My cat’s ears are hot: what should I do?

Just like humans, cats use their ears for listening… but they are also used to regulate their body temperature and communicate! As a result, they can be hotter at times, when your cat is lying in the sun or is a little too warm. But how can you know when it is not normal?

Is my cat sick?

When your cat’s ears are hot, it is not necessarily a sign of illness: if they really are sick, there will be other symptoms as well. So pay attention and check whether they have the following symptoms:

• Rapid breathing
• More lethargic behaviour or isolation
• Loss of appetite and thirst
• Constipation and/or diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• More arched posture
• Duller coat and flaccid skin (pinch the skin of the neck; the pinch should not last)
• Plaintive meows (generally when they are in their litterbox)

These symptoms are fairly common in sick cats. In all cases, always consult a vet.

How do I take my cats temperature?

If you want to be sure, you can take your cat’s temperature yourself after putting Vaseline on a rectal thermometer. A healthy cat’s body temperature ranges between 38 and 39°C.

Trust your instincts

Does your cat have an abnormally high or low temperature? It is time to go see your vet.

You are not able to take their temperature yourself, or their temperature is normal and you still think they are sick? Go to the veterinary clinic right away, because you know best what behaviour is not normal.

How can you avoid the most serious infectious diseases? 

Remember to protect your cat from the most dangerous infections. Vaccines for feline respiratory disease complex (calicivirus and herpes virus), panleukopenia (distemper) and feline leukemia (FeLV) are particularly important. Contact your vet for further information.