# Comparison of Digital Rectal Thermometry and a Non-Contact Veterinary Infrared Thermometer in Cats: Identifying Alternative Sites to Rectal Measurement

## TL;DR

This study finds that measuring a cat's body temperature at the perineal area with a non-contact infrared thermometer is as accurate as traditional rectal measurements.

## Contribution

The study introduces the perineal area as a valid non-contact site for feline temperature measurement.

## Key findings

- Perineal infrared temperatures strongly correlate with rectal temperatures in cats.
- Ocular and auricular temperatures are significantly lower and affected by ambient temperature.
- Non-contact thermometry at the perineum is a viable alternative to rectal measurements.

## Abstract

Using body temperature to assess health and identify infectious diseases in cats can sometimes be tricky for vets. This is because the most common method, measuring rectal temperature, can be difficult. This led us to seek a less invasive, more hygienic tool that prioritizes animal welfare. Our research aimed to validate a new veterinary non-contact infrared thermometer for use in cats. We took thermal measurements at the eye, ear pinna, and perineal area, and then compared these readings to rectal temperatures taken with a digital thermometer. Our various measurements showed that the instrument we used is effective for detecting body temperature in the perineal region.

Background: Rectal temperature measurement in cats, while crucial, can cause discomfort and stress. This study evaluated non-contact infrared thermometry as a less invasive alternative. Methods: A total of 95 cats were enrolled in this study. The cats were categorized into three age groups: Group I (n = 20 kittens, 2–6 months), Group II (n = 34 young cats, 7–24 months), and Group III (n = 41 adult cats, >24 months). Results: The mean rectal temperature in cats was approximately 38 °C, which was significantly higher than both ocular temperature (p < 0.0001) and auricular pinna temperature (p < 0001). No statistically significant difference was found between rectal and perineal temperatures, nor in body temperatures between the age groups. Ocular temperature (p < 0.05) and auricular temperature (p < 0.0001) were influenced by ambient temperature. Perineal infrared temperatures showed a strong correlation and low bias compared to rectal temperature and were not affected by ambient temperature. Conclusions: Non-contact infrared thermometry offers advantages for feline temperature monitoring. Perineal infrared temperatures appear to be a useful, non-invasive alternative to rectal measurements in cats.