Can Cats Get Fevers?

Yes, cats can get fevers. A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal.

Normal body temperature in cats: 101.0 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C)

Fever: A body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher

Causes of fevers in cats:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause a fever.
• Inflammation: Conditions that cause inflammation, such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and arthritis, can also lead to a fever.
• Drugs: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and vaccines, can cause a fever as a side effect.
• Cancer: Some types of cancer can cause a fever.
• Heatstroke: Cats can get heatstroke if they are exposed to high temperatures for too long.

Symptoms of a fever in cats:

• Increased body temperature: A fever is the most common symptom of a fever.
• Lethargy: Cats with a fever may be tired and lethargic.
• Loss of appetite: Cats with a fever may not feel like eating.
• Increased thirst: Cats with a fever may drink more water than usual.
• Fast breathing: Cats with a fever may breathe faster than normal.
• Discharge from the eyes or nose: Cats with a fever may have discharge from their eyes or nose.
• Shivering: Cats with a fever may shiver.

When to see a veterinarian:

If your cat has a fever, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. A fever can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Diagnosis of a fever in cats:

Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and take your cat's temperature. They may also recommend blood tests, urine tests, and X-rays to determine the cause of the fever.

Treatment of a fever in cats:

The treatment for a fever will depend on the underlying cause.

• Infections: If the fever is caused by an infection, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antiparasitic medications.
• Inflammation: If the fever is caused by inflammation, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications.
• Drugs: If the fever is caused by a medication, your veterinarian may stop the medication or switch to a different medication.
• Cancer: If the fever is caused by cancer, your veterinarian will recommend treatment options based on the type of cancer.
• Heatstroke: If the fever is caused by heatstroke, your veterinarian will recommend treatment to cool your cat down.

Prevention of fevers in cats:

There are no surefire ways to prevent fevers in cats, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk:

• Vaccinate your cat: Vaccinations can help protect your cat from infections that can cause a fever.
• Keep your cat indoors: Cats that are kept indoors are less likely to be exposed to infections and other causes of fever.
• Avoid exposing your cat to high temperatures: Cats can get heatstroke if they are exposed to high temperatures for too long.
• Regular veterinary check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups can help your veterinarian detect and treat any underlying medical conditions that could lead to a fever.

Stories

Story 1:

My cat, Mittens, had a fever of 104°F. She was lethargic, had lost her appetite, and was drinking more water than usual. I took her to the veterinarian, and she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The veterinarian prescribed antibiotics, and Mittens' fever went away within a few days.

What we learn: A fever can be a sign of a urinary tract infection in cats.

Story 2:

My cat, Whiskers, had a fever of 105°F. He was shivering, had a discharge from his nose, and was breathing faster than normal. I took him to the veterinarian, and he was diagnosed with pneumonia. The veterinarian prescribed antibiotics, and Whiskers' fever went away within a week.

What we learn: A fever can be a sign of pneumonia in cats.

Story 3:

My cat, Shadow, had a fever of 106°F. He was lethargic, had lost his appetite, and was not drinking any water. I took him to the veterinarian, and he was diagnosed with heatstroke. The veterinarian cooled Shadow down and gave him fluids. Shadow's fever went away within a few hours.

What we learn: A fever can be a sign of heatstroke in cats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring a fever: A fever is a sign that something is wrong with your cat. It is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Giving your cat aspirin or ibuprofen: Aspirin and ibuprofen can be toxic to cats. Do not give your cat these medications without first consulting with a veterinarian.
• Waiting too long to see a veterinarian: If your cat has a fever, it is important to see a veterinarian within 24 hours. A delay in treatment could lead to serious complications.

Call to Action

If your cat has a fever, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. A fever can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.