How to Tell If a Cat Has Fever Without a Thermometer

As referenced in the introduction, it is advisable to have a first aid kit for your cat. This is especially important if there is an emergency situation such as poisoning or suffering trauma. It should include basic materials such as disinfectant, gauze, bandages and a thermometer. Human thermometers are fine if they are used rectally, since they function in the same way. Learn more with our article explaining how to take a cat's temperature.

The thermometer is the only reliable way to determine the exact body temperature of cats. This means we can only confirm a fever with this method. However, when a cat has a fever, it is usually accompanied by certain symptoms, especially when it is a higher grade.

Some people claim we can tell a cat has a fever without a thermometer by touching the nose and ears. If these feline body parts are warmer than usual, it is possible it is due to a fever. However, it is also possible they were sitting next to a radiator or they had been exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period. For this reason, feeling the ears or touching the nose are not reliable ways to tell if a cat has a fever.

Symptoms of fever in cats

To have an idea of whether a cat has fever without using a thermometer, there are clinical signs which usually accompany this increase in body temperature. We cannot confirm fever, but we can have an idea that fever is present which can prompt a trip to the veterinarian. Among the signs of fever in cats, we can find:

• Apathy
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Anorexia or decreased appetite
• Pain
• Poor coat condition
• General malaise

Other clinical signs will depend on the disease which triggers the immune response and subsequent fever, These may include vomiting, diarrhea, nasal and/or ocular discharge, as well as many others.

If you are wondering how to tell if a cat has a fever without a thermometer, pay attention to their behavior or the possible appearance of symptoms such as those mentioned above. It is also important to know that not all cat illnesses cause fever. Even if you measure the animal's internal body temperature with a thermometer and it is normal, they may be sick and need veterinary attention. The normal body temperature range for cats is 100.5-102.5°F (38.1-39.2°C).

To learn more about hyperthermia vs. fever in cats, take a look at our article explaining whether your cat is too hot.

As we have explained, you cannot take a cat's temperature without a thermometer. We may be able to tell the cat has an elevated temperature thanks to the signs of fever detailed above, but these symptoms are often generalized. It is also important to remember that fever itself is a symptom and not a disease.

For an accurate body temperature reading of cats, the temperature needs to be taken rectally. This not only provides a more accurate temperature reading, but it is safer and more practical. If we try to take the cat's temperature orally, they may resist and even break the thermometer. This is dangerous if we use one containing mercury or other harmful substances.

Taking a cat's temperature rectally is best carried out while they are standing. We can raise the tail and insert the device. We can use a lubricant such as Vaseline to help introduce it more easily. It may be advisable to have someone else restrain the cat while we take their temperature, even wrapping them in a blanket if they are particularly resistant. Others may need to go to a veterinary clinic for professional assistance.

Readings of an elevated body temperature require veterinary examination to achieve diagnosis. If you cannot take a temperature with a thermometer, but see signs of fever, this will also require veterinary consultation.

Now we know how to know if a cat has a fever without a thermometer, we will need to know what to do about it. Fever is a mechanism of various organisms that is activated by their immune response to certain pathogens. This occurs to help protect the body and eliminate said pathogens. Sometimes the illness these pathogens cause is so mild that the immune system can eliminate them without intervention. In other cases, medical treatment is required.

Cats with lowered immunity are at particular risk when a fever is registered. Very young kittens will have an undeveloped immune system, meaning they are much more vulnerable and need more protection. Senior cats may have an immune system which has been affected by age, resulting in a greater threat. Other cats may have immune-mediated diseases which can make them vulnerable to diseases which cause fever.

Fever is a clinical sign that is non-specific, meaning that it is present in multiple diseases. These include feline rhinotracheitis or feline panleukopenia. When we see abnormal symptoms such as apathy, anorexia or diarrhea, we should consult a veterinarian immediately. This should be the cases even if the cat's temperature is not elevated.

It should also be noted that we should never give medications to treat a fever without veterinary prescription. This is particularly the case with human medications. Cats and humans do not metabolize drugs in the same way and the consequence can be serious. It can even lead to fatal poisoning. Only a veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate treatment, which will involve diagnosing the cause that has triggered the fever.

Learn more about administering drugs to cats with our article on whether we can give a cat amoxicillin.

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