Cat fever – what it can mean and when to see a vet?
Book a vet visitThis is not usually an emergency on its own – contact your vet if it lasts, gets worse or your cat seems unwell in any other way. A high temperature usually means something is wrong, and it can be linked with infections or abscesses, pain or inflammation, poisons or toxins, heatstroke, stress, medicine reactions, obesity or pyrexia of unknown origin.
Contact a vet if you see any of this
- Your cat seems obviously unwell
- Your cat has low energy
- Your cat does not seem themselves
What you can do now
- Contact your vet
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet
- Keep fresh water available
- Let your cat rest somewhere calm
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine
- Do not wait if it gets worse
What it can mean
A high temperature usually means something is wrong.[1] It can be linked with infections or abscesses, pain or inflammation, poisons or toxins, heatstroke, stress, medicine reactions, obesity or pyrexia of unknown origin.[1]
Other signs that can come with it
Possible causes
What the experts say
“Overview. A high temperature (fever) usually means something is wrong. If your cat has a high temperature you may notice them eating less, drinking less, that they are hot to touch, obviously unwell, low in energy, or that they just don’t seem themselves.”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What can a high temperature mean in a cat?
A high temperature usually means something is wrong.[1]
What might be linked with a high temperature?
It can be linked with infections or abscesses, pain or inflammation, poisons or toxins, heatstroke, stress, medicine reactions, obesity or pyrexia of unknown origin.[1]
What signs might I notice with a high temperature?
Your cat may eat less, drink less, feel hot to touch, seem obviously unwell, have low energy or just not seem themselves.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Increased Thirst
Itching
Limping and stiffness
Low Energy
Painful Eye / Eye Held Closed
Reduced Appetite