Fever?

[charlidawg]

:confused: How can you tell if a cat has a fever, short of sticking a thermometer up its rear?

[moosmom]

Well, unfortunately, the ideal way IS to stick a thermometer up it's butt. But if the cat is lethargic, not eating or very active, I'd say that's a pretty good sign too. Cats normal temp is between 101 to 103 degrees.

[Craftlady]

103 is considered the start of a temp for a cat and a call to the vet is inorder.
If their ears are continueously warm/hot to the touch (they can be warm for a moment if they are sleeping soundly etc). Body itself can be extremely warm to the touch when the fever is 104-105. Thumper was with her's at 105.

I got a really nice digital therometer at WalMart that has a flexible tip on the end. Very hand for a wiggly animal. It takes 10 seconds for a reading. Best $15 (tops) I spent.

[moosmom]

Another thing you can look for is the "third" eyelid. If it is present, chances are the kitty is sick and needs to see a vet.

The third eyelid is white and in the corner of the cat's eye where the tearduct is.

I also got a digital thermometer. Ever try and hold a cat still while sticking a thermometer up it's butt???

[Jessika]

This is a link I posted for someone else with the same question, perhaps it can help you out too!
http://www.judithstock.com/Speaking_of_Animals/Fever_in_Cats/fever_in_cats.html