How to Reduce Fever in Cats?

Fever in cats is not a serious medical condition if it is not accompanied by some other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, or signs of injuries and broken bones. Fever can also be a symptom of the tumor. However, in many cases, fever is just a way in which our body responds to attack from fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Another function of fever is to speed up blood flow and regenerate surrounding tissue. According to feline experts, we can check the cat’s temperature in two ways – rectally and by ear. The last method needs a special thermometer particularly designed for cats. Rectal temperature should range between 38.1C (100F) to 39.4C (102.5F). The temperature that exceeds 41C (106F) or lasts more than 24 hours needs immediate action and a vet’s attention. Even though many people think that dry and warm nose indicates fever in cats, the only way to know if a cat has a fever for sure is to measure it. Before we approach a cat to measure his/her temperature we need to provide all necessary things to do it correctly. We usually need a thermometer, lubricant, alcohol, and paper towel. To soothe a cat, we need to provide his/her with a favorite food or treat. Cats also get dehydrated easily, and we should ensure his/her access to fresh water. If he/she is unable to drink, then we can find a syringe (without needle) as a very useful tool. Experts suggest putting it in the corner of cat’s mouth to help his/her drink. To learn more about how to reduce fever in cats, the article “Cat Fever Treatment” gives us the following tips.

Treatment

Most cats with fevers will respond well to basic supportive care. Keep your cat warm and dry. Make sure they are fed a good diet with constant access to fresh water. Viral infections can come and go before they fully recover, so your cat may seem to be completely OK and then have a relapse a week or so later.

Most veterinarians do not try to lower the cat’s temperature with a fever medication. Instead, they try to identify the cause of the cat’s fever and specifically treat that cause instead of treating the fever, which is just a symptom.

For mild fevers, less than 104.5F, watching your cat at home may be all that it takes for them to recover from the fever. Make sure your cat continues to eat and drink. You can take your cat’s temperature one to two times a day. If it gets above 104.5F, you should promptly contact your veterinarian.

You can examine your cat for anything that might indicate infection, such as abscesses, blood in urine, skin lumps, straining to urinate, sneezing or breathing difficulty. Anything that looks serious should prompt an examination and treatment by your veterinarian.

If a cat has a fever and appears weak, we should pay attention to cat’s feeding rhythm. Many cats refuse to eat that can have serious consequences if it goes unnoticed and takes too long. For that purpose, feline experts advise us to use wet food. If a cat keeps refusing food, they recommend special milk replacer that is particularly prepared for the similar purpose.