April 25, 2015

Does Your Cat Have a Fever? 04/25/2015

Does Your Cat Have a Fever?

A vet explains how to recognize a feline fever and take a cat's temperature.

By Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, D.V.M.

Cats with fevers are generally lethargic and have no appetite, according to Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, DVM.

Although popular culture has led us to believe that ahealthy cat has a cold, wet nose and therefore a warm, dry nose is indicative of a fever, this is not always true. Many conditions, including environmental temperature and the cat's state of hydration, affect how cold and wet a nose is. If your cat's ears feel hot to the touch, she may have a fever.

The only reliable way to determine if your cat has a fever is by taking her temperature. A cat's normal body temperature is typically between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Human ear thermometers are not reliable for taking your cat's temperature due to the way they are calibrated and the different shape of a cat's ear canal. There are special ear thermometers for animals that are useful with cats, but they cost several hundred dollars. The best and most economical way for you to take your cat's temperature is by using a pediatric rectal glass or digital thermometer. Taking your cat's temperature usually takes two people: one to restrain the cat and the other to insert the thermometer.

Conventional thermometers should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or water soluble lubricants such as K-Y Jelly and left in the rectum for two minutes. Digital thermometers are lubricated and left in the rectum until they beep. On hot days or if a cat is stressed, her body temperature may reach 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Veterinarians are concerned when temperatures reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If your cat does have a fever, bring her to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

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Snicker claiming the box of litter for himself!

Amazon often does not give us packing slips and never gives us your contact info so

we have no way to personally thank you. Please know how grateful we are to you

for your gifts!!

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Natalie is enjoying her food!

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Gallie playing with the banana toy!

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Abandoned and alone after Treasure's owner committed suicide his survival was slim. Thanks to a wonderful lady that stepped in to help and the generous support of our community of donors, BCR was able to provide Treasure and other FELV+ cats in serious situations with medical care, shelter and a chance at a wonderful life. Please help us save more cats like Treasure by using ‪#‎donate‬ as we raise money to build another building for FELV+ cats.