Emergency Guide: What to Do When Your Kitten Has a Feve

Signs of a Fever in Kitten Puppies

When a kitten's body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, it's common to notice that their usually cool ears become warm. They may also become exhausted and collapse onto a cold floor. Just as humans prefer cooler places when we have a fever, cats feel the same way. A kitten that once preferred the comfort of a sofa or bed might suddenly start sleeping on the floor and seeking out dark, cool spots. Their noses may also feel dry and hot. At this point, it's crucial to consider whether they might be suffering from a fever.

What to Do When a Kitten Has a Fever?

1. Fever Reduction Measures

Cats with a cold or fever can be cooled using physical methods, such as applying special ice packs or towels to their feverish areas. The primary hot spots on a cat are their abdomen, paw pads, and armpits.

If the kitten's fever is mild, you can gently wipe their paw pads, belly, and ears with alcohol, or use an ice pack, encouraging them to drink more water. However, if the kitten's fever is severe, it's best to take them to a veterinary hospital immediately to determine the cause of the fever and follow the doctor's advice for treatment. Never give a kitten any human feverreducing medication, as it can be fatal.

2. Cat瘟 Disease Screening

Young kittens who haven't been screened for infectious diseases should be approached with extra caution when showing signs of fever. It's advisable to undergo an infectious disease screening to rule out illnesses such as parvovirus, parasites, and feline distemper. Feline distemper, in particular, can range from asymptomatic infection to mild, shortlived fever and leukopenia, progressing to severe acute symptoms and even death. Generally, kittens infected with feline distemper exhibit more severe symptoms.

The incubation period for feline distemper is between 2 to 10 days. Acute cases typically show clinical symptoms 2 to 7 days after the incubation period, starting with a fever (40°41.7°C), lethargy, depression, and anorexia. Vomiting usually occurs 1 to 2 days after the fever, followed by diarrhea, although diarrhea may not appear in the initial stage. During a physical examination, the abdomen may be distended with gas and fluid, potentially causing pain and vomiting. Infected cats may sit in front of their water bowl for hours without drinking.

When dealing with a kitten's fever, it's essential for cat owners to remember that if the fever persists, it's crucial to seek veterinary care or consult with an online veterinary doctor. Avoid administering any medication without professional guidance.