Will Cats Get a Fever? A Comprehensive Guide
How to Tell If Your Cat Has a Fever:
1. Observe Your Cat's Behavior
When a cat has a fever, it often exhibits signs of lethargy, with a body that feels warm to the touch. They may prefer to stay on cool surfaces and drink water more frequently. Normally, a healthy cat has a moist, cool nose, red but cool ears, and a cool tail tip due to its constant exposure to air. However, a cat with a fever will have a dry, warm nose, warmer ears and tail tip, sweaty paw pads, and a significant decrease in appetite.
2. Use a Thermometer to Measure Temperature
While observing behavior can be helpful, it's not always conclusive. A thermometer is the definitive tool for diagnosing a fever. Typically, rectal temperature measurement is the most accurate. Begin by lubricating the thermometer with a suitable lubricant, then gently insert it about two centimeters into your cat's rectum, ensuring it slightly tilts to contact the rectal wall. Wait for two to three minutes before removing it, wiping it clean, and checking the temperature reading.
3. Look for Associated Symptoms
Consider whether your cat has any other complications, such as common feline illnesses like feline distemper, feline rhinotracheitis, feline coronavirus, gastroenteritis, or respiratory diseases, which can all cause fever. These conditions often present with distinct symptoms, allowing you to infer whether your cat is experiencing a fever based on these associated illnesses.
By combining these three methods, you, as a pet owner, should be able to accurately determine if your cat has a fever. In fact, there are other ways to detect a fever in cats. Click on 'How to Tell If Your Cat Has a Fever' for more information.
