How to Check Your Cat's Temperature Without a Thermometer

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By clowder
User-Submitted Video

If you're afraid your kitty may be sick, here's an easy way to tell if she's running a fever...

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Press your cat or kitten's ear between your lips. When a cat is well, the ear should feel very close to your own temperature. However, when the cat has a fever, it's immediately apparent because you can feel the temperature difference easily through your lips. They are much more sensitive than your fingers.
If possible, try this when kitty is well, to get a 'baseline', or an idea of what normal feels like.
Do not enclose the entire ear with your mouth. this is not necessary, Just the top 1/2 inch is enough.
Step 2

DO NOT USE YOUR TEETH. This should be obvious. this can result in damage to your cat or damage to your face if you hurt her.
Step 3

GENTLY press your cat's ear between your lips. This is not 'unhygienic' or dangerous to you in any way. But it IS a reliable and non-intrusive way to check your cat without causing her any discomfort.

Tips & Warnings

NEVER ignore fever in a cat or kitten (or any other animal for that matter). Cats do not get simple colds like humans do, and a fever can be an indication of an upper respiratory infection, tooth abscess, a hidden and infected puncture wound, or other serious illness. Call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
NEVER NEVER GIVE A CAT ASPIRIN. IT IS TOXIC. While dogs can tolerate small doses of aspirin it is poisonous to cats. There is no home remedy to bring a cat's temperature down.
FEVER is a significant indicator of moderate to severe illness. Obviously, the higher the fever, the sicker the cat.
If your cat is 'burning up' DO NOT WAIT - YOUR CAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE AT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY CLINIC. A wait of even 12 hours in this condition can result in dire consequences.