What is heatstroke in cats?
Your cat's normal body temperature sits between 37.5°C and 39.2°C. Heatstroke occurs when their temperature rises above 40°C. Once it reaches this point, they are no longer able to cool themselves using their body's natural abilities.
Can cats get heatstroke?
Yes, several different scenarios can lead to heatstroke in cats. Some examples of this are when cats are left in hot cars or if they have no access to fresh water.
As we mentioned above, temperatures above 40°C can be considered heatstroke. When this occurs, your cat will experience widespread inflammation throughout their body. This inflammation will cause a series of reactions in the body, resulting in the breakdown of proteins and enzymes. If heatstroke is left untreated, it can lead to organ failure, which can be fatal for your cat.
When is your cat at risk of heatstroke?
Certain situations and criteria can increase your cat's risk of developing heatstroke, including:
- Flat-faced cat breeds (like Persians)
- Cats with existing medical conditions
- Very young cats or those that are old
- Long or thick-coated cats
- Cats who are trapped (inside cars, clothes dryers, etc.)
- Excessive exercise
- While travelling (from changes in climate to being enclosed during travel)
Signs & Symptoms of Heatstroke in Cats
Here are some of the common heatstroke symptoms in cats to watch for:
- Rectal temperature greater than 40°C
- Disorientation
- Reddened gums
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea (with or without blood)
- Pinpoint spots on the skin, eyes, gums, ears and belly
- Laboured breathing, panting or wheezing
- Collapse (inability to walk or stand up)
- Seizures
How to Treat Heatstroke in Cats
If your cat has mild signs of heatstroke with minimal panting but is awake and responsive, you may want to do the following while preparing to visit the veterinary hospital:
- Move your cat to a cool, shady area and call your primary care veterinarian or our emergency veterinary hospital
- Minimize handling (excessive handling can increase your cat's body temperature)
- Place a cool towel under them and take their temperature every minute
- Encourage them to take a few sips of water (don't overdo it or force them)
- Cool your cat until they reach 39.5°C (record the time they reach this temperature)
- Pre-cool down your car and carefully load your cat up to bring them to the veterinary hospital
While a light mist may be well received by some cats, don't place them in cold water or use ice to cool them down. Doing so may induce shock.
When is heatstroke an emergency?
While any overheating cat should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, some situations are more time-sensitive than others. It is considered a veterinary emergency if your cat is non-responsive, reacting violently or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
If this occurs, you can place them in a carrier with a chilled towel, pre-cool your car as much as possible and bring them to our emergency veterinarians at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital immediately. Heatstroke can be fatal for cats when left untreated.
Preventing Heatstroke in Cats
Knowing how to keep your cat cool is important, especially as the weather starts to warm up. To prevent your cat from getting heatstroke, you should always provide your cat with a cool, shady area to relax in on hot days, ensure that there is plenty of accessible fresh water for them to drink, and never leave them in a hot room or car unattended.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.