How to determine a cat's temperature by its ears? - briefly
To determine your cat's temperature by touching its ears, place the back of your hand against one ear for about 10 seconds. If the ear feels cool or cold, it may indicate that your cat has a fever. However, this method is not as reliable as using a digital thermometer to get an accurate reading.
How to determine a cat's temperature by its ears? - in detail
To determine a cat's temperature by feeling its ears, one should follow these steps:
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Preparation: Ensure your hands are clean and warm. Cold hands can give an inaccurate reading of the cat's temperature. Gently stroke the cat to calm it down, as a relaxed cat will provide more accurate results.
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Location: Place your hand over the cat's ears, covering them completely. The base of the ear is where you want to focus, as this area has the most blood vessels and is closest to the cat's core body temperature.
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Duration: Hold your hand in place for about 10-15 seconds. This allows your hand to absorb the heat from the cat's ears.
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Comparison: After removing your hand, compare the warmth of the cat's ears to the warmth of your own ears or the palms of your hands. If the cat's ears feel warmer than yours, it may indicate a fever. Conversely, if they feel cooler, the cat might have a lower body temperature.
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Interpretation: Remember that cats naturally have higher body temperatures than humans (around 100.5°F to 102.5°F or 38°C to 39.2°C). Therefore, if the cat's ears feel warm but not excessively hot, it might be within its normal range. However, if the cat's ears are noticeably warmer than usual, or if you detect other signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior, consult a veterinarian immediately.
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Limitations: While feeling the cat's ears can provide an initial indication of temperature, it is not a precise method. For accurate readings, use a digital thermometer designed for pets. Insert the thermometer into the cat's rectum or ear canal, following the manufacturer's instructions and with due care to avoid injury.
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Additional Observations: In addition to temperature, observe the condition of the cat's ears. Healthy ears should be clean, pink, and free from any discharge, odor, or signs of irritation. If you notice anything unusual, it may warrant a trip to the veterinarian.
By following these steps, one can gain a preliminary sense of a cat's temperature through its ears, though professional methods should be used for precise readings and medical diagnoses.