Easy Ways to Determine if Your Cat Has a Fever

Section 1: Causes of Feline Fever

Just like in humans, a fever in cats is a symptom rather than a disease itself. It can arise from a variety of factors, with the most common being viral infections, bacterial infections, parasites, infectious peritonitis, poisoning, and side effects from vaccinations. Due to the numerous potential causes, it is crucial to promptly take your cat to a veterinarian for a checkup and treatment if you notice signs of fever.

Section 2: How to Determine If Your Cat Has a Fever

As pet owners, it's important to be vigilant about your cat's health. You can start by observing your cat's behavior to determine if there's a possibility of fever, preventing the onset of illness without detection.

Here are some key indicators to look out for:

Check your cat's ears. If they feel warm and the breath is hot, it's a sign of fever. Gently touch your cat's ears, and if they are excessively hot, it's time to seek veterinary care.

Use a thermometer to measure your cat's body temperature. A fever is indicated if the temperature reaches or exceeds 39.5°C. You can measure the rectal temperature or the temperature on the inner thigh to be sure.

Inspect your cat's fur and claws. Dry fur and warm claws are indicative of fever. The fur may feel rougher than usual if your cat is experiencing a fever.

Observe your cat's bowel movements. Difficulty or infrequency in defecation can suggest a fever. Keep an eye on your cat's bowel habits and seek veterinary attention if you notice any changes.

Pay attention to your cat's mood and appetite. A decrease in appetite, even for favorite foods, or a complete loss of appetite, along with a change in sleep patterns, can be signs of a fever. If your cat is acting unwell, it's best to consult a vet promptly.

Section 3: What to Do If Your Cat Has a Fever

When your cat has a fever, it's essential to provide adequate hydration and seek veterinary care immediately. Here are some steps to take:

Check for dehydration by lifting your cat's skin. If it quickly returns to its original position, your cat is wellhydrated. If it takes longer to return to normal, your cat may be dehydrated and requires subcutaneous fluid therapy under veterinary guidance.

Use a damp towel soaked in cool water to apply a cold compress to your cat's vital areas to help lower its temperature. Alternatively, you can apply a small amount of alcoholsoaked cotton swabs to your cat's paw pads and ears.

Consider a cool bath for your cat, but ensure the water is not too cold and the bath is not too long. Aim for a water temperature of 2527°C and keep the bath time between 510 minutes. Dry your cat thoroughly afterward.

Most importantly, take your cat to the vet for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment. Follow the vet's advice and administer any prescribed medications as directed.

Remember, for more information on feline fever symptoms, you can read our article "Cat Fever Symptoms".