Treatment of Fever in CatsIntravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SQ) Fluids: Fluid therapy is necessary if the cat is showing signs of dehydration. … Fever Reducing Medications: Some medications for pain relief and inflammation, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories safe for cats, are effective for fever reduction.
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- Janice Miller “My male cat has highly allergic reactions to something.” The veterinarian who examined him is unsure if his allergies are indoor or outdoor. He’s scratched himself several scabs, and his ears are really red. These are all useful tips as he appears to be experiencing a fever. “. ” more Rated this article: .
How do I know if my cat has a fever?
Your cats normal body temperature should be within 100. 4º to 102. 5º Fahrenheit. A temperature of more than 102 degrees is indicative of a fever in cats. 5º F. Your cat runs a significant risk of serious organ damage if their fever reaches more than 106º F.
Checking your pet’s temperature is simple if you have the proper equipment. Just place a pediatric rectal thermometer or a digital thermometer in your cat’s ear. Make sure not to use an outdated mercury thermometer on your cat as it can be very dangerous to their health if it breaks.
The most accurate way to tell if your cat has a fever is to use a rectal thermometer. For an accurate reading, leave the thermometer in place for a minimum of two minutes.
Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly before gently inserting it; take care not to insert it too far as this could injure the tissue in your cat’s rectal area. Your cat may need to be restrained while you insert the thermometer, so you may need help from another person.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you think your cat might have a fever but are uncomfortable taking their temperature. Your veterinarian can rapidly and precisely take your cat’s temperature and evaluate its general health.
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- Question My cat is weak, feverish, and lost her appetite. Her blood work was normal, according to the vet, and the cat is stressed. What other reason could my cat be acting this way? Dr. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian that has worked with companion animals and performed veterinary surgery for more than 30 years. She earned a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery from the University of Glasgow in 1987. She has spent more than 20 years working at the same veterinary clinic in her hometown. Answer from Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert: Occasionally, the fever appears first and other symptoms appear later. Perhaps as time passes, additional symptoms emerge that indicate a diagnosis. For instance, the cat might get pancreatitis from inflammation in the pancreas, or an abscess from a fight.
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- Give your cat no aspirin unless your veterinarian has prescribed a specific amount. Cats are extremely sensitive to aspirin. Giving your cat the incorrect dosage could make them more ill. [35] Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0 .
- See a veterinarian if your cat refuses to consume food or liquids. These are signs that your cat needs medical help. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2 .
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- Be careful not to do more harm than good. When administering human medications to cats, proceed with great caution as most of them are highly toxic to cats. Follow the dosage instructions given by your vet. Thanks Helpful 66 Not Helpful 22 .
- Speak with your veterinarian about which medications are appropriate for your cat to take if you are unsure about any particular medication. Thanks Helpful 55 Not Helpful 23 .
- If your cat has a temperature higher than 39ºC (102ºF) or if it stays feverish for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0 .
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FAQ
Can a cat recover from fever on its own?
What if my cat’s fever won’t go down?