Taking cat temperatures: the whys and wherefores

[Dan W.]

My cat Linus is due for a check up with the local Banfield shortly. My girlfriend doesn't care for the usual method of taking kitty temperatures, and asked me to ask the vet to skip this part of the exam. Is that permitted? Is it a good idea? Are there other reliable ways of taking cat temps? (I've read about ear thermometers here and there.) Can I ask the vet to take the temp another way?

Thanks for your help.

D.

[davet]

is as good as rectal but if he/she/it does not have an ear indicator i would not forgo the rectal temp...it is your first clue as to what might be going on and tell your girl friend to wait in the waiting room

[Traci]

Dan, the rectal temperature is the most accurate reading of internal and core body temperature. Ear thermometers are being used in some clinics, but I don't think they can be surpassed by the rectal thermometer. Accuracy is crucial during the exam. If the vet uses an ear thermometer, then fine, no problem.

It is not an uncomfortable procedure, animals don't equate these procedures as humans do. I'm wondering why your girlfriend is asking for alternatives?