Cats, like humans, can get sick with a fever, though it may be harder for their owners to tell they are feeling under the weather. Normal body temperature for felines ranges from 100.5 to 102.5 degrees F. Temperatures higher than that need to be treated to prevent serious illness. Many times, a cat can remain at home while it has a fever, as long as it seems to recover within 48 hours. Bringing your sick cat to a veterinarian can help ease your mind about your pet's health and get the right kind of treatment started immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Rectal thermometer
- Petroleum-based lubricant
- Watch or clock
- Water
- Medication
Instructions
Make fresh, clean water available to your cat at all times. Just like people, cats can become dehydrated when they are feverish.
Bring your cat to the vet for a checkup if its fever rises above 104.5 degrees F or if a low-grade fever lasts for more than a couple of days. The vet will check for underlying infections that may be causing your cat's temperature to rise.
Administer any medications that your pet has been prescribed as directed. This may include Ketoprofen, a medicine often used to bring down a feline's fever, or antibiotics to clear up an infection.
Continue to check your cat's temperature at least once a day while it is still showing symptoms of a fever such as lethargy, hiding from people or being "grumpy." This will help you monitor its illness more effectively.