medicine for the cat ?

by jayasree.s.kumar
(chennai,tamilnadu,india)

my cat is having fever and shivering what can I give him?

RESPONSE:

Typically a veterinarian will attempt to find out the reason for the fever before administering any medications. Fevers fight disease by stimulating the immune system, and helping to slow the growth of both bacteria and viruses. Signs of a fever include the shivering that you said your cat was experiencing. Other signs are fast breathing, lack of energy, loss of appetite, decreased drinking and grooming as well as signs of depression. Sneezing, diarrhea and vomiting are other indications of illness.

Causes of a fever in cats can be bacterial, a fungal infection or a virus. Diseases like pancreatitis or lupus can elevate the temperature, a tumor or types of medications can also elevate the temperature as can a tumor or a trauma to the cat’s body such as being hit or falling.

However, the only way to know for sure that your cat has a fever is to take its temperature. This is best done with a rectal thermometer. Digital is better because it gives a signal to let you know when to read it. The normal temperature for a cat is 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.9 to 39.2 Celsius). Above 102.5 degrees is an indication that the cat is fighting disease but once it reaches 105-106F (40.5-41.1C) the situation is serious because the high temperature can damage organs in which case you have to get the cat to the vet immediately.

Fevers that last more than a couple of days require medical attention because if it’s a bacterial infection the cat may need antibiotics and the prolonged fever can cause dehydration. Wait a day or two keeping your cat warm and make sure your cat is getting fluids, plus try to get it to eat. If the fever is still there, then please get your cat to a vet. You can’t just give your cat human medications because some such as aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be deadly for felines. Ketoprofen is sometimes used in smaller doses for felines. Read more information on the Cat Medicine and the Cat Fever page.

I hope your cat fights off any disease causing the fever quickly or please get your cat to the vet.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Questions Invitation.

Having trouble finding what you need? Cat Health Index & Site Map

Do you have a question to ask?...Questions

Do you have a cat story to share?...Simply click here to go to that page!