Have you ever wondered whether your beloved feline might be sick? You might feel a child’s forehead to see if they feel warm enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, but the same isn’t possible for your cat. You will have to learn how to tell if a cat has a fever in order to determine if a veterinarian’s care might be necessary.
Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs and symptoms that might lead you to book an appointment. We’ll teach you how to tell if a cat has a fever so you can make a wise decision for your furry friend’s care.
In this article:
- How to tell if a cat has a fever
- Behaviors associated with a fever
- What to do if your cat has a fever
How to Tell If a Cat Has a Fever
Do you believe that a dry nose indicates a sick cat? While that might be true for some things, it isn’t going to tell you if your feline spiked a fever.
The best way to truly determine your cat’s temperature is to measure it using a thermometer. You might want to purchase a whole new thermometer you can use for your feline, preferably one that takes readings in just seconds like this one from Amazon.
Be sure to coat the tip of the thermometer in Vaseline before you attempt to use it. The only way to really learn how to tell if a cat has a fever is by taking their temperature rectally. Without a little lubrication, this can be extremely uncomfortable for you and your kitty!
Enlist the help of someone else if you’ve never taken your cat’s temperature before. This person can help you to hold the cat and lift its tail. You will need to insert the thermometer into your cat’s rectum until the tip is in about halfway. Stay in this position until the reading is finished. This is why it is so important to get a thermometer that finishes its readings quickly.
A cat’s normal body temperature can range from 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. You should make a vet appointment for your feline whenever his temperature reaches 105 degrees or higher.
Behaviors Associated with a Fever
What behaviors should you keep an eye out for that might indicate the presence of a fever? You don’t want to have to take your cat’s temperature everyday just because it’s the best way for how to tell if a cat has a fever. Your kitty isn’t likely to appreciate this new addition to his daily routine either!
Fortunately, there are a few other telltale behaviors that might indicate the presence of a fever. You should look for some of these before you pull out the thermometer to check:
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Shivering
- Dehydration
- Warm ears
- Increased heart or respiratory rate
You may have already noticed, but these symptoms are very similar to the human symptoms when a fever arises. Keep your eyes open for some of these behaviors to indicate whether you have a more serious problem.
What to Do for a Fever
You know how to tell if a cat has a fever, but what can you really do for them now?
A high fever that exceeds 105 degrees should always be seen by a veterinarian. They are likely to need antibiotics to help reduce the temperature and actually treat the cause of the fever. It’s very important to make sure you can identify the cause of the fever to give your kitty the best treatment possible.
A mild fever might go away on its own with a few home solutions. You can try to help your cat to cool down with a fan or attempting to give some cool water in a glass dish. Make the room where your cat is located as cool as possible to see if it helps to reduce the fever.
If this doesn’t help or the fever continues to increase, be sure to make an appointment with the veterinarian.
Final Thoughts: How to Tell If a Cat Has a Fever
You need to know the key signs that your kitty might be suffering from sickness and a fever. Don’t hesitate to use these tips on how to tell if a cat has a fever to help diagnose your feline friend. As always, seek veterinary care for your cat when necessary!