How to Know If a Cat Has a Fever

Cats are fascinating creatures, known for their independent nature, grace, and agility, but they are not immune to health problems, and when she feels ill, she can't exactly ask for painkillers or ice packs to help her feel better, so you may be asking, "Does my cat have a fever? And, how will I know if she has a fever? Will she?" In this article, we'll delve into the causes, symptoms, and preventative measures of cat fever to ensure the health of our beloved pets.

Table of Contents

• What is Cat Fever?
• How to Tell If a Cat Has a Fever?
• What Causes Fever in Cats?
• What to Do If Your Cat Has a Fever?
• Home Remedy for Cat with Fever
• FAQ about Cat Fevers

What is Cat Fever?

Cat fever, or feline hyperthermia, refers to an abnormal elevation in a cat's body temperature. Normal body temperature for a cat ranges between 100.5°F and 102.5°F (38°C to 39.2°C). When a cat's body temperature rises beyond this range, it can lead to various health complications.

How to Tell If a Cat Has a Fever?

If your cat is warmer than usual to the touch, you may suspect a fever. The most straightforward method is to use a digital rectal thermometer specifically designed for pets.

How to measure a cat's body temperature with a thermometer?

Before using a digital rectal thermometer designed for pets, make sure the thermometer is clean and disinfected. If it is not disposable, clean it with soap and warm water or veterinary disinfectant. Rinse and dry thoroughly before use.

Apply a water-based lubricant or a small amount of petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer. This will make cat insertion easier and more comfortable. Gently lift the cat's tail to expose the rectal area. 

Avoid using glass thermometers or those designed for humans, as they may not provide accurate readings or could break during use.

When holding the thermometer, it usually takes about 2 minutes, or if using a digital thermometer, until you hear a beep. Carefully remove the thermometer from the rectum, taking note of the reading. If your cat's body temperature exceeds  100.5°F and 102.5°F (38.1°C to 39.2°C), it may be a sign of fever.

In addition to using a thermometer, there are some symptoms to tell when a cat has a fever.

Symptoms of a Cat with Fever 

• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Shivering or seeking warmth
• Dehydration
• Increased respiratory rate
• Avoid normally enjoyed activities
• Vomit
• Have diarrhea
• Dark or Bright Red Gums- A cat’s gums should normally be a pink color – not too light or not too dark. If your cat’s gums are bright or dark red, a fever could be the cause.

What Causes Fever in Cats?

Once you determine your cat has a fever (or, pyrexia, as it's known in medical terms), your vet will determine whether further testing is required to determine the cause. The following are common causes:

1. Infections

The most common cause of fever in cats is an infection. Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections can lead to an increase in body temperature. Examples include:

• upper respiratory infections
• urinary tract infections
• feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
• feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Haematobarbitis, ehrlichiosis, bartoniasis and toxoplasmosis are common infectious diseases in cats that can cause fever. Outdoor cats in frequent contact with other animals are at the highest risk of exposure to these highly infectious diseases.

2. Immune-mediated diseases

Autoimmune diseases or other immune-mediated conditions can cause fever in cats. These disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, triggering inflammation and fever.

Certain inflammatory conditions, such as pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Tumors

4. Medications or vaccinations

5. Heatstroke

After an extensive medical investigation into your cat's fever, if the cause cannot be identified your kitty could be diagnosed with FUO (which simply means 'fever of unknown origin'). 

What to Do If Your Cat Has a Fever?

Never give your cat human medication without the express advice of your veterinarian! Many human medications, such as acetaminophen, can be extremely toxic to cats.

Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. If they're not drinking enough, you can try offering wet food or diluting their water with low-sodium chicken broth to entice them to drink more. Adequate hydration is crucial for overall well-being.

If your cat's fever persists for more than 24 hours or exceeds 106°F, contact your veterinarian for an emergency appointment or visit your local emergency animal hospital.

If your veterinarian prescribes medications for your cat's fever, follow their instructions carefully. 

Home Remedy for Cats with Fever

If the cat's temperature is not very high, treatment can be done at home.

Physical cooling

Cats dissipate heat through sweat glands on their paws and panting. Owners can find a cool place such as the floor and let the cat transfer the heat to the floor.

Encourage hydration

Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Encouraging hydration is crucial to maintaining your cat's overall well-being. You can try using a shallow water dish or a pet fountain to entice them to drink more.

Regularly monitor temperature

Regularly monitor your cat’s temperature to make sure it doesn’t reach temperatures above 106 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever above 106 degrees can damage organs, so you need to get your cat to a veterinarian immediately if their temperature reaches that high.

Support proper nutrition

Offer your cat easily digestible, high-quality food. Some cats may lose their appetite when they have a fever, so you can try warming up the food slightly or offering more palatable options, like wet food or small amounts of plain chicken or fish (without any seasoning or bones). However, if your cat refuses to eat or their appetite worsens, it's essential to seek veterinary attention.

FAQs

How Long Do Cat Fevers Last?

In general, if a cat has a mild fever and receives appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics for a bacterial infection, the fever may resolve within a few days to a week. However, if the underlying condition is more severe or if it takes longer to diagnose and treat the cause, the fever may persist for a longer period.

Do Cats Recover from Fevers?

Yes, a fever in cats is usually a temporary sign of illness or pain. Your veterinarian will determine the cause of the fever and may treat it with fluids, anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics.

Can Cat Allergies Cause Fever?

Cat allergies typically manifest as respiratory or skin symptoms rather than causing a fever. The most common allergic reaction to cats is triggered by a protein called Fel d 1, which is found in a cat's saliva, urine, and dander (dead skin cells). When an allergic person comes into contact with these allergens, they may experience symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, or skin rashes.

While allergic reactions can cause inflammation and an immune response in the body, they typically do not result in a fever. Fever is generally associated with infections or other systemic conditions rather than allergies alone.