Feverish Felines…A Potential Emergency.

A cat's normal body temperature is higher than ours. It can range from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. But when your tabby suddenly spikes a high temp, it could indicate a very serious medical condition like Feline Distemper, also known as Panleukopenia. Fevers are non-specific indicators of internal inflammation or infection such as colds, an abscess, bacterial, fungal or viral diseases.

There is a vaccine for feline distemper, but similar to many human diseases that were virtually eliminated by preventative programs many years ago, there has been a recent resurgence of the illness. Feline distemper affects domestic as well as wild cats. Any age and breed are susceptible. It is a "parvovirus." It is similar but not exactly like the type that can affect dogs. Both can cause the affected pet to demonstrate vomiting, diarrhea, fevers or a lack of appetite.

The virus can survive in the environment for years but is easily killed with a dilute bleach solution. After a cat has been exposed, the signs of infection will show themselves in 2 to 10 days. Though there is no specific treatment for this malady, cats are given supportive care for their symptoms.

This highly contagious and often deadly disease is preventable through a proper vaccination program starting with young kittens. Keeping your cat indoors will also help to decrease its risk of exposure.

If you think your cat is running a fever for whatever reason, see your veterinarian because it is "Your Pet…Health Matters."