Is your cat’s temperature really normal? Maybe not.
While the range of healthy feline temperatures considered normal is considered to be between 100.0 and 102.5⁰F, there’s little evidence supporting that range. In a recent study, UF Shelter Medicine Program researchers led by Dr. Julie Levy checked temperatures on 200 healthy adult cats in shelters, homes, and veterinary clinics. They found that the actual normal temperature range for healthy cats is 98.1–102.1°F.
In another study, the same researchers examined the accuracy of non-rectal methods of taking a cat’s temperature. Unfortunately for those hoping for an easier way, they found that the results weren’t consistent. Temperatures tended to be higher in hypothermic cats and lower in cats with fevers or who had normal temperatures when measured rectally.
Read more and find links to the studies at Reference interval for rectal temperature in healthy confined adult cats.
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