Normal rectal cat temperature:
- Fahrenheit – Adult cat = 100° – 103°F
- Centigrade – Adult cat = 37.7° – 39.4°C
- Neonatal Kitten = 96° – 100°F (first 3 weeks). New born kittens lose temperature easily and should be keep warm and they need to eat to maintain body temperature through metabolism. The kitten box needs to be at 85° – 90°F. Becoming chilled is real danger. Warming a chilled kitten is best done by placing next to your skin under a jacket.
How to check your cat’s temperature:
The experts say do it rectally with a bulb or digital thermometer. A digital thermometer would seem to be the sensible choice to avoid the possibility of it being broken.
Method:
- the cat should be standing
- the thermometer should be lubricated with Vaseline
- gently insert the thermometer to about 1 – 1.5 inches
- slightly twisting it makes it easier to insert
- hold it there for 3 minutes
- remove it. Read it and clean it, ideally with alcohol
From Cat Temperature to Cat Health Problems
Source: Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook by Drs Carlson and Giffin.