Feline Fever Symptoms: What to Look Out For

1. First, Check for Fever in Your Cat

Normal Body Temperature: (Rectal Temperature)

Cats: Typically range between 38.539.5 degrees Celsius, with kittens often having slightly higher temperatures by about 0.2 to 0.5 degrees.

How to Measure Body Temperature: (Thermometer)

Using a mercury thermometer as an example:

Shake the mercury thermometer to reset it to zero.

Insert the thermometer gently into your cat's rectum. You may apply a small amount of Vaseline or lubricant for ease.

Ensure the entire metal tip of the thermometer is fully inserted into the rectum.

Wait for approximately 5 minutes, then remove the thermometer and read the temperature. (Read from the bevel line for accuracy.)

2. How to Determine if Your Cat Has a Fever

Low Fever: A cat's rectal temperature below 38.5 degrees Celsius.

Fever: A rectal temperature higher than the normal range by 0.5 to 1 degree indicates a fever.

High Fever: A temperature exceeding the normal range by 2 degrees or more is considered a high fever and a serious condition.

3. How to Handle a Cat with a Fever

Low Fever: If there are no apparent discomforts, no treatment is necessary. This is known as a "false heat" state, which can occur due to excessive exercise, dehydration, or a lack of body fluids.

Treatment: In such cases, it's important to "tonify and nourish." This includes warm supplements, nutritional support, and electrolyte replenishment.

Fever: It's crucial to differentiate between "false heat" and "true heat" before treating. There are two scenarios to consider:

Treatment: For "false heat," tonify; for "true heat," purge. This requires a differential approach to medication.

High Fever: High fevers are generally indicative of "true heat." For instance, canine distemper can cause temperatures to rise to 4042 degrees Celsius, accompanied by vomiting and seizures, leading to critical illness. Incorrect treatment can be lifethreatening.

Treatment: Immediate emergency fever reduction can be achieved using children's ibuprofen suspension. For a longterm solution, it's recommended to use traditional Chinese medicine to purge and detoxify, thereby eliminating the excess heat.

Important Reminder:

If your cat has a high fever, this is a serious matter and it's advisable to seek veterinary care immediately. If you're unsure about how to identify a fever in your cat or how to treat it, continue reading articles like "How to Determine if Your Cat Has a Fever" and "What Medication to Give a Cat with a Fever" for more information that might assist you.