At The Beacon Veterinary Associates, our vets see fewer cases of heatstroke in cats than in dogs, nonetheless, it does happen. Here we share some of the symptoms of heatstroke in cats, and what you should do if you think your cat is suffering from heatstroke.
Heatstroke in Cats
Heatstroke, also known as prostration or hyperthermia, is a condition characterized by an increase in core body temperature as a result of environmental factors. The normal body temperature for your cat should be around 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your cat's body temperature rises above 105 degrees Fahrenheit, you must seek immediate veterinary attention!
Why Cats Get Heatstroke
Heatstroke in cats and dogs is typically caused by exposure to excessive ambient heat. Some of the most common causes of heatstroke in cats include:
- Extremely hot outdoor temperature
- Lack of access to shade
- Trapped in hot unventilated space (such as a car)
- Lack of access to water
Signs of Heatstroke in Cats
Heatstroke symptoms in cats can include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Excessive Panting
- Restless behavior
- Sweaty feet
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Muscle Tremors
- Drooling
- Excessive grooming
- Uncoordinated movement
- Loss of Balance
- Seizure
- Unconsciousness
How to Treat Heatstroke in Cats
Heatstroke is a serious condition and symptoms should always be treated as an emergency! If your cat is displaying signs of heatstroke head to your vet straight away, or go to the nearest animal emergency hospital.
If your cat is conscious and you believe it may be experiencing heatstroke, move it into a cool room, wet its fur with cool water—not cold—and then gently apply ice packs to its feet.
While transporting your cat to the vet keep the vehicle's air conditioning on full or open windows to allow airflow to help cool your cat down.
How Your Vet Will Treat Your Cat's Heatstroke
Your vet will work to reduce your cat's body temperature back down to normal. This may be done using cool water and/or ice packs.
Your vet may also administer intravenous fluids to help to lower your cat’s temperature, counteract the effects of shock and minimize the risk of organ damage. In some cases, oxygen therapy may also be required.
The team at your vet's office will monitor your cat's body temperature every few minutes until your pet's body temperature is back within normal parameters. If caught early and treated immediately cats can recover quickly from heatstroke.
In spite of this, cats and dogs are extremely vulnerable to heatstroke. Before letting your pet go back home, your veterinarian will check your cat for indications of organ damage and other serious issues. If your cat has just recently recovered from heatstroke, be sure to keep a close eye out for any signs of illness because in some cases, evidence of organ damage does not become apparent for a few days.
Preventing Heatstroke in Cats
Provide your cat with access to a cool, shaded area where they can rest on hot days, make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water available to them, and never leave them confined in a hot car or enclosed space. This will help to prevent heatstroke in cats.
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.
