Effective Ways to Cool and Reduce Fever in Cats
Section 1: What is the Fever Threshold for Cats?
On average, a cat's normal body temperature ranges from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. When a cat's temperature rises to 39.5 degrees Celsius, it indicates a clear case of fever. Temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius are considered a more urgent situation. Cats with a strong immune system can often recover from lowgrade fevers caused by inflammation through a combination of their own immunity and physical cooling measures. However, cats with high fevers or those with multiple accompanying symptoms may require medication.
Section 2: How to Cool Down a Feverish Cat
Upon discovering that your cat has a fever, you can use ice packs to apply cold compresses to areas like the cat's limbs and ears. If you don't have ice packs, you can wrap ice cubes in a towel for the same purpose. This method can help with physical cooling, but it's important not to leave the compresses on for too long to avoid causing the cat to have diarrhea.
If you have alcohol in your firstaid kit, you can gently wipe the alcohol on areas like the inner edges of the cat's ears, inner thighs, armpits, and paw pads. If you can't find alcohol, ice packs, or ice cubes, you can place the feverish cat in a water bath with a temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 minutes. After removing the cat, use a towel to dry it and then use a hairdryer to dry the fur, ensuring that the cat does not catch a cold.
Section 3: Hydration and Nutrition
Cats can easily become dehydrated when they have a fever, so it's crucial to ensure they receive adequate hydration and nutrition. Always provide fresh water for your cat to drink at any time. If your cat is reluctant to drink, you can use a syringe to assist in feeding water to ensure it stays hydrated. For food, prepare highnutrient, easily digestible meals to meet your cat's nutritional and energy needs, promoting a quicker recovery.
Remember, if your cat's fever persists or recurs, it's essential to take it to a veterinary hospital or consult with an online veterinary doctor promptly.
