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How To Tell If A Cat Has a Fever
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If you're a cat owner or lover there are certain things you would like to know, such as how to tell if your cat has a fever?
Obviously you want to take care of your cat and keep it in good health and a cat that seems to be showing cat fever symptoms is going to be a concern.
The first thing to know is that a cat's normal body temperature is around 38 to 39.5 ºC. Any temperature rise above that is interpreted to be abnormal and an indication of your cat having a fever, which might have an adverse effect on his health. It doesn’t matter what caused it; the presence of fever is usually an indication of health problems present in an animal, so it is vital to detect the cause and quickly begin the best treatment.
Bear in mind that these causes can range from minor problems to more serious illnesses that can even kill your cat. This article majorly focuses on how to tell if a cat has a fever, we explain everything about cat fever, its causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention.
How To Tell If A Cat Has a Fever
Generally, when it comes to dogs and cats the presence of fever is initiated when the animal's immune system has a particular abnormality that is present in the body. Since not all illnesses cause cat fever, here are the most common causes that are known to cause a cat fever:
Although these are the most common reasons that tend to develop a cat fever, remember that this is not the only symptom they have, so it is essential to pay attention to the general behavior of your cat as this would help you identify the cause easily and also to apply the necessary treatment appropriately. Especially if it involves a tumor, viral or bacterial diseases, quick and immediate treatment would be beneficial due to the high mortality rate of these diseases.
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How To Tell if Your Cat Has a Fever: The Symptoms
To answer one question that is common among guardians, "How would I know if my cat has a fever", it is vital that we examine all the details of his behavior. A cat that has a fever has some or all of the following cat fever symptoms:
Some of these diseases or health conditions that cause cat fever can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, sneezing and even coughing.
How To Tell If My Cat Has a Fever: What to do Next
If you observe that your cat has some or all of the above cat fever symptoms, it is time to take his body temperature, as this is the only way to confirm that he really has a cat fever. To do this, you must have all the necessary utensils:
Once you are ready with the utensils, apply these steps:
- 1Clean the thermometer well with a dry cloth and cover the tip with a little lubricant like petroleum jelly.
- 2If you can, tell someone else to hold the cat by the front paws, so that it is easier for you to continue (always gently).
- 3Carefully lift your cat's tail and insert the tip of the thermometer into his rectum.
- 4Immediately you see that the digital thermometer stops, remove it, check the indicated temperature and reward your animal for its good behavior (treats, caresses, etc.). Clean the thermometer.
As we mentioned at the beginning, the normal temperature should be between 38 and 39ºC, in adult cats, and 39.5ºC in kittens. If your feline exceeds these figures, we consider that he has a cat fever and you should treat him to reduce it as soon as possible. If the temperature exceeds 41ºC, you will have to go quickly to the veterinarian so that he can examine it and determine the cause.
My Moggy Definitely has a Cat Fever: What Do I Do?
The treatment of cat fever is closely linked to its cause.
If, for example, it seems to be a side effect of taking a drug, you should consult your veterinarian for what to do, but never decide to stop medical treatment yourself. In situations where the cause is a serious illness, such as distemper, leukemia or cancer, consulting a specialist will help.
The specialist would know the best treatment to eradicate the pathology. For minor bacterial or viral infections, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. Remember that you should not self- medicate your cat, some drugs for human consumption are toxic to him and you will only make his condition worse.
In milder cases, such as a cold, you can take steps and home remedies to reduce your cat's fever:
A known symptom of cat fever is a reduction in the amount of water ingested, the first thing to do is to hydrate your cat. If he does not want to drink, you will need to give him the amount of liquid he needs, using a syringe, always carefully and slowly! The water should be cool.
It's the same with food. To avoid malnutrition, you should encourage your cat to eat by providing it with food that meets its nutritional needs while being appetizing. In order to carry this out, go for a wet diet. Once cured, you can combine it again with dry food. However, if the fever is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, it is best to consult the veterinarian for the diet to follow.
Look for a place free of humidity and heat in your house to place your bed. Your cat needs to feel as comfortable as possible to promote healing.
Wet compresses will be your best ally to reduce your cat's fever. You will need to moisten them with cold water, place them on his forehead and let them act for a few minutes. Then remove them and apply them in the same way on its legs, abdomen, and groin. Dry the wet areas well and carry out the process twice a day.
Once you know how to tell if a cat has a fever, you would be in a better position to know when to reach out to a vet. It is recommended to go to the vet if after 48 hours the fever has not subsided. You may not have noticed any other symptoms and he may be suffering from a serious illness that requires medical treatment.
Final Thoughts on How To Tell If A Cat Has a Fever
We hope this article really helps you with understanding how to tell if your cat has a fever. But really importantly, we must point out that if you are in any doubts, or are worried, please take your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible. They are the medical experts and will know the best course of action for your cat’s fever.
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