The most direct way to determine whether a cat has a fever is to use a thermometer to measure the cat's rectal temperature. The normal body temperature of a cat is 38°-39.5. When the temperature exceeds 39.5°, the cat has a fever. Secondly, you can also judge by looking at the cat’s nose. If the cat’s nose is dry, it may be caused by high body temperature or fever. In addition, the owner can also determine whether the cat has a fever by touching its ears, belly and four foot pads. If it is relatively hot, it may be a fever. If you find that your cat has a fever, be sure to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
1. Use a thermometer to measure the cat’s rectal temperature
Using a thermometer to measure the cat’s rectal temperature is the simplest and most accurate method. The normal rectal temperature of kittens is 38.0-39.5°C, and the normal rectal temperature of adult cats is 38.0-39.0°C. If the temperature is within 0.5°C higher than the normal temperature, it is a low fever, and if the temperature is 0.5°C or more, it is a high fever. It should be noted that a cat’s body temperature may exceed 39.5° after strenuous exercise, when under stress, or when feeling nervous and scared. If the cat’s body temperature returns to the normal range after the cat calms down, it means that the cat’s body temperature is transiently elevated. , not a fever.
2. Look at the cat’s nose
The nose of a cat with fever or high body temperature will be dry, and the cat will not lick its nose while sleeping. At the same time, cats with fever will also have symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, increased eye secretions, flushed conjunctiva, shyness and tears, depression, crouching and less movement, and trembling all over the body. If you find that your cat has the above symptoms, you must consult your pet doctor in time.
3. Touch the cat
The owner can also determine whether the cat has a fever by touching it. First, you can touch the cat’s ears. If the cat’s ears and exhaled air are relatively hot, it means that its body temperature is very high. Secondly, you can touch the cat's belly and its four foot pads. If it is very hot, it may be a fever.
