This article was co-authored by Brian Bourquin, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If your cat has a fever, it could be a sign that they’re sick or have an underlying health condition. The most accurate way to check your cat's temperature is with a thermometer inserted into their rectum. However, the easiest and second-most reliable way to do it at home is to place an ear thermometer into the ear canal. We’ll also cover all the symptoms of a fever if you don’t have a thermometer on hand, but taking their temperature is the only definitive method. If you think your cat might have a fever, take them to a vet immediately. Keep reading to learn more.
The Best Way to Check a Cat’s Temperature
Hold your cat underneath one arm with their head behind you and their feet planted on a firm surface. Insert a lubed thermometer 1 inch (2.5 cm) into their anus and check the reading when it beeps. If your cat’s temperature is above or below 100 to 102.5 °F (37.8 to 39.2 °C), take them to the vet right away.
Steps
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat happens when a cat has a fever?Brian Bourquin, DVMBrian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
VeterinarianYour cat may not be as social as it normally is or it may not have the same appetite. Pay attention to when your cat acts lethargic since it could be a sign that it's sick. -
QuestionMy cat sneezes a lot and isn't herself. Is she sick?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianSneezing, along with altered behavior, can be indicative of illness. Try and encourage her to eat, which will keep her strength up to fight any infection. Watch to see how much she eats and drinks, and check the litter tray to see if her poop is normal or not. If you are worried, especially if she isn't eating or drinking, then a vet check is always the best option. -
QuestionHow can I tell if my cat has a cold?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianA cat with a cold shows similar symptoms to us. She may sneeze, have a runny nose or eyes. In addition, she may sleep more than usual or refuse to eat. If you are worried, get her checked by a vet.
Tips
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Keep your cat up-to-date on routine vaccinations to protect them from dangerous diseases and help them live a longer, happier life.[23]Thanks
Warnings
- Avoid giving your cat fever-reducing medications or sponge baths to reduce fever. Always consult a veterinarian before attempting to treat a cat's illness.Thanks
- Avoid treating your cat’s fever with aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications are extremely toxic to cats.[24]Thanks
- Try to avoid scruffing your cat while taking their temperature. Scruffing, or gripping the loose skin on the back of a cat’s neck, can cause stress and distress in cats.[25]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://cats.com/cat-body-temperature
- ↑ https://cats.com/cat-body-temperature
- ↑ https://www.maddiesfund.org/taking-the-temperature-in-a-kitten-or-puppy/presentation_content/external_files/Educational%20Handout-%20Taking%20the%20Temperature%20in%20a%20Kitten%20or%20Puppy.pdf
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mercury/health-effects-exposures-mercury
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003400.htm
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/how-to-take-temperature/art-20482578
- ↑ https://youtu.be/l5Kl5He4oxE?t=55
- ↑ https://youtu.be/l5Kl5He4oxE?t=85
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/how-to-take-temperature/art-20482578
- ↑ https://cats.com/cat-body-temperature
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/check-your-cats-vital-signs-at-home
- ↑ Brian Bourquin, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/high-temperature-fever-in-cats
- ↑ Brian Bourquin, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/cats.html
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/toxoplasmosis-cats
- ↑ https://www.onehealth.org/blog/how-to-know-when-to-take-your-dog-or-cat-to-the-vet
- ↑ https://bpvets.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Fever-of-Unknown-Origin.pdf
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/caring-for-your-sick-cat
- ↑ https://icatcare.org/advice/how-to-encourage-your-cat-to-drink/
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-diseases
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-diseases
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/cats.html
- ↑ https://bpvets.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Fever-of-Unknown-Origin.pdf
- ↑ https://icatcare.org/our-campaigns/scruffing-position-statement/
About This Article
To tell if your cat has a fever, start by looking out for behavioral changes, such as hiding under a bed or table if the cat is usually playful. Pay attention to your cat's appetite, because your pet may eat less or not eat at the usual time if it's sick. In addition, you should check your cat's litter box or follow it outside in case it has diarrhea or has vomited. If you decide to take the cat's temperature, seek immediate medical assistance if it's below 99 degrees F or above 104 degrees F. To find out how to take your cat's temperature using a rectal thermometer or ear thermometer, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"Kitty was dumped in our neighborhood, and thought it belonged to someone at first. Then it started looking sick and it ate the bird food I have put out. What caught my attention was finding a cat stool that was formed but totally made out of bird food, not poo."..." more