My cat's ears are warmer than usual. Should I be worried?

Question

She seems to be normal except for the fact that her ears are warmer than they usually are. Usually they're pretty cool.

Answer 1

Not if she is fine otherwise. A warm body part on an animal is not an indication of a fever. The only way you can tell if she has a fever is to get a rectal temperature. Some clinical signs of fever in cats are not eating, hiding, lethargy.
However, if you are concerned, see your vet to have her checked out.

Answer 2

It's difficult to say without seeing her if antibiotic alone will help or if suturing her wounds will would be recommended. I would have her seen immediately for treatment. Once wounds are left open and infected, some vets recommend allowing them to heal by first intention (i.e. letting them close on their own), perhaps while being bandaged or not. The abdominal wound is the most troublesome. If is it "full thickness" then she could have a wound that is penetrating into her abdominal cavity and should could becomes septic and die. The "black" that you describe could actually be dead tissue. If she was attacked by something it could have made the wounds and pulled the surrounding tissue away from it's blood supply causing it to die. My advice would be to have her seen immediately. If you can't afford treatment, then humane euthanasia should be considered. These are the dangers of having cats that live outside - there are numerous atrocities that can occur at the hand of wild animals, other domesticated animals, vehicles, and even mean, demented and abusive people. Just think, if you were in pain, would you want to be delayed treatment? No. You have to make the decision for your pet. Do you think your pet would want to suffer in pain?

Answer 3

If the inside of your cats ears are red/sore looking or your cat is paying more attention to her ears by using her paws to clean and or scratch them it could be a sign of an ear infection. If your cat is lethargic, or disinterested in her food it could indicate either a severe ear infection or some other bacterial infection causing a rise in her body temperature. Please take you cat to the vet so that they can check her out.

Here is some more information regarding common ailments you should watch out for.

Coccidia: A protazoal parasite found in the intestinal tract of all animals. When the animal is under stress, it can cause diarrhea. Watch for loose stools in kennels and litter
boxes.

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI): Similar to the common cold in humans, this can cause sneezing, runny/stuffy noses, runny eyes and coughing. It may also include an
elevated temperature, and the animal may be lethargic.

Various worms: Usually found in the stools of animals, and will usually cause diarrhea.Watch for loose stools in the kennels and in litter boxes.

Ear mites: Mites in the ears, most common with cats. Watch for cats continually scratching behind the ears. You may notice hair loss or scabs from the scratching. You
may also see a brown or black residue, similar to coffee grounds or cookie crumbs in the ear.

Fleas: Watch for scratching, and you may notice tiny black specks in the fur called flea dirt. This is usually easiest to see on the abdomen since the hair is thinner. You may even see the small black flea moving on the animal. Again, this is easiest to see on the abdomen.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Most common in cats, this infection can be in the bladder or the tract itself. Tiny crystals are formed which can make urination painful. Watch for cats that do not use the litter box. They may use blankets you put in the cage or the paper instead, and watch for blood in the litter box or on the blankets or papers. You may also notice the animal urinating in little bits. They may start and stop several times in a few minutes.
*Conjunctivitis: Type of eye infection. The eye may be red, have discharge, and on occasion they eyelids will be shut and crusty. (Also called Pink Eye in humans)

*Ringworm: This is actually a fungus on the skin, not a worm. In animals it causes hair loss, usually in a circular pattern. There may also be scab like particles in the area when
ringworm first develops. Can be transferred to humans, so please remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals with these symptoms or illnesses.

Answer 4

I wouldn't be worried if she is fine otherwise. But, sometimes it can mean that your cat has a fever.

Answer 5

If she isn't very actives then she is sick. My cats ears are warm and they are sick. But sometimes they just play to hard.

Answer 6

she might have a fever or lots of fleas or ear mites which affect the blood. i advice that you go to you vet and find out asap. it could be something serious..or maybe not.

Answer 7

id think it means anythin

Answer 8

Try asking your vet. they will probably know.

Answer 9

she will be fine