I need to take the temperature of a stray cat that gave birth a few days ago. I have never taken a cat's temperature before but have watched the vet and read a lot about it. I'm nervous, but I think I can do it. I'm just worried that I may hurt the cat (a legitimate first-time concern, I guess).
My question is this: The books I've read say to use petroleum jelly on the tip of the thermometer. The thermometer instructions say not to use petroleum jelly (for human use). I have a 10 y/o container of (generic) petroleum jelly that indicates that it is "100% petroleum jelly" and the active ingredient is: white petrolatum USP. Is this stuff safe to use for taking the cat's temperature?
Also, does anyone have any tips for taking a cat's temperature? Maybe something you've learned that wasn't in the books? The cat will be laying down when I take it, so I don't know if that will make things easier or harder. There's no way I can keep her standing up long enough to take it that way. Thanks.
My question is this: The books I've read say to use petroleum jelly on the tip of the thermometer. The thermometer instructions say not to use petroleum jelly (for human use). I have a 10 y/o container of (generic) petroleum jelly that indicates that it is "100% petroleum jelly" and the active ingredient is: white petrolatum USP. Is this stuff safe to use for taking the cat's temperature?
Also, does anyone have any tips for taking a cat's temperature? Maybe something you've learned that wasn't in the books? The cat will be laying down when I take it, so I don't know if that will make things easier or harder. There's no way I can keep her standing up long enough to take it that way. Thanks.
