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.