Cats can definitely get fevers, and in cats a fever usually means the body is fighting an infection or other illness rather than something mild.

Can cats get fevers?

  • Yes, cats get true fevers when their internal ā€œthermostatā€ resets higher due to infection, inflammation, immune disease, or other problems.
  • Normal cat temperature is about 100.4ā€“102.5Ā°F (roughly 38ā€“39.2Ā°C); anything above 102.5Ā°F is considered a fever, and around or above 106Ā°F can become dangerous and damage organs.

Common causes

  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections (such as respiratory infections, abscesses from bites, urinary infections) are frequent causes.
  • Inflammatory or immune conditions, tumors, trauma, certain medications, and some parasites (like those causing toxoplasmosis or other tickā€‘borne illnesses) can also trigger fevers.

Signs your cat may have a fever

  • Lethargy, hiding more, reduced appetite, or not drinking much can all show up when a cat has a fever.
  • You might notice your cat feels unusually warm (ears, paws, belly), pants, shivers, or has vomiting/diarrhea or rapid breathing, but these signs are not specific without a temperature reading.

How to check and what to do

  • The only reliable way to confirm a fever is to take your catā€™s temperature with a pet-safe rectal or ear thermometer; feeling them by touch alone is not accurate.
  • If your catā€™s temperature is above 102.5Ā°F or you see concerning signs (very quiet, not eating, trouble breathing, or very hot to the touch), contact a veterinarian promptly rather than giving human medicines, which can be dangerous to cats.

Outlook for cats with fevers

  • Many cats recover well once the underlying cause of the fever is diagnosed and treated (for example, antibiotics for a bacterial infection or other targeted therapy).
  • Very high or longā€‘lasting fevers can lead to dehydration and organ damage, so early vet care is important for a safer, smoother recovery.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.