Anyone around? High temperature after surgery.

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

My lovely cat had extensive dental surgery today and has been home and a bit wobbly and dopey but generally fine for about five hours now.

She's finally settled in my lap within the last hour and I felt her body temperature rise. It started in her neck/jaw and spread to her ears and now her whole little body is so much hotter than normal.

She's obviously going to be feeling rough and I'm being a massive worry wart but does anyone have any words of wisdom for me? Should I just chill out or should I be looking out for any signs and if so what?

The vet told me she had had painkillers and antibiotics there and that I should give her another dose in the morning.

[Wolfiefan]

Do you have a 24hr vet? Could you call for some reassurance?

[springbabydays]

Is she hot because she's on your lap? Sorry if that sounds silly!

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

Not 24hour. They do open very early so I could always call in the morning which feels like a long time away.

I've shooed her off my lap to see if she cools down without me warming her up.

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

Great minds spring!

[springbabydays]

Ha! Hope she cools down a bit. It's hard to tell from a surface temperature if it's a fever or not. I've learned that from my ds. If she's on antibiotics she should be able to fight off any infection anyway.

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

Thanks spring. I'll try and leave her alone for a bit poor thing. She probably doesn't need me flapping around and demanding to feel the warmth of her ears right now!

It's just so difficult because it's not like she can tell me how she's feeling.

[springbabydays]

I know, it's horrid not knowing. She probably needs a good sleep after the day she's had. And so do you I bet! Try to relax and call the vet in the morning for reassurance.

[Lurkedforever1]

Has she drank since the op? Especially with it being teeth wondered if she's dehydrated?
Usually I'd say cats aren't stupid and won't lie on warm knees if they're hot, but if feeling groggy still from op that might be why.
If you are worried and want qualified advice, try ringing your vets or even another, even when they don't offer 24/7 most have a recorded message for the nearest one open overnight. Quicker than googling '24hr vets near by' cos some areas do it by rota between them.

[Wolfiefan]

Does she sleep in a specific place? Ice block under the blanket could cool her?
Ice cube in her water?
Does she seem herself?

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

I made her a 'soup' by adding cold water to her wet food (because she's all gums) which she lapped up so I think she's hydrated.

She's definitely not herself. But I think she's still off her face tbh! Her eyes are dilated and she been staring into space/at the wall/the curtains/a vase of flowers all evening. But I think she's happy enough; she's eaten and used her litter tray and come for a cuddle.

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

UPDATE: she's just jumped up onto the bed, curled up on the duvet and is now purring loudly away to herself. It's the first proper purr she's made all evening.

[Wolfiefan]

Bless her. She's probably still off her face! If she's had antibiotics then I can't see how the temperature would be due to infection. If she's eating, hydrated, cuddling and using litter tray then that sounds good.

[Wolfiefan]

X post!

[Lurkedforever1]

Glad she appears to be on the mend

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

Big thanks to everyone for keeping me calm last night. Lovely cat had her painkillers at 6am and seems to be much more herself now, thankfully!

[Lurkedforever1]

Excellent news.

[springbabydays]

That's good to hear. Get well soon kitty