Heatstroke is a real danger for cats in hot weather. It’s a life-threatening emergency, so every owner should know the warning signs, what to do on the way to the vet and, most importantly, how to prevent it.
Heatstroke (hyperthermia) happens when a cat’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels because it can’t cool itself down, usually in hot, humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Cats cool themselves mainly by grooming (the evaporating saliva cools them) and by sweating a little through their paw pads. Unlike dogs, they don’t pant much to cool down. That system isn’t very efficient, so a cat trapped somewhere hot can overheat quickly.
A cat’s normal body temperature is higher than ours, about 100.5–102.5°F (38.1–39.2°C). A temperature above about 104°F (40°C) is dangerous.
Cats most at risk include:
- kittens and senior cats;
- overweight cats (read more about obesity in cats);
- cats with heart or breathing problems;
- flat-faced breeds, such as Persians and Exotic Shorthairs, which have narrower airways;
- long-haired cats;
- cats shut in cars, conservatories, sheds, garages, greenhouses or dryers, or left in carriers in the sun.
Signs of Heatstroke
- restlessness, then lethargy and weakness;
- panting or open-mouth breathing (this is never normal in a cat at rest);
- fast, heavy breathing;
- very red, or very pale, gums and tongue;
- drooling;
- skin and ears that feel hot to the touch;
- stumbling, wobbliness or confusion;
- vomiting or diarrhea;
- muscle tremors or seizures;
- collapse.
What to Do If You Suspect Heatstroke
Heatstroke is an emergency. Call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic immediately and tell them you’re on your way. While you contact them and prepare to leave:
- Move your cat to a cool, shaded, well-ventilated place right away.
- Cool your cat gently: wet its fur with cool (not ice-cold) water, especially on the belly, armpits and paws, or wrap it loosely in a towel soaked in cool water. A fan can help.
- Offer a small amount of cool water to drink, but don’t force your cat to drink.
- Don’t use ice, ice-cold water or alcohol rubs. Cooling too fast narrows the blood vessels in the skin and can make things worse, and alcohol is toxic to cats.
- Keep the car air conditioning on during the trip to the vet.
Even if your cat seems to recover, it still needs to be checked by a vet. Heatstroke can damage the kidneys, liver, brain and other organs, and the effects may not show for hours or days. Your vet may recommend blood tests and follow-up checks.
Cats that have had heatstroke once can be more prone to it again, so take extra care to keep your cat cool afterward.
How to Prevent Heatstroke
- Never leave your cat in a parked car, not even for a few minutes, with the windows open or in the shade.
- Make sure your cat always has access to cool, shady places in your home, such as tiled floors and rooms that stay cool, and never shut it in a hot room, conservatory or carrier.
- Provide plenty of fresh, cool water in several places. A pet water fountain can encourage drinking.
- Avoid active play during the hottest part of the day.
- Use fans or air conditioning on very hot days, and close curtains or blinds to block direct sun.
- Brush long-haired cats regularly to remove the dense dead undercoat.
- Before closing a dryer, shed or garage, check that your cat isn’t inside.
- If you travel with your cat in hot weather, use a well-ventilated carrier, keep the car cool and never leave the carrier in direct sun. Read more: traveling with a cat.
Stay safe in the summer!
