What is Fever?
Because a fever is a sign rather than a condition, diagnosis of its cause is necessary for successful treatment. Medical attention is required for higher fevers or fevers that last more than one or two days. Do not try to treat the cat’s fever at home as many medications are dangerous for cats and the underlying cause of the fever could be serious.
Fever is a common sign of infections, illnesses, some cancers, and various disorders. Cats are considered to have a fever if their body temperature is higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit. A serious fever that requires immediate medical treatment occurs if the animal’s body temperature reaches 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. With these higher temperatures, cats can be at a high risk of brain and heart damage and even death.
Fever Average Cost
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Average Cost
$400
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Symptoms of Fever in Cats
The primary sign associated with fever in cats is a body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Observable symptoms generally include flushing and lethargy. In cases of higher temperatures or prolonged fever, more severe signs may occur. The cat may demonstrate a variety of other signs based on the underlying issue causing the fever.
Signs Include:
- Elevated body temperature
- Dry skin or mouth
- Dehydration
- Flushing or reddening of the skin
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Rapid pulse
- Panting or breathing fast
Severe Signs Include:
- Behavior changes
- Confusion
- Shock
- Seizure
- Death
Causes of Fever in Cats
A variety of medical issues can cause a fever in cats or other companion animals. Fever is a common sign of many infections and diseases. In some cases, the cause of the fever may not be determined. Causes of fever can include:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Fungal infections
- Various parasites
- Tumors or some cancers
- Internal injury
- Some medications
- Poisoning or toxins
- Immune-mediated inflammatory disease
- Metabolic disorders
- Autoimmune disease
- Endocrine disorders
- Environmental causes
Diagnosis of Fever in Cats
Diagnosing fever can be accomplished by taking the cat’s temperature. This is generally accomplished rectally, using a thermometer. The animal’s body temperature will determine if a fever is present. If a fever is present, further diagnostic measures will be taken to determine the cause. A fever is generally a sign of an illness, disease, or condition. Be prepared to discuss your pet’s medical history and any signs you have observed. The veterinarian will conduct a full physical examination and may take samples of blood and urine for analysis. A full blood panel and testing for various infectious or inflammatory diseases may be required to determine why the cat’s body temperature is elevated. Veterinary staff may also use X-rays or other imaging technologies to look for signs of infections, injuries, or tumors. If, after extensive diagnostic effort, the cause of the fever cannot be determined, the patient will be diagnosed with a fever of unknown origin.
Treatment of Fever in Cats
Little can be done to treat a fever until its cause has been determined. With lower fevers, the veterinarian may not even attempt to reduce the fever as it is normal for the body to raise its temperature in an effort to aid the immune system when fighting infections. Maintaining hydration and temperature reduction will be the primary focus when treating the fever and additional treatments will vary based on underlying condition. Hospitalization may be required for monitoring and treatment of your pet. Some common treatments might include:
- Intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SQ) Fluids: Fluid therapy is necessary if the cat is showing signs of dehydration. IV and SQ fluids combat dehydration, provide nutrients to aid with lack of appetite, and may assist in lowering the core body temperature slightly. This common treatment has a very low risk of side effects.
- Fever Reducing Medications: Some medications for pain relief and inflammation, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories safe for cats, are effective for fever reduction. Never attempt to provide your cat this type of medication at home unless prescribed by veterinary staff, as the wrong medications can be fatal to cats. To reduce the risk of serious complications, your veterinarian will determine the appropriate medications and dose for your pet’s size and needs.
- Antibiotics: Infections are a common cause of fevers, making antibiotics a common treatment. This type of medication works to eliminate bacterial infections, so your veterinarian will not prescribe it unless the infection has been identified as the cause.
- Corticosteroids: This category of drug is used to fight inflammation, which is a common cause of fever. It may be used to treat various conditions that cause fevers and is often used in fevers of unknown origin.
- Surgery: In cases with severe infection, tumors, or certain parasites, surgery may be necessary to remove the cause. Surgery can put your pet at risk so your veterinarian will need to determine if this is the best course of action for your cat’s recovery.
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Recovery of Fever in Cats
The prognosis for recovery from a fever depends on the underlying cause. In the case of minor infections or illnesses and some fevers of unknown origin, the fever will be reduced with treatment and the cat’s prognosis is very good. If the underlying condition is more severe, your pet’s recovery may take considerably more time and treatment. When your cat returns home, continue to monitor them carefully for return of the fever or other symptoms. If your pet’s condition worsens, return to the veterinarian for medical assistance. Be sure to follow all of the instructions provided by your veterinarian, including finishing the full course of medications even if symptoms appear to have improved or the fever has gone away. Your cat will need plenty of fluids to stay hydrated so ensure that water is readily available. Your pet will need to maintain an appropriate caloric intake while they have a fever, so some dietary changes may be required to support your pet’s recovery, including nutritious food or possibly high-calorie liquids.
Fever in cats can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Fever Average Cost
From 369 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$400
Top
Fever Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic Longhair cat
Three Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever, Lethargic, Not Eating Or Drinking
We took Floof to the vet yesterday afternoon because he had a cough and has not eating. He had a fever of 103.7F. They took x-rays and blood. White blood count was good. X-rays showed some lung disease. Her diagnosis was asthma and treated him depo-metrol. It is now 12 hours later and he is more lethargic then before and still has a fever. He is laying in the same spot by an ac air vent and isn't interested in water, food or treats. This is a very food motivated cat. I am very very worried about him. Do we need to take him to an er vet?
July 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I think that I would take him in to either the ER or back to his regular veterinarian, yes. He may need IV fluids or antibiotics, and he does sound like he does not feel good at all.
I hope that everything goes well for him and he feels better soon!
July 16, 2020
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Domestic longhair
Nebula
3 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Lethargy
Not Eating
Reaction To Medicinw
Reaction To Medicine
My 3 month old kitten started acting really lethargic after putting some flea meds on the back of her neck. When she hadn't gotten better we decided to take her to the vet. Turns out, she had a 106 fever! We had to leave her overnight to get IV fluids, antibiotics, and steroids. Thank goodness by the next day her temperature had returned back to normal. She has been home a week now, and although she seems a little sluggish/ is still recovering I am hoping she will return to normal. Before she could not walk, eat, or drink on her own and now (although it may be slowly) she is able to do all three on her own.
Sept. 15, 2018
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Shorthair
Kati
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hot Ears
I have a healthy cat but today I woke up and she came to me and I touched her and her ears were hot does this mean she may have a fever? She is still eating and drinking her normal amounts but I don’t know why she got a fever
Sept. 13, 2018
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tabby
Rajah
3 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Lethargy
Eye Discharge
Loss Of Appetite
Dehydrated
On Friday, Cat returned home looking lethargic. He didn't eat, drink, and just slept. I checked his temp and it was 105.1. I took him to the vet immediately Saturday morning and they gave him antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and fluids. Aids and leukemia tests were negative. I took him home and he started eating but still looked weak. Saturday night he threw up what he ate, and sunday morning he only threw up yellow bile. Monday, his temperature was down to 102.2, but he is still not eating/drinking. Tuesday morning, temp was 102.1 but he was vomitting air. I'm not sure if I should be happy his fever is down or worried he is still his usual self. Should I keep force feeding him with water/food?
Sept. 4, 2018
I'm not a vet but very similar situation. The advice I received was as long as he willingly eats/drinks then your animal is on the path to recovery. If they seem to give up that's when you have to worry. Did they ever diagnose what caused the fever? Your cat could very well just still be fighting whatever it is off.
Sept. 15, 2018
Tiffany L.
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Persian
Oscar
2 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loose Motions Vomitt
Loose Motions, Vomit
Loose Motions, Vomit, 102.3Fever
Hey
I bought a persian kitten of 2 months 5 days back
First day he was good showed activeness and eating
Second day he cought fever but ate in the morning
Third day i took him to a doctor he gave me himalya’s fever syrup as his temp. Was 103F
Today i took him again as he vomitted and then stopped eating at all
Now he is dealing with loose motions
I offered him similac advance powder infant milk which i had to feed him forcefully
He is not active at all
I am seriously concerend is it enviornmnent issue or something else
Sept. 2, 2018
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dsh
Lici
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever, Sleeping A Lot, Disengaged
My 3 year old domestic short hair tortie callie “Lici”
has been a bit lethargic over the past few days. She has been sleeping a lot and will not play like she used to. I just thought she was a little put off by the new cat we adopted. They get along well but Lici seemed a little upset when we would play with the other cat. We thought with time she would be alright. Well after this past week and Lici still not playing much and sleeping more than I think is normal from when we first got her; I noticed that she feels rather warm. She is definitely warmer than the other cats. I haven’t taken her temperature yet but I do plan to take her to our veterinarian tomorrow.
Lici eats and drinks water. She uses the litter box. Not sure what is going on. I think she has a fever. I am worried about her. She is a rescue and she has been wonderful since we adopted her right before Christmas last year. I hope it’s not anything serious. I feel bad for not noticing that she was warm feeling sooner.
She is so mild mannered and quiet. She doesn’t make any sound or even meow. She purrs very quietly. She has always been a little stand offish and not one to cuddle or lie close.
She was a barn cat previously and they told us that she was not a lap cat. I hope she is going to be alright.
She is warm to the touch, she sleeps a lot and is disinterest in play.
domestic medium hair
Yuki
8 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Limping
Loss Of Appetite
Lethargic
High Fever
I adopted my Yuki when him and his siblings were dumped in front of my gym. I took him to my vet and they guessed that he was 6 weeks old. Around 8 weeks old we rescued another kitten from a shelter, her name is luna. Luna had a respiratory infection and is on Oral Doxycucline. After her first dose she was acting normal. Then yuki started showing symptoms. Lethargic, loss of appetite and felt for to the touch. Took him to emergency vet and his temp was 104.3. They gave him IV treatment and abx and were sent home. The following morning he still felt hot and so I brought him back to the vet. his temp was 103.8. So it was still high. he had another IV treatment and they wanted to keep him overnight and run tests but I couldn't afford the $1500 bill. They send us home with Duxycycline and I hoped it would kick in and help, but he still feels really hot. The only way he eats is if I hand feed him and drinks water from a syringe. I have already spent around $400 on his last visits, I can't afford to keep him there or keep taking him back. Any other suggestions?
dsh
Tormund
10 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Sleeping More
We just adopted two male kitten brothers a week ago. They have been active, eating great everything has been completely normal. One of the kittens started snoozing more and yesterday we took his temp and he has a 104 fever.. no other visible signs of anything wrong other than fever and sleeping more. He still eats and drinks a little. He's not playful just wants to sit and watch or sleep. He goes to the vet tomorrow. He's 10 weeks
Fever Average Cost
From 369 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$400
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