The most direct way to determine whether a cat has a fever is to use a thermometer to measure the cat’s rectal temperature. The normal body temperature of a cat is 38°-39.5. When the temperature exceeds 39.5°, the cat has a fever. Secondly, you can also judge by looking at the cat’s nose. If the cat’s nose is dry, it should be considered to be caused by high body temperature or fever. In addition, the owner can also confirm whether the cat has a fever by touching its ears, belly and four foot pads. If it is relatively hot, it may be a fever. If you find that your cat has a fever, you must consult a pet doctor as soon as possible. ​​​​​​

1. Use a thermometer to measure the cat’s rectal temperature

Using a thermometer to measure a cat’s rectal temperature is the simplest and most accurate method. The normal rectal temperature of kittens is 38.0-39.5°C, and the normal rectal temperature of adult cats is 38.0-39.0°C. If the temperature is within 0.5°C higher than the normal temperature, it is a low fever, and if the temperature is 0.5°C or more, it is a high fever. It should be noted that the cat’s body temperature may exceed 39.5° after strenuous exercise, when under stress, or when feeling severe fear. If the cat’s body temperature returns to the normal range after the cat is calm, it means that the cat’s body temperature rises temporarily. High, not a fever.

2. Look at the cat’s nose

The nose of a cat with fever or hyperthermia will be dry, and the cat will not lick its nose while sleeping. At the same time, cats with fever will also have symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, increased eye secretions, flushed conjunctiva, shyness and tears, depression, crouching and less movement, and general tremors. If you find that your cat has the above symptoms, you must consult a pet doctor in time.

　3. Contact with cats

The owner can also confirm whether the cat has a fever through contact. First, you can touch the cat’s ears. If the cat’s ears and exhaled air are relatively hot, it means that its body temperature is very high. Secondly, you can touch the cat’s belly and its four foot pads. If it is very hot, it may be a fever.