The cat has an elevated body temperature
The body temperature of a cat is a complex indicator of the thermal state of the body. Cats are warm-blooded small predators, they are characterized by a higher body temperature than humans, and a large degree of dispersion. The body temperature of cats in normal conditions ranges from 38 to 39 degrees.
We are talking exclusively about the internal temperature measured rectally.
Each cat has its own level of normal temperature, for some it is closer to 38 degrees, for some – to 39. Fluctuations depend on the breed, size, physiology, nature and maintenance of animals. It is desirable for owners to know what temperature is the norm for their cat.
Body temperature is within the same limits for all breeds of cats. Owners of sphinxes are sometimes frightened, since naked animals seem hotter to the touch than ordinary “woolen” ones. Or, on the contrary, having got used to the fact that their cat seems hotter, they miss the onset of the disease.
Kittens are characterized by a slightly higher temperature – from 38.5 to 39.5 degrees.
Temperature measurement is not the most pleasant procedure for cats, and owners rarely monitor the condition of their pet on a daily basis. However, if you see changes in the pet’s behavior: the cat has become sluggish, sad, eats little or too much, sleeps more often, or vice versa, is hyperactive – it is recommended to measure the temperature. Against the background of other deviations, a change in temperature will be a clear sign that something is wrong with the pet.
An alarming symptom is both hyperthermia – fever, overheating, and hypothermia – low temperature, hypothermia.
Hyperthermia
The causes of fever are divided into two groups – caused by diseases and stress.
Cats react with an increase in temperature to a large number of stimuli – moving to a new place, going outside (if the cat is kept at home), fights, for kittens – even just active play and running around. However, in such cases, the temperature usually rises by 0.5, maximum 1 degree. If the animal feels well, you can guess what event caused the temperature rise, just watch the pets and after 2-3 hours measure the temperature again. If she is back to normal, everything is fine, if not, it is recommended to show the cat to a doctor.
A useful tip is to measure the cat’s body temperature at home before vaccination in the clinic. A visit to the clinic is a stress that can cause fever, and since only healthy animals can be vaccinated, and an examination is required before vaccination, the doctor may refuse to vaccinate you. If you confirm that the temperature at home was normal, and the doctor does not find any other deviations, the problem will be solved.
What to do if the cat has a high temperature
If the body temperature has increased by 1.5 degrees or higher (39.5 – 40 degrees), it is necessary to urgently contact a veterinarian for diagnosis.
Diseases that cause fever in Maine Coons:
- viral infections (almost everything, especially at the initial stage);
- bacterial infections (almost all);
- any inflammatory processes (injuries, abscesses, inflammation of sutures);
- helminth infestation (fever is caused by the release of helminths poisoning the body)
- blood parasites (hemobartenellosis);
- heat stroke.
The list of diseases with the symptom of “fever” is extremely wide, and treatment in different cases can be diametrically opposite, therefore, in order to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment, it is necessary to bring the cat for examination to a veterinarian.
If the body temperature is above 40.5 degrees, it is necessary to urgently take the animal to the clinic! To maintain the condition, cool the cat – a wet cold blanket or ice in a towel on the body, especially in the neck and head area.
How to measure the temperature of a cat
Measuring temperature in Maine Coon cat:
- Take a thermometer, preferably electronic – it will show the temperature faster than mercury.
- Lubricate its tip with Levomekol ointment or any greasy cream.
- Insert the tip of the thermometer into the anal opening of the cat (if the animal is aggressive, you will need help, ask the second person to fix the cat by the scruff and hold the paws), about 1 cm.
- After the beep (for a mercury thermometer – after 5 minutes), take out the thermometer and record the temperature of the cat.