Infrared Thermography of Periocular Temperature in Cats During Exhibitions: A Pilot Study

Cat exhibitions may influence cats’ physiological responses, warranting further investigation. This study evaluated infrared thermography (IRT) for assessing periocular temperature in cats under exhibition conditions. Images were obtained from 55 cats: 21 during home visits, 26 at an exhibition, and eight in both settings. Independent groups (n = 47) were compared using linear mixed-effects models; paired observations were analyzed separately. In the main model, adjusted for age, hair length, sex and ambient temperature, periocular temperature was 0.49 °C higher at the exhibition than at home (95% CI −0.07–1.05), but the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, the unadjusted difference was significant (0.69 °C, 95% CI 0.29–1.08) and remained similar after adjustment for age, hair length and sex (0.64 °C). These variables were not significantly associated with periocular temperature. Ambient temperature was constant at the exhibition and varied only between home households, limiting separation of its effect from that of setting. Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference between settings in males, but not females. Among eight cats assessed in both settings, variability was substantial; results are exploratory. IRT was feasible under exhibition conditions, but larger studies controlling for potential confounders and combining thermography with behavioral and physiological assessments are needed.