Introduction
It’s important for cat owners to know the signs and symptoms of fever, as an elevated temperature in cats can indicate an underlying illness. Left untreated, fevers in cats can lead to serious health complications. Monitoring your cat for changes in normal behavior along with physical symptoms can help identify early on when your feline companion may be feeling under the weather. Being aware of the normal temperature range for cats, around 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, is key to detecting abnormal elevations. If your cat exhibits concerning symptoms like lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or other fever indicators, taking your cat’s temperature and contacting your veterinarian promptly can prevent more serious issues from developing. Understanding feline fever basics allows cat owners to keep a close eye on their pet’s health and wellbeing.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/fevers-in-cats
Normal Cat Temperature
The normal body temperature range for cats is typically between 100.5°F and 102.5°F (38.1°C and 39.2°C) (VCA).1 Cats regulate their body temperature well and maintain a temperature within a narrow range, much like humans do. While some normal variation in body temperature occurs throughout the day, significant increases or decreases in temperature can indicate a medical problem.
Temperature is lowest in the early morning and increases throughout the day by 1-2°F. Temperature also tends to run slightly higher when a cat is excited, stressed or very active (like after playing). However, these variations still fall within the normal range.
Signs of Fever in Cats
There are several common physical and behavioral signs that may indicate your cat has a fever. These include:
- Warm or hot ears – A cat’s normal body temperature ranges between 100-102°F. Their ears in particular can feel noticeably warm or hot to the touch when feverish (Source).
- Dry nose – Cats normally have cool, moist noses. A warm, dry nose can signal a fever (Source).
- Lethargy – Feverish cats often lack energy and motivation. They may sleep more than usual and be less active (Source).
- Loss of appetite – Cats with fevers frequently lose interest in food and eat less than normal (Source).
- Glassy eyes – Fever can cause cats’ eyes to appear glassy, glazed over, and less bright (Source).
- Shivering – Some febrile cats shiver or tremble, like humans getting the chills (Source).
While not a definitive diagnosis, these signs warrant checking your cat’s temperature and contacting your veterinarian if elevated.
Taking a Cat’s Temperature
Taking a cat’s temperature accurately is important to detect a fever. The most reliable method is to take a rectal temperature using a digital thermometer designed for pets. Here are the proper steps for taking a cat’s rectal temperature:
1. Choose a digital thermometer specifically made for pets. Look for one with a flexible tip to make insertion easier and more comfortable.
2. Lubricate the thermometer tip with a water-soluble lubricant like KY jelly or petroleum jelly. This allows for smooth insertion and protects sensitive rectal tissue.
3. Gently wrap your cat in a towel or place them on your lap to keep them still and calm. Have an assistant help hold and comfort the cat if needed.
4. Gently lift the cat’s tail and identify the rectum. Slowly insert the thermometer about 1 inch into the rectum.
5. Wait for the thermometer to beep, indicating it has registered the temperature. This usually takes less than 60 seconds.
6. Gently remove the thermometer and check the reading.[1]
Taking your cat’s temperature rectally provides the most accurate reading to help determine if a fever is present. Go slowly, use lots of lubricant, and stay calm to make the process easier on both you and your cat.
When to See the Vet
If your cat’s temperature is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, you should consider it a medical emergency and take your cat to the vet immediately. A fever this high can be dangerous and even fatal if left untreated (1). According to veterinarians, any body temperature over 103 in cats requires urgent medical attention to bring the fever down and address the underlying cause.
You should also make a non-emergency vet appointment if your cat’s temperature is between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. While not yet an emergency situation, fevers in this range still require medical attention to keep your cat comfortable and prevent the temperature from rising further (2). Vets recommend bringing your cat in within 24 hours if their fever is within this range.
(1) https://www.greensboro.carolinavet.com/site/greensboro-specialty-veterinary-blog/2021/01/15/signs-cat-has-a-fever-what-to-do
(2) https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/fevers-in-cats
Causes of Fever in Cats
There are a variety of potential causes of fever in cats, including:
Viral Infections: Viral infections such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus, and calicivirus are common causes of fever in cats according to VCA Animal Hospitals.1
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections like abscesses, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and infected wounds can also lead to fever in cats.
Fungal Infections: Systemic fungal infections are less common, but can cause fever as well.
Internal Injury: Trauma, internal bleeding, or inflammation of organs can cause fever in cats.
Parasites: Parasitic infections, like toxoplasmosis, can induce fever.
Autoimmune Disease: Autoimmune conditions like Feline Infectious Anemia and other inflammatory issues can also cause body temperature elevations.
Cancer: Lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers may initially present with fever.
Medication/Vaccine Reactions: Some cats can develop fever after vaccines or medication.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most common viral causes of fever in cats. It is caused by a mutated form of the feline coronavirus (FCoV), which leads to systemic inflammatory disease [1]. Most cats that are exposed to FCoV do not develop FIP. However, in some cats, the virus mutates within cells of the cat’s monocyte/macrophage system, enabling the virus to replicate more rapidly [2].
The mutated form of the virus causes pyogranulomatous inflammation, which can affect multiple organs. Common clinical signs include lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, and fluctuating fever [3]. There are two forms of FIP – wet (effusive) form associated with accumulation of fluid in body cavities, and dry (non-effusive) form associated with pyogranuloma formation in organs.
Diagnosing the Cause
There are several diagnostic tests a veterinarian may recommend to determine the underlying cause of a fever in cats:
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This blood test checks white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It can reveal infections, inflammation, cancer, anemia, and other conditions.
Urinalysis: Analyzing a urine sample can detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and other problems.
Imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI can identify tumors, organ inflammation, abscesses, and more. Imaging helps locate the source of infection or inflammation causing the fever.
Other Tests: Depending on signs and suspected causes, other diagnostic tests may include feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) screening, blood cultures, biopsies, joint taps, and analysis of fluid samples.
Diagnostic testing is key to finding the underlying reason for a cat’s fever. While the exact tests performed will depend on the individual case, the veterinarian will likely recommend a combination of blood work, urinalysis, imaging, and specialized tests to pinpoint the cause.
Treating Fever in Cats
The primary focus when treating a cat with a fever is maintaining hydration and reducing the temperature. According to Matthews Carolina Vet, preventing dehydration is crucial, so encouraging your cat to drink fluids is important. Providing fresh, cool water, chicken broth, or tuna juice can help keep your cat hydrated.
Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen should never be given to cats without consulting a vet first, as they can be toxic to cats. Your vet may prescribe cat-safe fever reducers if needed. Cold packs such as a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel can also help lower your cat’s temperature when placed on the neck, chest, and between the hind legs. Just take care not to over-chill your cat.
According to WebMD, the underlying cause of the fever must also be diagnosed and treated. Your vet will determine if antibiotics or other medications are needed to address infections, inflammation, or other issues causing the fever.
When to Return for Follow-Up
After your cat has been diagnosed and treated for a fever, it’s important to monitor their condition over the next few days. If the fever persists or returns after treatment, you should take your cat back to the vet for a follow-up appointment.
Most fevers in cats will resolve within 24-48 hours with proper treatment. However, if your cat’s fever lasts longer than this, it could be a sign that the underlying illness is not improving or that a secondary infection has developed.
Schedule a recheck appointment with your vet if your cat’s fever goes above 104°F again or if it fails to come down within a day or two of starting treatment. Persistent fevers in cats need further evaluation to determine if additional medications, testing, or hospitalization is required.
When you bring your cat back in, the vet will perform another physical exam and temperature check. They may recommend blood tests, x-rays, or other diagnostics if the cause of fever is still unclear. Be prepared to give a full history of your cat’s symptoms, treatments given, and any changes you observed since the initial visit.
Follow your vet’s advice closely on when to return for follow-ups during your cat’s recovery. Monitoring your cat after a fever is essential to ensuring they make a full recovery. Alert your vet right away if symptoms worsen or return so proper treatment can resume.