Cat Fever Threshold: What Temperature Counts?

Cats naturally have a higher body temperature than humans, typically ranging between 38.5℃ and 39.5℃. Therefore, if a cat's temperature reads at 39℃, it's perfectly normal and not a sign of a fever. However, various factors can cause slight fluctuations in a cat's body temperature. This article aims to guide you in accurately determining whether your feline friend's temperature is within the healthy range.

Factors That Can Influence a Cat's Body Temperature

1. Environmental Temperature: Cats may have slightly higher temperatures in warmer environments. Seasonal changes, climate, diurnal temperature variations, and sunlight exposure can all play a role. For instance, cats often have lower temperatures during the day compared to early morning hours.

2. Age: Young kittens tend to have higher body temperatures than adult cats.

3. Metabolic Differences: Individual cats can vary in their metabolic rates, with some having more robust metabolisms, which can lead to slightly higher temperatures.

4. Physical Activity: After exercise, cats may temporarily experience a rise in body temperature, which will gradually return to normal. It's important to avoid measuring a cat's temperature immediately after it has been active.

5. Emotional State: Stress can cause a temporary increase in a cat's temperature, usually by a few degrees. When visiting a vet, a cat might become stressed due to the change in environment, leading to a slightly elevated temperature.

What temperature constitutes a fever in cats? Generally, temperatures between 4040.5℃ are considered lowgrade fevers; between 40.541.5℃ is a moderate fever; and above 41.5℃ to 42.5℃ is a high fever.

Besides temperature elevation, cats with a fever often exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, excessive sleepiness, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, dry nose, warm ears, decreased activity, and a preference for cooler areas. However, fever is a nonspecific symptom and can be associated with various illnesses, each with its own set of symptoms.

Common causes of fever in cats include heatstroke, viral infections, bacterial infections, feline immunodeficiency diseases, and primary feline diseases. Viral infections can include rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, and feline AIDS; bacterial infections might include wound infections and feline salmonella infections; feline immunodeficiency diseases include allergies, stomatitis, tumors, leukemia; and primary feline diseases can include fatty liver disease.

In summary, there are many potential causes of fever in cats. When your cat exhibits signs of fever, it's crucial to consider its other characteristic symptoms and conduct relevant examinations to determine the underlying condition.

Our article provides an overview of feline fever symptoms. In essence, if you notice your cat feeling warm, use a thermometer to check its temperature. If it's above the normal range, it may have a fever. For mild fevers, you can consider physical降温 methods. In cases of high fever, it's advisable to take your cat to a veterinary clinic for prompt medical attention.