We would all like our friend to always be healthy, but unfortunately, there will be times throughout his life when the animal will be sick. One of the symptoms we will immediately notice is fever: when we pet him or hold him in our arms, we will notice that your body is hotter than normal.
Therefore, it is important to know what to do when a cat has a fever. This way we can start treatment as soon as possible, preventing your health from worsening and reducing risks such as dehydration or pain.
Causes of fever in cats
There are several reasons why a cat may have a fever, including: flu, cold, cancer, viral or bacterial illnesses, viral infections, lupus, or even some medications may cause you to have these symptoms.
In any case, it is important to keep in mind that fever is just that, a symptom. The cat could be having a very serious illness, which could be life-threatening.
In addition, there are bacterial and viral infections common (panleukopenia, feline leukemia, herpesvirus, calicivirus), fungal or parasitic infections (e.g., toxoplasmosis), pancreatitis, trauma, tumors y autoimmune diseases as possible causes. Fever may also appear after Vaccines temporarily or as side effect of drugs.
Fever should not be confused with heat stroke hyperthermia: In fever, the body raises the set point in a controlled manner to defend itself; in hyperthermia, the temperature rises due to ambient heat and poor dissipation, and requires immediate gentle cooling and veterinary care.
How to know if my cat has a fever
The body temperature of a healthy cat should be between 38 and 39,5 ºC; when it is higher, it is because your body is fighting viruses, bacteria or there may be a tumor. In dogs, occasionally values ​​close to 39,5 ºC may be seen without necessarily being a fever. To take your temperature, you will need a digital rectal thermometer, lubricant (like Vaseline) and a clean cloth.
- Clean the thermometer.
- Cover the tip with a little lubricant.
- Lift the cat's tail and insert the tip into its rectum with smoothness.
- When the thermometer stops, carefully remove it and observe the temperature.
If necessary, ask someone to hold the cat by the front paws or wrap it in a towel. Also exist infrared ear thermometers, more convenient but less accurate. Signs that indicate fever before measuring: apathy, tremors, loss of appetite, rapid breathing (normal: 20-40 rpm), nose dry and hot and signs of dehydration (skin fold returns sluggishly, saliva thickens).
Treatment of fever in cats
If the thermometer indicates that the feline has a fever, it will be time to start treating it. How? As follows:
- The cat must be kept hydrousIf you see that he doesn't drink, you will have to give it to him with a syringe without a needle. Give it to the animal little by little, having it standing on its legs or lying down; you should never put it in an upright position, as it could choke. You can also offer oral electrolyte solutions for cats.
- Feed him canned cat food Quality, without by-products or grains. They smell much more than dry food, so they probably won't hesitate to eat for a moment. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, use diets easily digestible indicated by your veterinarian.
- Put it in a Quiet room and comfortable; the tile floor can help dissipate heat. You can place a fan to move the air, never straight towards him.
- Twice a day, place cold wet compresses on its forehead, legs, abdomen and groin. Leave it to act for a few minutes, and then dry it well so that it does not get cold. Do not use alcohol or ice baths.
Medications and prescriptions
Never give human medicines your cat (many are toxic). Drugs to lower fever or treat the cause (antibiotics, NSAIDs, antiparasitics, antivirals) must be prescribed by the veterinarianCurrent legislation requires a prescription for many veterinary medicines and responsible use of antibiotics after diagnosis.
If your cat has 40ºC or more
contact him vet immediately. Keep your cat hydrated, in a cool environment, and at rest. Very high fever (≥ 40,5-41 ºC), labored breathing, extreme apathy, seizures, persistent vomiting or severe dehydration require urgent attention.
If in 48 hours you do not see any improvement, you should go to the vet.
Diagnosis and prevention
The veterinarian can perform complete history and examination, analytics of blood and urine, feline virus tests, stool tests, X-rays or ultrasound to identify the cause. The prognosis depends on the underlying disease.
To reduce the risk of fever, keep up to date with your recommended vaccines, internal and external deworming, clean and disinfect wounds, separate the sick cat if it lives with others, offer a diet balanced, fresh water and an environment with little StressAfter vaccination, a rash may appear. mild, transient fever which usually resolves within 24-48 hours.
Fever is a alarm signal Useful: It alerts you that something is wrong and that your cat needs care and, often, veterinary check-ups. With hydration, appetizing food, suitable environment and professional treatment of the cause, most cats recover without complications.