause for concern. If the cat's body temperature is increased or decreased by more than 1°C, it is recommended to take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible, without waiting for the situation to get out of control. You need to understand that a decrease in temperature is no less dangerous for a cat’s health than an increase. The temperature in cats, unlike in humans, is considered normal in the range from 37.8 to 39 degrees. Higher values indicate a pathological process or overheating of the body. An increase in temperature cannot be ignored, as the cause may be a serious pathology.
Normally, a cat’s body is designed in such a way that excess heat is eliminated naturally through the skin and respiratory system. If the pet is sick, then this process of thermoregulation is disrupted.
A cat's normal body temperature is ensured by the body's natural thermoregulation.
Cats are warm-blooded animals, whose normal body temperature ranges from 37.5 °C to 39 °C. The exact numbers are individual for each cat. And it is very important for owners to know them, since this will determine which values should be considered reduced and which should be considered increased.
Temperature is an important indicator of an animal's health
So, for example, 39.2 °C will be considered a slight increase for a pet with a normal temperature of 38.9 °C, but for an animal with a daily temperature of 37.5 °C it will be an alarming symptom. A mark of less than 37 °C and above 40 °C, regardless of the individual norm, will be a cause for concern for the owner.
Note! During the day, temperature readings can change by approximately half a degree. During sleep and in the morning the values are somewhat lower, while in the evening after active pastime or eating they increase.
For kittens, other temperature values are considered the norm, since the mechanism of thermoregulation of small fluffies is formed gradually. In newborns they vary in the range of 35.5-36.5 °C, increasing over time to 38.5-39.5 °C, and after reaching four months of age they become like those of adults.
The thermal state of kittens differs from the temperature of adult cats
In aged cats, metabolic processes in the body slow down, and therefore the temperature decreases. In pregnant cats, on the contrary, it increases, which is the norm.
The temperature may also increase in the first days after sterilization of the animal. This is how the cat’s body reacts to the trauma it has suffered. You should contact a veterinarian if it persists for more than 5 days after surgery; most likely, the animal is developing a pathological inflammatory process.
How to measure temperature correctly
To monitor temperature, you will need to arm yourself with familiar instruments (thermometers) and study the nuances of the upcoming manipulation.
Types of thermometers
If the thermometer is a contact type, let it be personal for your cat. Mercury thermometers are divided into clinical and rectal
(with reduced tip). Clinical takes longer to measure, up to 10 minutes, while rectal shows the result after 3 minutes.
Important!
Mercury thermometers have a single, but significant drawback: they are easy to break, especially if the animal is restive. Owners of hyperactive cats should pay attention to electronic or infrared devices, although they are not cheap.
- A universal electronic thermometer
(price 100-2000 rubles depending on the model) - produces results in a few seconds or minutes, but assumes an error of 0.1-0.5 degrees. - Rectal electronic thermometer -
thinks much faster, showing the temperature within 10 seconds. - Non-contact infrared thermometer
- works (depending on the brand) at a distance of 2 to 15 cm, displaying results in 5-10 seconds, with a probable error of about 0.3 degrees. - Infrared ear thermometer
(price 2 thousand rubles) - programmed for a cycle of measurements (8–10), after which the maximum value is displayed on the display. Since the device comes into contact with the skin, its tip is wiped with alcohol before and after the procedure.
Temperature measurement
The manipulation is performed rectally (in the cat's rectum). At this time, be confident and do not shout at the “patient”, but talk to him calmly. It is ideal if you have someone to assist you.
The procedure looks like this:
- Prepare a table or cabinet where you will take measurements: doing this on your hands is inconvenient and dangerous.
- Wipe the tip of the thermometer with alcohol liquid, then lubricate it with medical Vaseline or vegetable oil (the cream contains perfume fragrances).
- Shake the mercury thermometer to the 35° mark.
- Secure the cat in a standing position or lay it on its side. You can wrap the paws in cloth and/or put a veterinary collar on them to help prevent scratches and bites.
- Lift the tail and carefully insert the tip (2-3 cm) into the anus with rotational movements.
- After the time specified in the instructions, take out the thermometer, wipe it with alcohol and record the readings.
Important!
The measurement result may be incorrect (increasingly) if the cat actively resists the procedure, involuntarily warming up the body. If the mercury thermometer in the anus breaks during this, take her to the clinic.
How to measure a cat's body temperature
A rectal thermometer is used for measurements. It is recommended to purchase a device designed specifically for animals. Conventional mercury thermometers are dangerous because they can be damaged directly in the anus.
To measure you will need:
- Find an assistant. Cats do not like suspicious manipulations with their bodies. Without a partner, it will be difficult to restrain your pet without harming it.
- Treat the end of the thermometer with an antiseptic and lubricate it with Vaseline.
- Secure the cat lying on its side or standing, placing one of your hands under its belly. With your free hand, you need to gently hold your neck, fixing the position of your head. An overly aggressive pet can be wrapped in thick cloth to prevent injury from teeth or claws.
- Lubricate the animal's anus with Vaseline. A rich cream will also work.
- Gently lift the cat's tail and insert the device 2-3 cm with rotational movements. The depth of insertion depends on age. For kittens, 0.5-1 cm is enough. The main thing is to immerse the metal or rubberized tip inside.
- Wait for a signal from the electronic thermometer or mark 3 minutes.
- Treat the device with an alcohol-containing solution after removal.
An alternative option is to use an infrared ear thermometer. The advantage of this device is the measurement speed - only 10 seconds. The downside is that with ear inflammation there is a high error rate.
If you don't have a thermometer at home, you can use a cat's nose - another convenient indicator of health. A healthy pet's nose is always wet and cool. Dryness and warmth not associated with sleep or recent activity indicate hyperthermia. Additional indicators are hot ears or leathery paw pads.
Actions in case of deviation from the norm
An attentive owner will always understand that something wrong is happening to the cat: external signs that differ in hyper- and hypothermia will tell him about it.
At reduced temperatures the following are noted:
- bradycardia;
- decreased activity and lethargy;
- hypotension;
- blanching of mucous membranes;
- slow breathing, sharp inhalation/exhalation.
- trying to find a warm place.
At elevated temperatures the following are observed:
- tachycardia;
- chills and fever;
- loss of appetite and refusal to drink water;
- drowsiness and apathy;
- dehydration (with prolonged fever);
- diarrhea and/or vomiting with a bad smell (in severe cases).
In general, you should be wary of any deviations from the temperature norm, as they can signal various diseases, sometimes very serious ones.
If the elevated temperature
An increase in temperature can be caused by both diseases and other (non-physiological factors):
- viral diseases - cats usually have distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and coronavirus;
- inflammatory processes - often occur when wounds or postoperative sutures become infected;
- overheating - kittens, old and weakened cats that are forced to stay in the heat for a long time, for example, in a car or in a stuffy room, often suffer from it;
- stress often provokes a failure of thermoregulation. The reasons may be a trip in transport, a visit to the veterinarian, a change of owner or place of residence.
This is interesting!
The temperature often rises by about 1 degree after vaccination, when the body produces antibodies against viruses, or sterilization (as a reaction to surgery).
Actions at elevated temperatures
If going to the vet is not possible, use the following methods to reduce the fever:
- humidify the air in the room;
- give the cat cool water (if it refuses, drink it from a syringe without a needle or pipette);
- moisten exposed skin with water;
- wrap in a wet towel;
- Place ice behind your ears, neck, or inner thighs.
Self-treatment, especially with the use of drugs developed for the human body, is not allowed. Antibiotics and antipyretics can negatively affect the cat’s body, causing allergies or liver/kidney problems.
If the low temperature
The reasons for a drop in temperature in a cat are internal pathologies and external factors, such as:
But the most common cause of a drop in temperature is hypothermia, which occurs after a cat has been in the cold for a long time.
Signs of fever
Thermometry in a domestic cat should be carried out when the following signs and symptoms are detected:
- the animal avoids communication, tries to retire, hides in secluded places, often the cat looks for a cooler place;
- decreased or completely absent appetite;
- the pet has increased thirst or has a complete refusal of water;
- vomiting, diarrhea and other signs of digestive disorders accompany not only infectious diseases, but also colds;
- the coat is dull and tousled;
- rapid or difficult breathing;
- mucous membranes are pale or yellowish;
- The nose and paw pads are dry and hot to the touch.
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If the owner detects at least one symptom, he should show concern and wonder how to measure the cat’s temperature on his own.
In case of an infectious disease, severe cutting pain, as well as overheating, the animal’s body temperature increases by several degrees. This is evidenced by:
- lethargy of the pet. If the animal is accustomed to periodically running from one room to another, actively pouncing on tasty treats and coming to its owner to be petted, then the opposite behavior should alert the owner;
- rapid pulse. An adult healthy cat has a pulse in the range of 100-160 beats/min. Moreover, in large individuals this indicator is slightly lower than in their small counterparts, and in females it is slightly higher than in males. In kittens up to 4 months of age, the pulse ranges from 160 to 185 beats/min, and in older cats it can range from 75 to 100 beats/min. If your pet's heart is beating faster, this may be a symptom of hyperthermia, which should be investigated immediately;
- dehydration. It occurs if the cat consumes less fluid than it loses. It is also a sign of many ailments, for example, viral infection, diabetes, indigestion, etc. Lack of fluid in the body can seriously affect the health of the tailed animal and cause irreparable damage to the functioning of internal organs, especially the kidneys. You can tell if a moustached animal is dehydrated by the animal’s dry gums.
Dehydration is one of the symptoms of dangerous diseases
. Important! If hyperthermia (over 40 °C) is detected in a cat, you should immediately take it to a veterinary clinic. In this case, in no case should you lower the temperature yourself with the help of medications. To alleviate the condition of your four-legged friend, you need to put something cool under his neck and paws, and constantly monitor his mustachioed fluid intake.
Hypothermia (37.4 °C and below) may indicate a general weakening of the body, the presence of an infectious or viral infection, or a worsening of the underlying disease. After hypothermia or undergoing surgery using anesthesia, the development of hypothermia is also possible. So, how can you tell if your cat has a low temperature? The most common signs include:
- shiver. The main physiological mechanism that is primarily triggered by hypothermia is involuntary muscle contraction (severe and uncontrollable trembling);
- shelter in a warm place. If your cat is looking for a warm place in the house and his body is shaking a little, he most likely has hypothermia.
In order for your pet's thermal state to normalize, you need to wrap it in a warm blanket, then place it near a radiator or use a heating pad.
Important! If the decrease in temperature did not occur as a result of the surgery, and also if the pet does not warm up for a long time or loses its appetite, it is necessary to immediately consult a veterinarian.