Cat Fever: Symptoms, Causes, and What to Do

Section 1: Causes of Cats' Fever

High fever in cats is often a result of infections caused by various pathogens within their bodies, including bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, and fungi. Conditions such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis can all lead to a fever in felines. Cats are quite resilient, and in severe infections, they may not show any clinical symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for owners to act promptly when they notice their cat has a fever and to take them to a veterinary clinic for a proper examination.

Section 2: Symptoms of Cat Fever

When a cat has a fever, they may exhibit symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, decreased appetite, weight loss, and a general lack of energy. These symptoms are not exclusive to fever, as many illnesses can cause a cat to run a high temperature. It's important to have a thermometer at home to monitor your cat's temperature promptly. Place the thermometer in your cat's inguinal area, and consider it normal if the temperature is below 39.2°C. If you notice any abnormal rise in temperature, seek medical attention immediately.

Section 3: Treatment Methods for Cat Fever

A normal body temperature for cats ranges from 38.0°C to 39.3°C, with kittens typically having a slightly higher temperature, around 0.1°C to 0.2°C above this range. If your cat's temperature exceeds these thresholds, it may indicate a fever. When handling your cat, you can gently wipe the ear backs and paw pads with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to help cool them down locally. Then, it's essential to rush your cat to the vet for a thorough checkup and to discuss the possibility of medication to lower the fever. Avoid purchasing medications on your own, especially human medications, as they are not suitable for cats.

Remember, for more indepth information on cat fevers, you can read the article "What Temperature is Considered a Fever in Cats?"