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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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 short hair
Snow
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Pain In Hip
Cat woke trying to throw up. Did not eat much breakfast (she always eats everything) and has a temp of 104.7. Sleepy. She is also limping and guarding left back hip.
July 30, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Snow it is difficult to narrow in on a specific cause, but there are many different conditions which may be affecting Snow; if the fever is nearly 105℉ you should think about visiting your Veterinarian for an examination to be on the safe side and to receive treatment to ensure she is hydrated. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 31, 2018
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Siamese
April
11 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
White Hairs On Brown Face
Hi, my Siamese Cat has recently started growing specked white hairs all over her brown face. She is also less active than she used to be. I was wondering if it’s something serious or if there’s anything I can do?
July 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
The things that you are describing might be normal aging changes for April, as they do tend to change hair color as they get older. Since she is a geriatric cat, it would be a great idea to have her examined by a veterinarian to make sure that she is okay, and possibly have some lab work run to assess her systemic function.
July 28, 2018
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Mix
Luna
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Bleeding
Eye Pain
Hello, my cat Lunas eye has been bothering her for a few days now. It’s watering off and on. She also threw up her indigested food this morning. Her behavior seems mostly normal, however it’s hard to tell as I just returned from a long vacation and unfortunately spent the longest I have been away from her since I adopted her. She stayed in the house with family but I’m sure she was shaken up.
July 27, 2018
0 Recommendations
Separation may cause some anxiety and may disturb a cat’s eating habits, however I’m more concerned with the bleeding eye; if the eye is bleeding is may be due to trauma, scratching or another cause. Try to flush the eye out gently in case there are any small foreign objects in there and visit your Veterinarian if there is no improvement in her condition overall before the weekend. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 27, 2018
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Unknown
Peppi
11 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
Weight Loss
Scabs
High Fever
Sleepiness
Confusion
We went to the vet with our cat 3 times now. The first time they tested for ringworm because she had a whole bunch of itchy scabs on her ears and claws. That came back negative. She was also put on a course of antibiotics and painkillers. Fast forward 3 weeks and we take her back to the vet to see a different doc and he says allergies. We for her into a cone so she wouldn't scratch her ears open. But she's only getting worse at this point. We cut out the allergen and her ears and paws got better but she got worse overall. She developed what (as our third veterinarian believes) was an abscess that popped by itself above her eyes. And also her to canines are cutting into her bottom lip now. The vet has absolutely no idea why. My cat has lost weight and she was a tiny cat to begin with. Her first visit to the vet she had a slightly elevated temperature of 39.1. As of her third vet visit today her temperature is a whopping 41- lethal level. Our vet doesn't know why and won't run any tests. Just put her on another round of antibiotics and painkillers (Which obviously didn't help the first time). Please help us. I can't watch her die. Other symptoms include confusion, balance issues, pain, weight loss, fatigue and scabs (above the eye and on the ears which are still healing as well as the issues caused by her teeth). She was given novacain for the fever today and we were instructed to measure it several times a day. We don't know what's wrong and our vet isn't trying to find out! And we've seen three vets now! Thank you for your time and consideration.
July 26, 2018
0 Recommendations
Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the specific cause for fever in cats and they get diagnosed with a fever of unknown origin (FUO) and receive supportive and symptomatic care; fever may be caused by a variety of different conditions including infections, autoimmune disease, allergies, inflammatory conditions, hormonal conditions among other causes. I cannot think of anything specific to help Peppi’s condition as we don’t know the underlying cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/fever-unknown-origin-cats-proceedings
July 27, 2018
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Persian Cat
Sassy
2 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic
My 2 month old cat seems to have a fever because i can feel that her body is hot than the usual. And she sleeps alot. But she eats and drinks from time to time.what should i do
July 23, 2018
0 Recommendations
The internal core temperature (rectal temperature) is the true indicator of fever as the body surface may feel warmer than usual due to various causes; there are many possible causes for fever including infection, inflammation, allergies, autoimmune diseases or failure to regulate body temperature (may occur in young animals). Check the temperature with a rectal thermometer if you have one or visit your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 23, 2018
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Fever Average Cost
From 369 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$400
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
