Cat Heatstroke: How to Keep Your Pet Safe

As a cat owner, you can usually tell when kitty isn’t feeling well, but recognizing the signs of a life threatening health situation, like heatstroke, is crucial cat-parent knowledge. In this feline-friendly blog, we’ll explore signs and symptoms and how to best protect your cat from heatstroke.  

You might associate heatstroke with being out in the blazing hot sun, and while that can happen, there are other factors like dry climates and poor ventilation that can lead to this dangerous condition. And although heatstroke is somewhat more common in dogs than in cats, this condition can still affect our little meow-faces too. 

DOES MY CAT HAVE HEATSTROKE? SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

These are the main signs of cat heatstroke. If your cat shows any of these, take her to your nearest VEG aka Veterinary Emergency Group, for immediate vet care:

• Abnormal gum color
• Disorientation
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling and/or panting 
• High heart rate
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

Feline fact: The normal temperature for a cat is 100–102ºF. If your cat’s temperature is above 103ºF, immediate vet attention is needed. Move your cat to a cool area asap and call VEG and let us know you’re on the way.

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR CAT FROM HEATSTROKE

Take our vet advice, and plan out a cool space or spaces within your home before hot weather hits. Your cool kitty will thank you! Below, you’ll find a list of more tips to help avoid cat heatstroke.

• EXPECTING HOT WEATHER? KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS

  Hot dog, the weather sure can change fast! If your cat typically goes outside when she wants to, plan to keep her indoors on hot days. Cats are notorious for crying at the door to be let out, but it’s up to you to know what’s best. The longer you ignore it, the easier it will be for your cat to realize she has to stay inside.

• PUT ON THE A/C FOR YOUR FURBABY

  Cool cat, happy cat, so if possible, keep the air conditioning running in your home at a comfortable level. Don’t overdo it; just keep it cool enough that your pets will not be at risk of heatstroke in your own home. If you do not have an air conditioner, opt for fans; just make sure the blade is concealed so that your cat cannot be harmed.

  If your cat does happen to be outdoors during a heatwave, be sure there is plenty of shade and fresh water available, which leads us to…

• MAKE SURE YOUR CAT HAS WATER

  We can’t stress this enough, make sure your cat has enough clean, cool water to drink throughout the day. If possible, refresh her water a few times per day, as we know those felines can get finicky when water isn’t fresh!

  Be aware that cats are notoriously bad at not drinking enough water, so you may need to supplement your cat’s fluid intake with some wet food during the hot months. You can also purchase cat-safe “broths” to serve either on its own or to pour over your cat’s dry food.

• AVOID OVER EXERCISING YOUR CAT

  Even if your cat is young and active, don’t push it when it comes to activity levels on a hot day. Most cats will gladly sleep all day, but some may want to play and burn off energy. Encourage your cat to relax and take it easy when the weather is hot. If you have an overweight cat who needs a little playtime every day for exercise, provide it at night or in the early morning before it gets very hot outside.

• AVOID CAT NAPS IN THE SUN

  If it’s hot, move the resting spot. For example, cats enjoy napping in window sills or in patches of sunlight on the floor. But even indoors, it can be unsafe for a cat to rest in a stream of sunlight. Especially if sleeping for a while, the additional heat may contribute to panting and a risk of heatstroke in your pet.

  Try moving your cat’s favorite resting spots to another location in your home during hot weather. Cats usually have a favorite blankie or bed they like to sleep on. Place it somewhere cool and away from any sunlight or windows. She may not be happy about this change at first, but she will likely get used to the new napping place.

• NO CAR RIDES FOR KITTY

  Do not take your cat in a vehicle on a hot day—or even on a day that feels mild to you. Cats must be kept in carriers when they travel in vehicles, and these carriers can become very hot, very fast, even with the air conditioner on in the car.

  If you must travel with your cat on a hot day, keep the air on as high as possible and try to position the carrier out of the sunlight. Never leave your cat unattended in a vehicle for any length of time

SEE VEG, YOUR 24-HOUR EMERGENCY VET FOR CAT HEATSTROKE

With these tips, you can help beat the heat for your cat and keep a low risk for heatstroke. Pay close attention to your cat’s health and overall condition during high temperatures. If you suspect your cat may be experiencing heatstroke, take her to our any of our VEG emergency vet clinics right away. This condition can become severe very quickly and lead to significant dehydration. Immediate vet care will help your pet recover from heatstroke in all but the most severe of cases.

For more information on this condition, contact VEG by calling one of our locations.  All of our locations are open 24 hours, including weekends and holidays. We understand how serious cat heatstroke is, and we’ll help get to the bottom of what’s causing it to be able to provide the best treatment option.