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My cat is warm, kneading, third eyelid after surgery. Is she in pain?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 6.6 lbs

my cat just got discharge from the ward today from surgery (diaphragmatic hernia) and after 5 hrs her body seems warm like she has a fever. She is also kneading on air and has the third eyelid. Help! What can i do to bring down the fever? And is she in pain? :(

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 6, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I read and responded to your previous post. If you have given her pain medications recently that can cause a cats third eyelids to go up. Kneading the air can be a response to pain medications as well (they feel "high"), or she is comfortable and happy. If you have a thermometer and some Vaseline take her temperature rectally. A digital thermometer is best. Anything over 102.8 F I would call your Vet. Cats feel warm, especially when their fur has been shaved. I have been tricked many times! If Frankie is eating I think that is a good sign.

Please repost if you need anything else
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