How to tell if your cat has a fever

Let me ask you a question first. Do you know the normal temperature range of cats? What is a fever? Is it a fever if the cat’s body temperature is too hot?
Today let’s talk about cat body temperature and fever:
Cat’s normal body temperature and fever

The normal body temperature range of cats is: 38.5°C-39.5°C

Yes, you read that right!

Our human body temperature is generally around 36 to 37 degrees, but cats are a little higher than us, so it is very normal for a cat to have a body temperature of 39 degrees! It’s not a fever!

Of course, body temperature is not static and may fluctuate slightly due to the following factors:

①Ambient temperature:

When the ambient temperature is high, the cat’s body temperature will be higher than usual. Therefore, season, climate, temperature difference between day and night, sunshine, etc. will all have a slight impact on the body temperature of cats.
For example, a cat’s temperature is relatively high during the day, but slightly lower in the early morning.

② Influence of age:

The body temperature of kittens and young cats is slightly higher than that of adult cats.

③ Metabolic differences:

Every kitten’s metabolism is different. Some cats have a stronger metabolism, so their body temperature will be higher than that of cats with a slower metabolism.

④Motion status:

After a cat exercises, its body temperature will temporarily rise. Therefore, when measuring the cat’s temperature, you must not choose to measure the cat’s temperature just after exercising.

⑤ Emotional state:

When a cat is stressed, her body temperature will temporarily rise! Therefore, when taking a cat to the hospital to measure its temperature, most of the time it is because the cat is in a state of stress, so the body temperature will rise slightly by a few tenths of a degree.
Of course, the normal body temperature changes mentioned above are all within the range of 38.5°C-39.5°C. Occasionally, if they exceed the range, they are also temporary.

So what temperature does a cat have to be considered to have a fever?

A low fever is between 40 degrees and 40.5 degrees
Moderately hot between 40.5 degrees and 41.5 degrees
High fever between 41.5 degrees and 42.5 degrees
Greater than 42.5 degrees is ultra-high fever!
So now everyone knows how many degrees a cat has a fever, right?

Cat fever symptoms

So what are the symptoms of a cat fever?
The most important thing is of course the increase in body temperature!
But in addition to rising body temperature, generally speaking, there are also the following symptoms:
① Depression and lethargy
② Poor appetite, loss of appetite
③ Like to find a cool place to stay
③ Shortness of breath, dry and hot nose, and hot ears
④ Weakness, inactivity, less grooming behavior, etc.

First, determine whether the cat has a fever?

This requires us to measure the cat’s temperature:
It is best to use an electronic thermometer. If not available, a traditional mercury thermometer will also work.

Method 1: Measure the cat’s rectal temperature (the most accurate)

① Prepare lubricant. You can wet the thermometer without water.
② Put the lubricated mercury thermometer that has been turned below 35° into the cat’s anus, and it will go in about 2-3 cm.
③ A traditional thermometer may need to stay for 5 minutes and then take the reading. If it is an electronic thermometer, there will be a sound prompt after the measurement is completed, just take it out.

Method 2: Measure the cat’s skin temperature

Many parents may not dare to measure rectal temperature. Measuring skin temperature can also be done, but skin temperature will be about 0.5°C lower than rectal temperature. Just add it yourself.
① Choose a time when the cat is quiet
② Place the thermometer on the inner root of the cat’s hind limbs
③ Baoding cats, don’t let them move around
④ Leave it for 5 minutes, or take it out after the electronic thermometer has a sound prompt.

Method 3: Measure your cat’s ear temperature

This method requires you to have a temperature measuring gun.
With a thermometer gun, it’s very simple. Just put it into the cat’s ear to measure the temperature. Repeated measurements will make it more accurate!

What should I do if my cat has a fever?

There are many reasons for cats to have fever, and there are different ways to deal with different causes.
If you catch a cold or have reduced immunity due to reasons such as not blow-drying after bathing or a drop in ambient temperature, and there are no other symptoms except an increase in body temperature, you can physically reduce the fever on your own. If the fever does not improve after 24 hours or the fever recurs, you need to Go to the hospital for examination in time. (Do not give your cat any human medicine to reduce fever).
Diseases that cause cats to have fever include viral diseases such as feline distemper and feline nasal congestion; parasitic infections; bacterial and fungal infections; tumors and other diseases. However, these diseases will not cause fever symptoms in cats, but will also cause other symptoms. It is necessary to Go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment in time.