Are you worried that your cat may have a fever? Do you know how to recognize signs of fever in cats? As a cat owner, it’s important to learn the symptoms of feline fevers so you can more easily tell when your cat may be sick.

How to tell if your cat has a fever

A normal temperature in cats is generally 99.9 - 102.5ºF. The most accurate way to take your cat's temperature is by using a rectal thermometer. If your cat's temp reads 102.6ºF or higher, it's a fever.

In the article below, we’ll walk you through some of the most common symptoms of fever in cats. This information will help you to determine when your cat may need to be evaluated by your primary care veterinarian or an emergency vet. Read on to find out more.

6 signs of fever in cats include:

1. Lethargy is symptom of fever in cats

Lethargy is a common symptom of fever in cats, just like it is in humans with fevers. Cats who are sick and have a fever often do not feel like getting up and being active. They may show less interest in normal everyday activities and may just want to sleep instead.

Lethargy is also a symptom of almost every other illness in cats. Therefore, you cannot assume your cat has a fever just because they’re lethargic. You should, however, have them evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of this symptom if they experience lethargy that is persistent or progressive.

Cats will show tell-tale signs when they have a fever. Read our blog to understand the symptoms and visit VEG ER for Pets if your cat is running a fever. Open 24/7.

2. Shivering is a symptom of fever in cats

If you find your cat shaking or trembling, this could mean they have a fever. Just like in humans, a fever can show up in cats as shaking, trembling, and shivering. In fact, cats generally do not shiver for many other reasons besides fever. If your cat is shivering, especially with any of the other symptoms on this list, there’s a good chance they have a fever.

Although you may be tempted to warm your cat up when they are shivering, we would rather advise on seeking veterinary attention. You may risk overheating your cat and causing more harm. Offer them a blanket, but do not cover them up or safely use a heater near them.

3. Loss of appetite and thirst is a sign of fever in cats

Cats who are sick with any illness may be less interested in food and water than usual. If your cat has suddenly stopped eating and is not drinking much water, this is typically an indication that something is wrong.

Fever is not the only potential cause for these symptoms; however, loss of appetite is a common consequence of having a fever. Cats with a fever are simply not feeling well enough to eat. However, the loss of interest in water is more concerning, as this can quickly lead to dehydration, which can be fatal in severe situations, particularly when not treated promptly.

If you cat has a fever, it can come with other signs and symptoms in addition to a high temperature. One sign is loss of appetite. Read on to learn more fever signs and symptoms in cats.

4. Hiding is a sign that your cat may have a fever

Hiding is a common sign of illness in cats, particularly if your cat does not typically exhibit this behavior. Often cats will hide as a method of hiding their illness from those around them. They will also often hide due to stress. Although hiding can be a sign of many other illnesses, it may be an indication that your cat has a fever.

If you are able to coax your cat out from their hiding place and they are otherwise acting normally then you should monitor for recurrence or other signs of illness. If you are unable to coax them out from their hiding place and they are persistently hiding, then they should be evaluated by a veterinarian to help determine the cause as this may be due to illness.

VEG animal hospital is open 24 hours a day to care for cats and all pets. Come in for prompt, compassionate emergency and urgent care. No appointments needed or taken.

5. Rapid breathing could indicate a fever

Another common symptom of fever in cats is rapid breathing. Rapid breathing can be a sign of many different problems in cats. Cats may breathe rapidly due to pain, respiratory disease, cardiac disease leading to fluid accumulation, pleural space disease, hyperthermia (high body temperature) and to compensate for certain blood gas abnormalities. Rapid breathing may also occur secondary to a fever.

You may hear your cat wheezing or breathing with a labored breathing pattern. In some instances, however, you may only notice this symptom if you watch your cat’s chest moving while they breathe. Rapid breathing is a medical emergency and should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

6. Lack of grooming habits? It could be fever

Although this may seem like an insignificant symptom, some cats may cut down on their grooming habits when they have a fever. This is likely because they don’t feel well and may also be attributable to stress.

If you notice your cat’s grooming habits changing suddenly, especially along with any other symptoms on this list, then they may be experiencing a fever. Consider having them evaluated by your veterinarian to further investigate the cause for this change.

Cats can catch colds and flu

Yes, your cat can catch a cold or flu! The terms cat flu or cat cold are often used interchangeably, but they both refer to Feline Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs). The two primary viruses that cause cat flu or cold are Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) and Calicivirus (FCV). Cats can develop cold and flu symptoms 2-10 days after exposure to the bug, which can typically last 1-2 weeks, but sometimes longer.

Cat URIs symptoms begin with what you expect from a cold:

• Coughing

• Lethargy

• Sneezing and more (see below)

The feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) can also affect your cat’s eyes, causing conjunctivitis (pink eye) or even corneal ulcers. The hallmark of calicivirus (FCV) includes painful sores or ulcers in your cat’s mouth, tongue or lips, making a cat who may already have a decreased appetite from a cold even less likely to eat or drink.

While people and dogs typically develop immunity to a specific bug that caused a cold or flu after recovering from it, some cats (particularly kittens, cats in poor health) retain the URI, clearing it only partially and become long-term (months) or lifelong carriers of the illness. This not only leaves them a risk to infecting other cats, but vulnerable to relapses of the illness during times of stress.

Cold and flu symptoms in cats

Along with a possible fever, cats with a URI may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Sneezing, nasal congestion

• Runny nose, clear discharge

• Eyes can appear red, watery and or have mucus-y discharge and your cat may appear to be squinting

• Coughing, hacking, gagging, hoarseness, loss of voice

• Lethargy, fatigue, hiding behavior

Some pet ailments and injuries can't wait. Know when to take your cat to the emergency vet. VEG is open 24/7 and no appointment is ever needed.

Red flags for when you should take your cat to the vet

Kittens, seniors and cats with pre-existing illnesses should be taken to the vet any time they start to appear ill, regardless of symptom severity. Generally, your cat needs to see a vet immediately if he/she displays any of the following symptoms:

• Has trouble breathing or is open-mouth breathing

• Gums appear pale or blueish

• Painful sores/ulcers in eyes or mouth

• Symptoms have lasted over 4 days and/or have worsened

• Thick yellowish/green discharge from eyes/nose

• Extreme lethargy

• Not eating or drinking

Caring for your cat’s cold or flu

Your primary care vet may provide you with any medications your cat may need to help them recover from their cold or flu. These may include antibiotics to manage secondary infections, eye or nose drops, or anti-inflammatories.

DO NOT give your cat OTC cold medications meant for humans. It’s also important to isolate your cat from other cats while sick, since URIs are highly contagious and spread easily.

Tips to help your cat feel better while sick:

• Make sure your cat has a place (or several!) where they can rest comfortably, quietly and undisturbed.

• Keep your cat warm and away from drafts, but avoid being too close to space heaters, woodstoves or fireplaces which can dry irritated airways.

• Use a soft, warm moist cloth to wipe your cat’s face to clean off discharge from eyes and mouth.

• Keep your cat in the bathroom with you when showering so the warm, steamy air can help ease their congestion.

• Consider using a humidifier in the room with your cat to help their breathing.

• Avoid exposing your cat to airborne irritants like smoke, air fresheners, candles or cleaning products.

• Add warm, low-sodium broth (bone, beef, chicken) to your cat’s food to make it more palatable, easier to swallow and provide more hydration for your cat.

• Loosen collar while they're sick since it can place pressure on the throat and trigger coughing.

• Make sure to clean/disinfect food and water bowls with dish soap and warm water (do not use soap with harsh chemicals), toys, blankets, etc. and don’t let other cats share your sick cat’s things.

• Your cat can only spread their cold germs to other cats – not to you, your family, or even your dog. And you can’t spread your cold germs to your pets.

Contact a VEG emergency vet if your cat has signs of fever

If you notice any of these symptoms alone, they could mean nothing—or they could be indicative of a variety of other health problems. Pay close attention to changes in your cat’s body language, hygiene, and habits, and visit your nearest VEG ER for Pets for prompt, compassionate cat care.