Help, I'm really worried about my little furball. My one-year-old cat, Leo, has been feeling off for the past couple of days. He's usually bouncing around the place, getting into all sorts of mischief, but lately, he’s just been lying around and not eating much. I noticed he feels warmer than usual, so I took his temperature, and it’s definitely higher than normal. I didn’t think cats could get fevers like this. He doesn’t seem to have any other symptoms like sneezing or coughing, but his energy is just gone, and I can tell he’s not himself. I’m not sure if I should rush him to the vet immediately or if there’s something I can try at home first. Has anyone else experienced this with their cat around this age? Any advice or reassurance would be so appreciated. I'm trying not to panic, but it's hard not to when your little buddy is looking so miserable.
Thanks for reaching out with your concern about your cat! A fever in cats can occur due to various reasons, similar to humans. Common causes include infections (either viral, bacterial, or fungal), inflammatory conditions, or sometimes simply stress. Cats might also develop a fever if they've recently been vaccinated, which usually isn't concerning and should resolve on its own.
At home, make sure your cat stays hydrated by providing fresh, clean water. You can also encourage drinking by adding some low-sodium chicken broth to the water. Keeping your cat in a quiet, comfortable environment can help reduce any stress that might be contributing to their fever.
Watch for signs that the fever may be more serious, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or if they hide more than usual. These symptoms may indicate that it's time for a professional consultation.
If your cat's fever persists for more than 24 hours or if they're exhibiting any worrying signs, it's important to seek veterinary advice. I'd recommend setting up a video consultation with Dial A Vet to discuss your cat’s symptoms in more detail. A vet can help determine if your cat needs further examination or treatment.
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