Using the Onset MX2201 Temperature Logger to Monitor Ambient Temperature for Newborn Kittens

Abstract

New born kittens, up to four weeks old, can not self regulate their body temperature. When kittens are born, they must be kept in a warm environment (37-40oC) to give them a fighting chance of survival. By utilising the Onset MX2201 temperature logger, we can monitor live data to provide the new born kitten a higher rate of survival. Over 4 weeks we have used the MX2201 to monitor the kittens enclosure to make sure she would have every possible chance at survival

Industry

Animal Welfare

Equipment Used

Onset MX2201 Pendant Temperature Logger and the HOBOconnect App

Background

Hand rearing kittens is difficult. The most dangerous period is up to 4 weeks of age, as kittens can not self regulate their body temperature. If they are cold (below 37oC) the kitten may develop health issues which can potentially be life threatening.

To ensure the growth and survival of the kitten, we need to provide a warm environment between 37-40oC. To make sure the kitten is in this warm environment we used the MX2201 to give us live data on temperature ensuring that if temperatures were below 35oC we would need to reheat the heat pad and hot water bottle as a heat source. Heat lamps are useful but in our case we couldn’t source one on such short notice.

Having live data on the free HOBOconnect app on our phone we could monitor temperature changes in real time and give us a log of temperatures in graphs and in xls file formats.

Willow is now able to self regulate her temperature. She is over the dangerous period and is a lively little kitten with a prosperous life ahead of her.

The MX2201 Pendant Temperature Data Logger

The MX2201 was chosen for its small, compact design, ability to log data and show live temperature readings using the HOBOconnect App. MX2201 is a Bluetooth low energy logger. That is ideal for measuring temperatures in streams, lakes, oceans and soil environments and is waterproof to 30m. It's accurate to ±0.5°C and works with the free and user friendly HOBOconnect App.

For more information, or to discuss your application, please contact us