Cats with Fever: Effective Medications for Treatment

Fever is defined as an abnormal increase in body temperature, caused by an abnormality in the body's control mechanisms. It is widely believed that fever serves as a defense mechanism against infections. The body resets its brain's temperature control center to raise the body temperature—this could be a response to the invasion of foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses. Since many invaders cannot thrive in a hot environment, the body raises the temperature to eliminate these invaders. However, this is different from hyperthermia, which is caused by external factors like extreme heat, inability to breathe, or excessive sweating. The brain's intention is not to raise the body temperature unnecessarily.

Fever is typically distinguished based on the animal's recent environment (for example, if it was in a hot car) and its reaction to the temperature increase. Animals that are panting excessively, have increased heart and breathing rates are often victims of hyperthermia. Feverish animals usually do not show obvious signs of distress. A cat's normal temperature ranges from 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Causes of Cat Fever

Infection

Inflammation

Cancer

Drugrelated

Immune system diseases

And some undetermined idiopathic causes, also known as fever of unknown origin.

Symptoms of Cat Fever

Lethargy

Abnormal behavior

Lack of appetite and thirst

Becoming more secretive

Presence of swellings, abscesses, or tumors

Wounds oozing fluid

For a more detailed understanding of the causes and symptoms of cat fever, you can refer to "What to Do About Cat Fever, Symptoms and Causes of Cat Fever."

How to Determine If a Cat Has a Fever

Diagnosing fever in cats is relatively straightforward, as it can be determined by rectal temperature. A temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. Diagnosing the underlying cause of fever, often related to infection, can be quite challenging. Sometimes, the history and results of a physical examination can indicate the cause or source of infection. Unfortunately, if the cause is not easily determined, further testing may be necessary.

Some recommended tests may include:

Complete blood count (CBC) to determine the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Many feverish animals have elevated white blood cell counts.

Blood chemistry analysis to help determine the overall health of the animal and detect any organ damage.

Blood smears to detect blood parasites.

Serological testing for less common fever sources, such as tickborne diseases.

Blood assessment for immune system diseases.

Tests for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Urinalysis to detect urinary tract infections.

Xrays to check for internal tumors, pneumonia, or other abnormalities that could cause fever.

Abdominal or cardiac ultrasounds to detect sources of infection, such as the liver, kidneys, or heart valves.

Exploratory surgery with various organ biopsies for longterm undiagnosed fevers.

Treatment for Cat Fever

Treatment for fever is based on the underlying diagnosis and the severity of the fever. Some mild fevers may not require treatment, as mild fever can help eliminate invasive bacteria or viruses.

If the diagnosis is not clear based on the medical history and physical examination, it is common for veterinarians to try a course of antibiotics before conducting diagnostic tests. For temperatures between 104.5 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, veterinarians may initially recommend medication to reduce the fever. Ketoprofen is often used for this purpose.

Common antibiotics include:

Ampicillin

Ampicillin

Cephalexin

Doxycycline

If the fever persists or recurs after antibiotic treatment, additional diagnostic tests are recommended. Once the cause of the fever is identified, specific treatment for the underlying cause is administered.

Home Care

For mild fevers, which are temperatures below 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit, you can monitor your pet at home, as it may recover on its own. Ensure your pet continues to eat and drink. Measure your pet's temperature one to two times a day. If the temperature rises above 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Also, be attentive to any areas of infection on your pet, such as abscesses, skin lumps, hematuria, or difficulty urinating, sneezing, or breathing difficulties. If it shows signs of lack of appetite or lethargy, it's important to take it to a vet for examination and treatment promptly.

Preventive Health Care for Cats with Fever

Many causes of fever are unpreventable and related to infections. It's essential to maintain cleanliness in your pet's environment and avoid exposing it to sick pets to reduce the risk of infection and fever.