Cat Fever - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Fever in Cats
Overview:
There are two causes of an increase in body temperature, fever or hyperthermia (one cause of hyperthermia is heat stroke). A fever (also known as pyrexia) is defined as an abnormally high body temperature which is generated by the body to fight disease. It's purpose is to raise the internal body temperature to levels which will debilitate or kill pathogens.
Normal body temperatures in cats range between 100 - 102.5°F (37.7 - 39.1°C).
What causes a fever?
Temperature is regulated by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This acts as a thermostat fin the body. Fever occurs when the body senses the presence in the blood of small molecules known as pyrogens (fever producing substances). Pyrogens usually come from a source outside the body and, in turn, stimulate the production of pyrogens inside the body. Pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to increase the temperature set point.
Causes of fever include;
- Infection
- Idiopathic (unknown cause)
- Cancer
- Some drugs
- Disease of the endocrine (hormonal) system (hypocalcemia)
What are the symptoms of fever?
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Listlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Pain & tenderness when touched
- Shivering
- Rapid breathing
How can I tell if my cat has a fever?
The only way to accurately tell if your cat has a fever is to take its temperature. This is really best to be performed with two people, one to hold the cat & the other to take the temperature. Let your cat's behaviour guide you, if he/she becomes stressed or has a history of being difficult to handle when being medicated etc., then it is safer for you to seek the help of your veterinarian. To do this, shake down the column of mercury until it reads 96°F (36.1°C), then lubricate the bulb tip with petroleum jelly. Grasp the base of your cat's tail & lift it. Insert the lubricated end of the thermometer about halfway into your cat's rectum & hold it in place for 3 minutes. Remover the thermometer, wipe it clean with a tissue & read the silver column of mercury.
What is the treatment for fever?
Generally temperatures < 105°F (40.5°C) should be monitored closely, if the temperature rises above 105°F then veterinary attention needs to be sought immediately.
Home care for a slightly elevated temperature can include using fans to try & cool off the cat & offering cool fresh water.
Don't bathe the cat as this will trap in the water, which will act as insulation.
Your cat should be taken to a veterinarian to determine a cause of the fever & relevant treatment given. He/she will probably want to run some tests which will help determine the cause of the fever including:
- If the cat is dehydrated your veterinarian may give it fluids.
- In the event of a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
- In most cases of viral infections, supportive care is given until the cat is able to fight off the infection.
Interested individuals can contact at the following CELL NUMBER 03152260726 for any further information or an expression of interest otherwise, we hope the information provided was helpful.
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