There are health parameters that are very simple to measure in humans, but in companion animals, such as cats, they can be quite an odyssey. Generally the temperature they are taken for rectal route and this is something that is very uncomfortable for them, so they show stress, anxiety and, in some cases, they even become aggressive. As a consequence, there are times when the veterinarian decides do not measure if you do not consider it strictly necessary. But, even if it is not, it is a value that can provide a lot of information about the animal’s health status, which is why chips with a temperature sensor have become a very attractive option.
These are like the chips that are normally used for identify dogs and cats. They are inserted under the skin with the animal’s data, so that, if they are lost, they can be easily located with a reader. At the same time, to measure the temperature, the same reader is used, although it must be a special one, not the one normally used.
Thus, you can see if there is a fever in a way much less invasive and calmer for the cat. But it is not only annoying for the animal. Also there may be confusion in your diagnosis. This is due, on the one hand, to the fact that the cat’s pure nervousness can raise its temperature. up to 2ºC. And, on the other hand, because sometimes the stress is so high that there is no choice but sedate him to make the measurement; something counterproductive, since the drugs used can alter the temperature. Furthermore, sedation should be used only if there is no other option.
The advantages of the chip to measure the temperature of cats
There are more and more new technologies that improve the experience and care of our pets. For example, in recent years locators with GPS for dogs. These not only allow you to track your physical activity, as with the smart watches and activity bracelets for humans. They also help us know where they are at all times. It is something very useful for dogs, but not so much for cats; since, if everything is done well, they should not leave home.
On the other hand, cats benefit the most from chips to measure temperature. They can also be inserted into dogs, rabbits and ferrets. However, cats especially suffer from rectal temperature taking, so these chips are very useful for avoid stress.
In conversation with Hypertextualthe vet Fatima Blanco explains that these chips are placed exactly the same as regular identifiers. Therefore, they do not represent a dangerous intervention for the animal, far from it.
This makes them a very useful gadget and also easy to obtain. According to Blanco, even if they do not initially have them there, any veterinary clinic you can get them without problem. Therefore, if you have cats and are considering this option to measure their temperature without making them nervous, you just have to talk to your veterinarian.
Your pet will appreciate it and, possibly, so will you and the veterinarian himself, as it is never pleasant to see an animal suffer from something that could be climbed without causing so much discomfort.