How do I know what is the normal temperature for a cat? For humans, a kiss on a warm forehead can be a clue. But, as many people believe, it can feel like a warm, dry nose, so you can’t tell if your cat has a fever. The only way to know for sure about a person or cat is to take their temperature. The normal temperature range for a cat is 100.4º to 102.5º Fahrenheit. A fever in cats occurs when temperatures rise above 102.5º F. Although fevers may be helpful in fighting disease, a fever higher than 106º F can damage organs. Contact the vet right away if your cat has a high fever.
Learn about the causes, signs, and symptoms of fevers in cats and what you need to know about taking your cat`s temperature and caring for a cat with a fever.
Causes of a Fever in Cats
An increase in body temperature above normal is called hyperthermia. Abnormal or unregulated hyperthermia in cats may result from being in a very warm environment or having increased muscle activity, for example. However, a fever is a specific, regulated type of hyperthermia. It develops when the setpoint is increased in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body`s thermostat. A fever usually results when the immune system is activated by conditions such as:
- A bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
- A tumour
- Injury from trauma
- Certain medications
- Diseases such as lupus
Fever that lasts longer than a few days without an apparent cause is called fever of unknown origin (FUN).
Signs of fever in cats
Diseases that cause fever in cats can also trigger certain treacherous behaviours. Evolved to help wildlife survive the disease, this behaviour allows cats to conserve the energy they need to generate heat. Heat fights disease by stimulating the immune system and slowing the growth of bacteria and viruses.
Pay attention to the following signs of fever.
- Anorexia
- depression
- lack of energy or activity
- reduced alcohol consumption
- hiding
- reduced care
- Shivering or rapid breathing
Cats may also show other specific signs of illness, such as sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Diagnosis of normal temperature for a cat
Low frame temperature in cats may be without problems recognized thru the usage of a rectal thermometer, for you to deliver the veterinarian an estimate of your cat`s middle temperature. A bodily exam of the pussycat is likewise a completely beneficial diagnostic device for the veterinarian assigns including shivering, blue mucous membranes, and a susceptible look are clean caution symptoms and symptoms of hypothermia. During this time, the veterinarian will ask you to speak approximately about your cat`s present-day medications, behaviour at home, and the threat of unintended ingestion of a toxic substance.
Treatment of normal temperature for a cat
The main goal of treating a cat with a low body temperature is to warm the cat and increase its core body temperature. There are two options for treating a cat’s fever. There are passive external methods and active internal methods.
Passive External Therapy
Passive External Therapy is used in cats with mild to moderate hypothermia. Cats are kept warm outside with blankets, a heating pad, and a warm water bottle. The heating pad and hot water bottle are covered with a protective blanket to prevent burns to the cat’s skin. Do not use a hairdryer to restore your cat’s internal body temperature.
Active Internal
The Active Internal treatment is used for severe hypothermia because the veterinarian warms the cat’s stomach. During aggressive internal treatment, intravenous fluids and thermal ventilation are commonly used, but your veterinarian may choose either.
Restoring normal temperature for a cat
A cat’s low body temperature can lead to positive outcomes if the animal’s owner seeks immediate medical attention. The longer a cat is in hypothermia, the more likely it is to cause irreversible tissue damage as blood flow slows down during that time. The veterinarian may ask the cat to be hospitalized or quarantined indoors for several days to monitor the cat’s condition.
