Reply #3: Re the traditional route

[demnan]

Some places sell pet thermometers that can take the temperature via the ear. You can check out someplace like Smith and Foster you should be able to find them.

As to the hot paw question, I don't know. But if my cat had a history of infection, I'd be feeling around the head to see if the animal was hot. Is he eating? In my experience, a cat with fever doesn't eat.