If you think your cat may have a fever, do not panic. First, we will figure out whether or not he actually has a fever. Then, we can give you ways to treat your cat and make him feel better. Fevers are a high body temperature, generally caused by pyrogens in the blood. Pyrogens are present in the blood when an infection, virus, or other illness is present. It notifies the body that it needs to fight something inside. This also means that, generally, fevers do not occur on their own, but instead are the symptom of a larger illness. It is a good way for you to figure out that your cat is ill, as cats generally don't show many symptoms of illnesses.
If your cat has recently been laying in your bathroom, or in any room with tiling on the floor, it is likely he has a fever. This may seem like an odd sign, but the tiles feel cold to the cat, who is now just trying to cool himself out of an uncomfortable heat. If you have noticed this, or if the cat is very lethargic, then you should feel his ears. A cat's ears will feel very warm to the touch if the cat has a fever.
After you have determined that the cat likely has a fever, you should actually take the cat's temperature. This is not easy and cannot be done alone. If you are uncomfortable doing this, bring the cat to the vet instead. You will need a pediatric rectal thermometer. The cat's normal range is between 100 and 102.5 degrees. I would be worried if I saw over 104. If the cat has a fever over 106, bring him to the vet immediately.
Although the vet will treat your cat's illness which is causing the fever, you may wish to do some things for the cat to make him feel better in the meantime. Do not give the cat human fever reducers, such as Tylenol. These can kill the cat.
Most fevers are due to a viral infection. Although these may go away on their own, it is helpful to go to a vet to get advice and possibly fluids to prevent dehydration, which is the leading cause of death in cats with a fever. You will need to watch the cat closely to make sure he isn't dehydrated and that he is eating and drinking. If he refuses food for longer than a day, take him to the vet.
