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Kitten temperature - How to tell if a kitten has fever

What is the normal temperature of a kitten? How do you know if a kitten has a fever? How to take a kitten's temperature?

Are you worried because your kitten does not seem to be well and suddenly you wonder if he would not be sick, if he does not have a fever?

The concern with animals is that if they are sick, if they have health problems, they obviously cannot tell us to alert us ... It is up to us to determine if our adored little kitten does not wouldn't have a little fever.

And to find out, it will be necessary to refer to the normal body temperature of the kitten because it is an indicator of good health. So if your kitten's temperature is above normal, then you will know that your kitten is probably sick.

By catching your kitten's fever, you will know if she has a health problem and can take her to the vet for proper care.

But for find out if your kitten has a fever, we must first address the following questions:

  • How can you tell if a kitten has a fever without catching it?
  • Kitten temperature - What is normal?
  • How to take a kitten's temperature?

How can I tell if a kitten has a fever?

Symptoms of fever in a kitten manifest themselves in several ways:

  • Changes in its behavior (kitten more passive, less active, with less vitality, more sleepy…);
  • Change in physical appearance (duller coat, skin swelling, hair loss, weight loss, etc.)
  • Changed breathing;
  • Lack of appetite ;
  • vomiting ;
  • Diarrhea ;
  • Cough or sneeze.

If you've noticed that your kitten has one or more of these symptoms, the only way to know if your kitten has a high fever is to take your temperature with a thermometer. So you can check whether or not its temperature is above the normal temperature of kittens.

Kitten temperature

The temperature of a kitten is between 36 and 38 ° C depending on its age.

During its first weeks, the cold can be dangerous for a kitten because any baby, the kitten is not yet able to maintain its body temperature constant. Suddenly, the risk is that he is in severe hypothermia (below 35 ° C) which must lead to a visit to the veterinarian.

But a healthy multi-month-old kitten has a normal temperature of between 38 ° C and 39 ° C just like the temperature of adult cats.

So, below 37,5 ° C a kitten can be mildly hypothermic and above 39,5 ° C, you will have to react because this means that your kitten is feverish and therefore probably ill ...

Kitten thermometer

To take your kitten's temperature, you will need to use a thermometer.

The most reliable is the temperature measurement in his anus with a digital thermometer.

Better to be safe than sorry: to be well equipped when the time comes, consider ordering a thermometer now so that you can take your kitten's temperature as soon as necessary. Here is a perfect model for your kitten that we particularly recommend:

thermometer to know if a cat has a fever

How to take a kitten's temperature?

For take your kitten's temperature, you will need to get comfortable and take it on your knees. You can wrap your kitten in a cloth (hand towel or large tea towel) to better immobilize it if it is a little agitated.

Plan to place the following equipment next to you:

  • Kitten thermometer;
  • Vaseline or sweet almond oil;
  • 90 ° alcohol;
  • Paper towels ;
  • Treats.

Then you will follow the steps and tips below:

How to take the temperature of a kitten's rectum?

If you take your kitten's temperature through her rectum, you will need to:

  • Gently lift his tail;
  • You will need to run a little Vaseline or a few drops of oil on the end of the thermometer to lubricate it;
  • Then you will insert the thermometer in your kitten's anus (no more than 1 cm);
  • After 2 minutes you can remove the thermometer;
  • Check the temperature indicated by the mercury and note it with the date and time (important for the veterinarian);
  • Clean the thermometer with 90% alcohol and wipe it dry with the paper towel;
  • And finally, reward your kitten by giving it a treat.

How to take a kitten's temperature by ear?

This type of thermometer has a longer tip that can reach the ear canal of cats. Usually, these thermometers are not as effective as rectal thermometers. But they're more convenient for nervous or restless kittens.

  • Just turn on the thermometer;
  • Place it in one of his ears;
  • Wait about twenty seconds;
  • As soon as it rings, you can remove the thermometer;
  • The precise temperature is then displayed on the thermometer;
  • Note this temperature, date and time in order to communicate it to your veterinarian if necessary;
  • Reward your kitten with a treat;
  • Clean the thermometer with alcohol at 90 ° C.

Warning: If the kitten's fever is below 37 ° C or if it exceeds 39 ° C, take it immediately to its veterinarian.


Lowering the temperature of a kitten?

Unlike an adult cat, the kitten is much more fragile. So, it is useless and even not recommended to want to lower your fever yourself. It would be a waste of time and it would put your kitten's health at risk.

If your kitten does not have enough or too much fever, no self-medication, no attempt to cool down to lower her temperature, no you have to take her directly to a veterinarian!


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