How Do I Know if My Cat Has a Fever?
It’s a moment that triggers worry in any cat parent – when you’re snuggling with your kitty and petting their soft fur, only to notice your best friend is feeling a little warmer than usual. Could it be a fever?
A fever in cats, like humans, is a natural defense mechanism where the body elevates the body temperature to fight off an underlying issue. While it may be a minor concern that will resolve with time, it could also be a sign of something more serious. This guide will walk you through the warning signs, potential causes, and most importantly, how to help your cat when that worrying warmth appears.
Spotting the Signs of a Fever in Cats
It’s a common belief that a warm nose or forehead signals a fever in pets, but when it comes to cats, this isn’t always a reliable way to check. In fact, relying on this alone could mean missing important signs that your cat isn’t feeling well. We need to tune into a broader range of warning signs, including changes in behavior or physical symptoms.
Here are some key signs to watch out for:
- Lethargy and Reduced Activity: You may notice your typically energetic kitty is spending more time sleeping or showing less interest in their favorite toys. They may seem “out of it,” making them less inclined to jump, explore, or engage in their usual games and activities.
- Loss of Appetite (Anorexia): If your cat turns their nose up at their meals, especially if they are usually a big foodie, it is a significant red flag. A fever can often suppress their appetite, even leading them to turn down their favorite treats.
- Decreased Water Intake: While it may seem counterintuitive, a cat with a fever might actually drink less. Cats are prone to dehydration regularly, and a lack of proper hydration can quickly turn into a serious concern. It’s essential to monitor their water bowl and overall fluid intake.
- Hiding or Withdrawing: When cats feel unwell, they often seek a quiet, out-of-the-way spot for solace. If your usually social cat suddenly starts hiding under furniture or in dark corners, it could be a sign that they are not feeling well.
- Rapid Breathing or Panting: Unlike dogs, cats don’t typically pant to cool down. When a cat is panting, it’s usually a sign of trouble. An increased breathing rate or, more concerningly, open-mouthed breathing may be a sign of pain, discomfort, or even fever. It’s crucial to remember that panting could also signal serious respiratory issues, and it always warrants a call to the vet.
- Shivering: Just like us, cats can shiver when they have a fever, even if the room temperature is at a comfortable level. This is their body’s way of trying to generate heat.
- Changes in Grooming Habits: Cats are meticulous with their grooming routine, so if that starts to drop, it could be a sign that they are feeling “off.” A lack of grooming can lead to a matted or unkempt coat. On the other hand, some cats may over-groom a particular area due to localized pain or discomfort, causing irritation or bald spots.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: While not a direct indicator of a fever, many illnesses that trigger a rise in body temperature are also associated with gastrointestinal problems.
Remember, these symptoms may indicate various other health problems in your cat, not just a fever. Observing these signs is the first step, but to get a definitive diagnosis and a plan of action to help your cat feel better, you will need to contact your veterinarian. They can run the necessary tests to better understand what is happening and how to help.
How to Take Your Cat’s Temperature
Let’s be honest, the thought of taking your cat’s temperature may feel a little daunting, especially if this is your first time. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With some planning, a calm approach, and a few simple steps, you can make this process as easy as possible for you and your kitty.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to taking your cat’s temperature rectally, which is generally considered the best approach for an accurate measurement:
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a digital thermometer (ideally one designed for pets, as they often have flexible tips and faster readings), a small amount of lubricant like petroleum jelly, and some high-value treats and/or a willing helper to provide a gentle distraction.
- Create a Calm Environment: Choose a quiet, comfortable space where your cat feels relatively secure. Avoid busy, noisy, or high-traffic areas that could increase their anxiety. If your cat is already stressed from the environment, the experience will only escalate it.
- Position and/or Restraint: Gently position your cat, either standing or lying on their side. If your cat tends to be wiggly or unsure about this process, using a towel wrapped around the body may be helpful to keep them secure and comfortable.
- Gentle Insertion: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the tip of the digital thermometer. Gently lift your cat’s tail and carefully insert the lubricated thermometer about one inch into their rectum. Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps, indicating the reading is complete. This usually only takes a few seconds with a digital thermometer.
- Clean-Up: Once you have the reading, gently remove the thermometer and clean it thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- Reward: Immediately offer your cat a special treat and plenty of praise. This is an essential step as it will help to create a positive association with the experience, so they are less stressed the next time their temperature is taken.
A word of caution: avoid using human oral thermometers on your cat. They are not designed for rectal use and can be inaccurate, possibly causing injury. While rectal thermometers are generally preferred for their accuracy, other options are available. For example, ear thermometers are a good solution for cats who refuse to have their temperature taken the traditional way. The technical use and specific model may influence the accuracy, but they can still provide a useful indication with proper use and calibration.
Now that you have the temperature, it’s important to understand what those numbers mean. A healthy adult cat's normal body temperature range is typically between 100.5 and 12.5-degrees Fahrenheit. A fever in cats is generally considered to be a temperature above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Potential Causes of Feline Fever
It’s important to remember that a fever in your cat isn’t a disease in itself, but rather a sign that their body is trying to fight something off. Think of it like an internal alarm system, warning that something isn’t right. To give your kitty much-needed relief, you must first identify the underlying cause.
A variety of conditions can trigger this rise in body temperature, and understanding the common categories of these causes can help shed light on what might be going on.
Infection
This is one of the most frequent culprits behind a fever. The infection may stem from various triggers, including bacteria (like those causing urinary tract infections or infected wounds), viruses (such as those responsible for upper respiratory infections, commonly known as cat flu), and even fungi (which can cause more systemic infections).
In these cases, the elevated body temperature is actually a part of the immune system’s natural response to these foreign invaders, making the body less welcoming and hospitable and helping to fight them off.
Inflammation
When there’s inflammation in the body, the process can also cause an increase in body temperature. The inflammation may result from conditions like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Abscesses
Localized infections that result in the buildup of pus, known as abscesses, are also a common cause of fever in cats. These can occur from bite wounds, scratches, or other injuries where bacteria have entered the tissues of their body.
Medications
This is less common, but there are some medications that, in rare instances, trigger what’s known as a drug-induced fever. This is usually an unexpected reaction to the drug itself. You should consider this cause if your cat has recently started taking something new.
Underlying Disease
In some more serious cases, a persistent or recurring fever can indicate an underlying disease, like autoimmune disorders or certain types of cancer. These conditions can disrupt your cat’s body and prevent it from regulating its normal temperature.
Trauma or Injury
Even a significant trauma or injury can sometimes lead to a temporary increase in a cat's body temperature as their system responds to the physical stress.
Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)
Sometimes, despite a thorough investigation, the exact cause of a fever remains elusive. In these situations, your vet will likely recommend further testing to try and pinpoint the underlying issue.
When to Seek Professional Help
Knowing when to seek professional veterinary help is an essential part of being a responsible cat parent. While monitoring your cat at home for mild symptoms might be appropriate in some situations, after a quick call to your vet for guidance, there are clear circumstances that warrant an immediate trip to the vet.
A temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit or, equally concerning, a temperature below 99 degrees Fahrenheit should prompt an immediate call to your vet or a trip to the emergency clinic. Both significantly high and low temperatures can indicate a serious underlying issue. Additionally, if your cat has a fever that persists for more than 24 to 48 hours, it’s time to seek professional advice, even if other symptoms seem mild.
Any fever accompanied by the following concerning symptoms should be taken very seriously:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Signs of abdominal pain or distension (bloating)
- Inability to urinate
- Difficulty breathing
- Jaundice ( yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Severe lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Seizures
Certain cats are at higher risk, including very young kittens, elderly cats, or those with pre-existing health conditions. If your kitty falls into any of those categories, it’s better to be safe and seek veterinary care early.
You can expect a thorough physical examination when you bring your cat with a suspected fever to the vet. They will start by taking your cat’s temperature and asking detailed questions about your cat’s symptoms, when they started, any changes in their behavior, appetite, and any potential exposures to other animals or environments. To help your vet identify the cause, they may recommend further testing, such as blood work, urine analysis, and imaging like X-rays.
By providing your vet with as much information and insight into your cat’s condition as possible, you can help them reach an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
What Can You Do at Home (While Awaiting Veterinary Care or for Mild Cases Under Vet Guidance)
Any home care measures should never be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice, especially in cases of significant or persistent fever. However, while you are awaiting your veterinary appointment or if your vet has recommended supportive care for a mild case, there are things you can do at home to help keep your cat comfortable and allow you to monitor them closely.
- Ensure access to fresh, cool water: Encourage your cat to drink more water by ensuring their bowl is clean and easily accessible. You can also try offering water in different bowls or introducing a water fountain to see what tempts them most (my cats love their fountain).
- Offer palatable, easily digestible food: If your cat has a limited appetite, try offering small amounts of bland, easily digestible food like plain cooked chicken or a special veterinary diet if you have it. If they don’t want to eat, stay calm and offer small amounts periodically.
- Avoid forcing food or water: Never try to force-feed or force-hydrate your cat, as this can cause unnecessary stress and potential aspiration.
- Provide a comfortable and quiet resting place: Ensure your cat has a calm and quiet spot where they can rest undisturbed. This will help them conserve energy and feel more secure, giving their body the rest it needs to recover.
- Gently encourage grooming: If your cat is able and willing, gentle grooming can help them feel more comfortable. If they are too weak or disinterested, you can gently wipe their coat with a damp cloth to help them feel cleaner.
- Monitor their symptoms closely: Pay close attention to any changes in their behavior, appetite, water intake, breathing, and the frequency of any vomiting or diarrhea. Keep a journal with these observations, as this information will be valuable for your veterinarian.
Finally, this cannot be stressed enough: never give your cat any human medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These drugs are toxic to cats and can cause severe or life-threatening organ damage. Always talk to your vet before giving any medication to your cat.
Building a Healthy Life with Your Cat
Ultimately, being the best cat parent you can is about knowing your kitty inside and out – understanding their normal energy levels, appetite, and quirks. By recognizing the subtle cues of trouble, you can quickly take steps to address it. Remember that early detection, coupled with prompt and appropriate veterinary care, will significantly increase the chances of a positive outcome.
Trust your instincts, you know your cat best. With this knowledge, you can recognize and respond to their needs, ensuring they live a long, healthy, and joyful life by your side.
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Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.
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