Cats are not equipped with efficient natural mechanisms to prevent overheating, making them more susceptible to heatstroke. Unlike humans, they cannot cool down by sweating, as their sweat glands are minimal and primarily located on the pads of their paws. This limitation increases the risk of heatstroke in a cat, especially in hot weather conditions. They also cannot “cool down” through “thermal panting”, like dogs, who actively breathe in the heat, sticking out their tongue (liquid evaporates from its surface and gives off accumulated heat). Wild cats do not overheat as they are active during the night. However, when it is really hot, their main activity will be lying in an area that is not exposed to the heat at all.
The total temperature of the organism in cats, on average, constitutes 38.5–39.5ºС but may fluctuate depending on the internal and external conditions of the body. If, due to various stimuli based on instinct, it rises above the norm, then cats overheat, though they are capable of dealing with this condition themselves, given the chance to cool off. To do this, they need suitable conditions: a sufficient amount of drinking water, as well as a cool place or a separate room with a comfortable temperature and normal ventilation, protected from sunlight.
If this is not possible, the body temperature of pets can reach critical values (above 40ºС); then they develop heat stroke – an extreme degree of overheating, which is accompanied by serious disruptions in the functioning of most body systems and the absence of qualified assistance leads to its death.
Causes of Heatstroke in Cats
Direct sunlight is one of the most known causes of heat stroke, but it is not the only one. The following factors also disrupt animals’ body thermoregulation:
- Staying in an overheated room for a long time without sufficient air circulation (car interior, glazed balcony, etc.);
- Lack of water in the diet (especially when feeding dry food);
- Excessive physical activity during hot times of the day;
- Systematic overfeeding (since heat is generated during digestion of food).
Heat stroke in a kitten or adult cat can occur not only in summer; it is often caused by overheated and overdried air in the house during the heating season. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the pet and control its body temperature at any time of the year.
Those at risk of developing heat stroke also include:
- Kittens under 6 months of age – the thermoregulation mechanisms in their bodies are not yet fully formed;
- Obese pets – when the body is overweight, the body’s cells produce more heat, making it more difficult for the body to cool itself;
- Pregnant cats – during the development and growth of the fetus, their body weight increases. Besides, pregnant animals need much more energy to be provided than other animals, and thus, heat production is necessary.
- Dogs with brachycephalic skull shape during preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods of systemic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Cats
In most cases, cats experiencing heat stroke are first exposed to a long-term high temperature of the body. You can understand that the following signs overheat the animal:
- Drowsy, lethargic state, refusal to play and physical activity;
- Lack of appetite;
- Rapid breathing and pulse;
- Increased body temperature. External signs of hyperthermia are a dry and hot nose, redness of visible areas of the skin (on the paw pads, nose, ears), and redness of the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth.
However, in some cases, heat stroke can develop rapidly. Symptoms of critical overheating in cats are more severe:
- Digestive disorders (acute attacks of vomiting and diarrhea);
- Disruptions in the functioning of the central nervous system: confusion or temporary loss of consciousness, inadequate response to external stimuli (or lack thereof);
- Tremor, muscle spasms (convulsions);
- Dilation of pupils ;
- Respiratory – There may be shortness of breath or lifting of the usual wheezing sound.
If such a clinical picture appears, the pet requires intensive treatment in a veterinary clinic.
Heatstroke in a cat: what should the owner do?
A domestic cat can independently deal with overheating or with the help of the owners – but if signs of heat stroke appear, it will require the services of qualified veterinary specialists. If there is no opportunity to contact a veterinary clinic urgently, the following measures will help alleviate the animal’s condition:
- Evacuate the cat to a cool, well-ventilated place protected from the sun: the best environment is a room with a functional air conditioner or a fan.
- Gently rub some cold water on soft material and apply it as a compress on the neck, under the arms, belly, and inner thighs.
- If you don’t have any suitable compress material, simply wet the animal’s fur all over the body with cool water; this will allow the body to release accumulated excess heat more quickly.
- Put a bowl of drinking water somewhere near your cat. If your baby does not want to suck on the nipple voluntarily, then try to feed it using a pipette or a medical syringe without the needle and drop a few drops into the back of the throat.
- Never place an overheated cat under a direct stream of cold air, do not apply ice to its body, or bathe it in cold water: any significant decrease in temperature may cause spasms of blood vessels and a deterioration in the disease.
More on this blog post Heatstroke In A Cat, When carrying out these activities, constantly measure your pet’s body temperature (if possible). This means that even if the condition has been stabilized, the affected should seek further medical care from a veterinary clinic. The consequences of sunstroke in cats are not always immediate, and to prevent their development, you must go through the prescribed examination and take the necessary therapeutic treatment.
This means that the administration of treatment for heat stroke in a cat must involve not only the initial treatment in the emergency but also a follow-up on the rest of the clinics to monitor the improvement of the health status of the animal; hence, such treatment should only be given under the vet direction.
How to Protect Your Cat from Heat Stroke
To prevent your cat from developing overheating or heat stroke, follow these preventive measures:
- Avoid taking your pet for walks outside during peak solar activity and maximum air temperature. Make sure that the walking equipment does not interfere with normal breathing. Reduce the cat’s walking activity during the hot day; it is better not to leave your cat on the windowsill, balcony, loggia, etc., for a long time if it is sunny.
- Do not leave your cat alone in a car with the air conditioner turned off and the windows closed.
- Monitor your pet’s activity level and choose cooler hours for play (for example, in the evening or early morning).
- If you live in a country house with its territory, limit the cat’s possible access to greenhouses, hothouses, heating units, etc.
- Maintain a favorable microclimate in your home with comfortable temperature and humidity. To do this, regularly ventilate the premises using climate control equipment.
- Make sure your cat has constant access to drinking water. It should always be clean and fresh, so change it at least twice a day. It is better to place bowls of water in several places throughout the apartment.
- Thanks to the balanced composition and excellent taste, they will allow your pet to remain happy, healthy, and active in any weather!
