Fever in Cats

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 09/06/2016Updated: 10/15/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Fever in Cats - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

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. 

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Fever Average Cost

From 369 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000

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

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Fever Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Siamese mix

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Nano

dog-age-icon

4 Years

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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Red Bood In Stool , Kidney Failure
As nano is on drips and renal diet because of Renal failure ..he also has a colitis like symptoms for last 2.5 years.he usually has few drops of red blood in his stool(normal stool or loose stool) and sometimes about 1 tbps of blood in his stool as well w..he getting weak ...he is a outdoor indoor cat .e had tried flagyl syrups, injection, peptinil syrups, other antibiotics but nothing worked for permanent ..he also had tapeworm and we dewormed him several times and last time on 30t April 2018 with deworming tablet for cats..but 2 days back I saw a moving tapeworm segment on his tail.and today his stool contain alot of blood around 1 full Tbsp of red blood with little blood clots...em worried. .his vet recommend me to give deltacortal 5 mg half tablet for 2 days...so what should I do now ?

Aug. 24, 2018


1 Recommendations

The Deltacortril (corticosteroid) would be indicated in cases of colitis which may also be responsible for the faecal blood, but may be contraindicated in cases of kidney failure (down to your Veterinarian’s discretion); since Nano has kidney failure you should ensure that a renal diet is being given (which you mentioned) along with fluid therapy and other supportive care. Apart from ensuring that the worms are treated and managing the kidney failure, there are not many other options left apart from the supportive care and management. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Aug. 25, 2018

My young rescue cat had a fever of 106. She contracted a serious upper respiratory infection. The vet gave her a shot to lower her temperature. But she won’t eat or drink much at all and I can’t get her to take the medicine to control her temperature. She only will take the antibiotic.🤦🏼‍♀️

Aug. 28, 2018

Michele S.


Im packing and moveing out of my apartment. All of the sudden I noticed my Kitty laying around and not behaving normal. Could enviromental factors cause him to get a fever and loungy?

Aug. 28, 2018

Heather W.

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dog-breed-icon

mixed

dog-name-icon

Coco

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3 Months

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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Lethargy
Poor Appetite
Bello! My kitten Coco is usually very Active, enjoy playing and chasing her sisters and Brothers, since yesterday he is getting to be really calm and really Inactive, he has stopped drinking and eating and thats worries me a lot, he only looks for a calm place to sleep. Could you please reccomend me any home theraphy?

Aug. 22, 2018

0 Recommendations

Loss of appetite, fever and lethargy are vague symptoms which don’t narrow in on a particular disease or condition; in this case it is important to ensure that Coco is kept hydrated and try to encourage appetite by hand feeding her. Without knowing what exactly is causing the symptoms (since I cannot examination her) I cannot give any specific course of treatment and there are not many ‘home treatments’ available for cats; since she has a fever, it would be worth visiting your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Aug. 22, 2018

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Fever Average Cost

From 369 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000

Average Cost

$400

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