Cat Flu: Will It Cause Fever? How to Handle a Hot Cat

Will a Cat with a Cold Develop a Fever?

Generally speaking, a cold does not typically cause a cat to develop a fever. This is because a cold is usually a mild upper respiratory infection. However, if a cat exhibits cold symptoms and the pet owner does not seek veterinary care promptly, the cold can worsen or lead to secondary conditions, potentially resulting in a fever. The primary diseases that can cause a cat to have a fever include upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

In addition, inflammatory diseases in other systems can also trigger a fever in cats, such as acute gastroenteritis and encephalitis. When a cat exhibits fever symptoms, it is usually necessary to take measures to lower the temperature. A cat's normal body temperature ranges from 37.7 to 39.2 degrees Celsius. If the temperature exceeds this range by more than 1 degree, it is crucial to administer medication to bring down the fever promptly. Rest assured, if your cat has a cold with a fever, there is no need to panic. This is not a severe or challenging condition. With proper treatment, cats usually recover quickly.

How to Cool Down a Cat with a Cold and Fever?

Cats with a cold and fever also require cooling measures. Physical cooling methods can be employed to lower a cat's temperature. Typically, you can use ice packs or towels and place them on the cat's feverish areas to help cool them down.

The main areas to cool in a cat are the abdomen, paw pads, and armpits. Moreover, you can use alcoholsoaked cotton balls to cool down the paw pads, but be cautious if your cat has a habit of scratching. When using alcohol to help your cat cool down, ensure that the alcohol is completely dry to prevent your cat from ingesting it and potentially suffering from alcohol poisoning. Always make sure the alcohol is dry and out of reach after application.

Also, encourage your cat to drink plenty of water. If the fever is severe, it's best to take your cat to a veterinary clinic to determine the cause of the fever and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment. Regarding the question of whether a cold in cats can cause a fever, if your cat's cold persists, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian. Avoid giving your cat human overthecounter fever medications, as they can be toxic and even fatal to cats.