When your kitty is under the weather, she can't exactly ask for a pain reliever or an ice pack to help her feel better, so you may find yourself asking, "does my cat have a fever? And, how can I tell if she does?" Learn how to identify the symptoms, causes and treatment related to your cat's fever.
Symptoms
There are tell-tale signs when humans have a fever, and these same symptoms also are visible in kitties, such as lack of appetite, weakness or lethargy, shivering, dehydration or ears that are warm to the touch. In addition to a rapid heart rate and/or increased respiratory rate, cats may exhibit other symptoms specific to the illness that may be causing the high fever, depending on what ailment is troubling your feline friend.
The most conclusive way to determine if your cat has a fever is to take her temperature. A cat's normal body temperature is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature above this range may indicate a fever.
Ear thermometers may be easier and more convenient for pet parents, but as Petcha explains, "The best and most economical way for you to take your cat's temperature is by using a pediatric rectal glass or digital thermometer. Taking your cat's temperature usually takes two people: one to restrain the cat and the other to insert the thermometer." Be sure to lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly and leave in for at least two minutes to get the most accurate result. Be sure to not stick a rectal thermometer in too far as the rectal tissue is sensitive and can cause damage to your cat. Also, never use a mercury thermometer on your cat because if the thermometer breaks it can be very harmful for your cat's health and life.
Although not the most appealing or comfortable method, taking the rectal temperature is the best way to answer the question of whether or not your cat has a fever. If you are uncomfortable taking your cat's temperature, contact your veterinarian right away so you can take her in for an appointment and have her temperature taken by a professional. It is also important to bring in your cat's vaccination record to help your veterinarian get the best record of any other illness that your cat may not have been vaccinated against to help narrow down what is causing your cat's fever.
Causes
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. Knowing the cat's health history will be of great help. If you have to bring your cat to an after-hours veterinary office instead of her regular doctor, be sure to bring documentation of her history, especially a list of medications, as sometimes cats can have a bad reaction to certain drugs.
Similar to fevers in humans, there is a wide range of possible causes for fever in cats, the most common of which is a bacterial infection. Other possibilities include immune system or inflammatory issues, exposure to toxins, a disorder or a disease. It's also possible that fever in cats is caused by an unknown problem, at which point you and your vet can discuss the next steps.
Tasty Tips
Treatment
Along with rest and hydration, fevers in cats typically are treated with antibiotics. As with taking your cat's temperature, getting your cat to take medication may not be easy, but it's important. If she spits out her pill or won't eat the cat food in which you've hidden it, VCA Hospitals provides great tips for giving pills to a feisty cat. One method includes wrapping her in a towel for comfort and security. It's a good idea to employ a helper to assist with this challenging job.
In some instances, your vet can provide you with a liquid medication, which is easier to administer.
It's not easy to watch your fur baby suffer from a fever, but in addition to following your vet's instructions for medical care, there are things you can do to catch an illness before it progresses. Performing regular cat maintenance (brushing her teeth, clipping her claws) and check-ups (look at her ears, monitor her eating and drinking habits) provides you with a great baseline for your kitty's health.
And don't forget to smother her with snuggles and cuddles. A little love goes a long way to help your kitty get well soon!
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Hearty Vegetables and Tuna Stew Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Hill's Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit with Chicken Wet Cat Food
Clinically tested nutrition formulated for multiple benefits: digestive health, weight management, blood sugar management and urinary health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetables & Salmon Stew Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dry Cat Food
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Cat Dry Food is clinically proven nutrition to reduce plaque, stain & tartar buildup and clean up to the gum line. It is formulated as a complete and balanced nutritional solution for your cat's daily health regimen. Exclusive feeding of Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Cat Dry Food has been shown to be more effective than toothbrushing.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress Vegetable & Tuna Stew Cat Food
Supports urinary care with added ingredients to help reduce stress in cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Hill's Prescription Diet m/d GlucoSupport Wet Cat Food
Clinical nutrition formulated to help cats lose weight and help manage blood sugar
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Related articles
The Tales Your Cat's Tail Tells
Your cat's tail can tell you about what's going on inside her head. Tails are good indicators of mood. Take a little time to observe your cat's behavior and you will start to get a feel of the tales the tail tell
All About Cat Fleas
Discover how your indoor cat can get fleas, how to spot signs that she has them, and tips for getting rid of them & preventing them in the future.
Bladder Stones in Cats: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn all about bladder stones in cats: Specific types of stones, clinical symptoms your cat might be showing, and typical treatment options from a vet.
Do Cats Understand Mirrors?
Do cats understand mirrors? Find out what science can to tell us and how cats perceive their own reflections.
Caring for a Senior Cat: The Basic Essentials
Senior cats certainly have unique needs compared to when they were younger but how do you know when your cat is senior and their needs have changed?
Cat & Kitten Swollen Belly: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Learn the many causes that can give your cat or kitten a swollen belly, from organ-related issues to simple gas, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
Helping Your Cat Lose Weight: Food & Exercise Tips
Obesity is a health condition that affects many cats these days. Use these easy to follow methods to help your cat lose weight and keep it off.
How to Choose the Right Cat Nutrition for Your Cat
Find out what healthy cat nutrition entails and how to choose the healthiest cat food. Also, learn about common cat feeding concerns and myths.
10 Fun Ways Cats Wake Up Their Owners
Learn why cats waking up owners is a long-standing tradition between pet and pet parent. Sometimes, it's the funniest part of your relationship.
Training Your Cat: Basic Things to Work On
With proper understanding and patience, cats can be trained. Learn how to properly train your new cat or kitten with these easy-to-follow tips.
How Many Cat Breeds Are There?
Learn how the history behind different registries of cat breeds, how each registry differs in their classifications, and if new breeds are accepted.
Feline Pancreatitis: What You Need to Know
Learn from a veterinarian: How to spot the serious signs of feline pancreatitis, emergency care, and what kind of diet to feed her while she's recovering.
What are the visible signs of aging in cats?
When is a cat considered a senior? Learn how to recognize signs of aging in cats and tips to support your cat's age through better nutrition and care.
Cat Aggression: How to Calm Them Down
Learn how to identify causes of aggression in your cat, how you can help calm them down or diffuse an aggressive situation, and when a vet visit is needed.
Ways to Maintain Your Cat's Healthy Coat
Learn the visual signs that your cat is healthy including what to look for in her skin, ears, and eyes, as well as as signs you should call your vet about.
Your Cat in Heat: What You Need to Know
Puppy, kitten and pet dieting, cat nutrition and dog nutrition information from Hill's Pet
Cat Frostbite: Clinical Signs and Prevention
Concerned about cat frostbite? Read on to learn more about the clinical signs and what to do if you suspect that your cat might have it.
Is Daycare Right for Your Cat?
Learn all you need to know about daycare for cats, from how to choose a facility to tips for helping your cat feel comfortable at their daytime home.
What Is My Cat's Body Language Telling Me?
Learn to decipher your cat's numerous non-verbal language queues, including the meanings behind expressions through her eyes, ears, tail and stance.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.