How can tell if my cat has a fever without a thermometer?

Question

I took him to the vet monday,they drained an abcess in his leg and bandaged it up.Now he seems like he's getting the chills alot.I've been giving him his medicine(cephalexin)as prescribed,and he's eating and drinking fine.

Answer 1

when a cat is feeling ill, he tends to keep to himself, and the other cats avoid him also. his ears are hot, since they release heat easier. and his nose is dry. they are also very lethargic.
so long as he's eating and drinking fine, he'll b ok. just keep an eye on him. cat's are very resiliant.

Answer 2

Cat Thermometer

Answer 3

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/B1sbt

Whenever a cat has a fever or fighting an infection the third eyelid becomes visible,this is known as the nictitating membrane and is like a film that always appears when a cat is unwell,you would notice the corners of the lids showing, other clues she would not be eating and be lethargic,often cats with a fever will have fur loss which is more than is usual,what i mean is lots on our hands after stroking them and lots on the bedding,also pale gums would show that a cat is unwell, as for infection from having kittens you would be able to smell anything that is womb related for sure and she would have a discharge,cats ears can get warm when they rest but can if its a start of something so keep an eye to see if she stops eating or not herself, you don't mention if the kittens placenta came away or if it was left inside,but she will smell badly if she has an infection and you haven't mentioned this,but you say she seems fine and she was interested in climbing up on to your lap a feverish cat would have no interest or strength, hope this helps,but watch out for the third eyelids.

Answer 4

My Cat Has A Fever

Answer 5

Hi Sabrina...rectal or ear temp is the most accurate way to check body temperature. Feeling the ears, nose or head is not considered a reliable method; you have to determine your cat's internal temperature to find out for certain. This is done rectally, using a rectal or oral thermometer, either digital or mercury. Ear thermometers can also be used in cats. They are generally fast and easy but it is essential to use a proper technique to obtain an accurate temperature reading.

Here's the directions on how to take a cat's temperature: http://www.petplace.com/cats/how-to-take-your-cat-s-temperature/page1.aspx

Instructions for Rectal Temperatures

Some cats will allow you to take their temperature, but others don't like it at all. It might be easier if you get another person to assist by holding your cat firmly in a standing position. You can place her head in the crook of the arm and face her outward. If necessary, wrap your pet in a towel with the tail area exposed. Then do the following:


If using a mercury thermometer, remember to shake it with a quick flick of the wrist until the mercury is below 94 degrees. Then lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly, KY jelly or other water-based lubricant.

Have your helper gently grab the skin at the base of the neck to “scruff” the cat while holding the front legs still.

Lift your cat's tail and insert the thermometer slowly and carefully into the rectum, located just below the base of the tail. Insert the thermometer about 1 inch and hold in place – two minutes for mercury thermometers or until the digital thermometer beeps.

Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

Instructions for Ear Temperatures

The normal ear temperature in cats is between 100.0 degrees and 103.0 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees and 39.4 degrees Celsius). The ear thermometer works by measuring infrared heat waves that come from the ear drum area. The ear drum is considered to be a good indicator of body temperature as it measures brain blood temperature. It is important to place the thermometer deep into the horizontal ear canal to obtain an accurate reading. An ear thermometer such as the Pet-Temp® designed for cats and dogs works best due to a longer arm that allows for the probe to be placed deeper into the ear canal. The first few times you use it, take both an ear and rectal temperature and compare. The results should be very close if you are using the proper ear technique.

If your cat has a body temperature less than 99 degrees or over 104 degrees, contact your veterinarian or local emergency facility immediately. A high temperature could mean your cat has an infection. A temperature below normal can be just as serious, indicating other problems like shock.

Answer 6

It bothers me when someone says things against a suggestion and says your idea is bunk.....
If you know your cat well, you can tell by the ears if there is a fever....
I look for Hot ears.....a very warm and dry nose....they have a third eyelid that shows at the inner corner of their eyes when they are ill.....if they are lethargic.....if they won't bathe and if they really don't want to eat or drink.....but of course all signs may not show on your cat all at once....hope this helps.

Answer 7

I kinda "guage" if my cat has a fever by feeling his ears (warmer than usual if he has a fever) and his nose (dry as a bone if feverish). A cat who does not feel well will usually be lethargic. Loss of appetite is a sure sign. But since your kitty is eating OK, that's a good sign. He is probably just reacting to the antibiotic (tends to knock even us humans around a bit - those antibiotics!) Just keep kitty warm in a room away from cold drafts.

Answer 8

RE:
How can tell if my cat has a fever without a thermometer?
I took him to the vet monday,they drained an abcess in his leg and bandaged it up.Now he seems like he's getting the chills alot.I've been giving him his medicine(cephalexin)as prescribed,and he's eating and drinking fine.

Answer 9

cat fever thermometer

Answer 10

If his ears are HOT (not warm) he has an infection and get him to the vet. If he has discharge from his eyes and nose also. "Chills" are spasms from the abcess in his leg and are normal. As long as he eats and drinks he's doing fine. Give him some constant petting, too. A soft , loving voice goes a long way in getting better.