How Can You Tell if Cat Has a Fever?

Like us humans, cats, too, can get unwell. One such health issue that cats can have is fever. But how can you tell if your cat has a fever? For us humans, it is extremely simple and easy. We feel it on our forehead or using a thermometer. But, is there a way to find fever in cats? How to identify the symptoms of fever in cats?

How to tell if your cat has a fever?

There are some typical signs that would indicate that the cat has a fever. Even when not every sign may not indicate the fever, most of them be signs that your may have a fever.

1. Lack of interest or unnatural behaviour

This should be the most important sign that your cat is sick or has a fever. It may lose interest in its daily activities. If you see a sudden change in the behaviour of your cat, it should indicate that it has fever or needs a visit to the veterinarian.

Note – There may be several reasons that the cat may lose interest in normal activities. But, one of the primary reasons you should notice is fever. 

2. Lack of appetite

Lack of appetite can indicate several health related conditions. However, it is a common sign of fever as well. If you notice your cat is refusing food, it is important o seek an appointment with your vet immediately.

It may be noticed that cats tend to eat less on certain days. But, if you find the cat refusing the food that it typically loves, it may indicate that something is wrong.

3. Rapid breathing

Rapid or laborius breathing is one of the subtle signs that the cat is running a fever. It requires urgent veterinary care in most of the cases. It indicates that the cat is having a fever or has any other underlying medical condition.

This condition may sometimes need full examination of the cat. If you notice that your cat is breathing from its mouth, it is a sureshot indicator of cat’s fever.

4. Shivering and chills

Just the way we humans shiver when we have fever, catss tooo begin shivering when they have fever. Typicallly speaking, cats are not known to sshiver for any other reason than fever.

If you find your cat shivering along with any other signs and symptoms in this list, you can be assured that your cat is running a fever.

5. Lack of grooming

Grooming is a clear sign that your cat is in the best mood and active. If you notice your cat is grooming less than it typically does, it may indicate that the cat is not well.

It may be primarily be due to the stress that your cat may be experiencing. In case you notice that the cat is changing its grooming habits all of a sudden, it can be an indicator that all is not well with your cat.

6. Hiding

Hiding from everyone os another common sign of illness in cats. If you have a socialised cat and it suddenly decides to hide from everyone, it may be a sign that the cat is having fever.

Hiding can be a sign of several other illnesses, but fever can be one of the most common illness. If they are persistently hiding, and you are unable to coax it out from hiding, it is a clear sign that your cat is ill.

What are the Causes of a Fever in Cats?

There can be several reasons that can make your cat have a fever. A fever is an inc=dication that the immune system of the cat is activated.

You may experience fever in conditions such as

• An infection due to bacteria, fungus or virus
• A tumour
• Injury from an sort of trauma
• Diseases like lupus.

In Conclusion

Other than the symptoms outlined above, another excellent option to check if your cat has fever is to check with a thermometer. You can use the rectal thermometer which can provide the best reading for the cat’s body temperature.