18/07/2023
HEAT STROKE IN CATS
🐈 Although cats (whose ancestors came from the desert) tend to tolerate the heat better than dogs, during hot, humid or especially warm days they can suffer from heat stroke too!
🐈 Heat stroke is a state of hyperthermia (elevated core body temperature above the normal range) resulting in heat injury to tissues. Heat stroke occurs when heat generation exceeds the body’s ability to lose heat.
🐈 Main predisposing factors for heat stroke in cats include:
- A warm/ hot, humid environment with inadequate ventilation (e.g. due to weather conditions or being left in an unventilated room or car)
- Inadequate shade
- Inadequate drinking water
🐈 Heat stroke in cats is actually more common in certain breeds
(Persian, Himalayan and other flat- faced cats) than others. Cats with thicker, darker- coloured coats may be at increased risk of suffering from heat stroke compared to those with thinner, lighter- coloured coats. The very young, the elderly, the obese and patients that have lung or heart or kidney disease are also susceptible but any cat can be at risk really.
🐈 Heat stroke is a very serious, life- threatening condition and requires urgent treatment.
🐈 WATCH OUT FOR SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
Symptoms of heat stroke in cats can include:
- Panting
- Drooling or thick/ sticky saliva
- Agitation and restlessness (commonly manifested as pacing in cats)
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing distress
- Bright red tongue
- Very red or pale gums
- Skin hot to the touch
- Re**al temperature above 40°C (normal temperature in cats is between 38°C and 39°C )
- Vomiting and/ or diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Disorientation
- Stumbling, staggering gait
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Collapsing and lying down
- Little to no urine production
- Coma
🐈 If your cat shows any of these signs and you suspect that she has suffered heat stroke then:
- Immediately move her to a cool, well- ventilated and quiet room
- Make every effort to minimise her stress and keep her calm
- Rub her gently with a cool, damp towel and get her close to a fan
- If she is conscious and alert enough to be able to drink water, offer small amounts frequently. If she doesn’t want to drink any then gently wet her lips and gums. Don’t shoot water into her mouth or down her throat.
- If you can do so safely, check your cat’s re**al temperature with a digital thermometer and plenty of lubricant. If this stresses her then skip it.
- Transport your cat to your vet as quickly as possible. Ideally, pre- cool your car and call ahead to let the vet know you are on the way with a cat that has suffered heat stroke.
🐈 If your cat is found unconscious in a hot environment, quickly offer first aid (as above) and get her to the vet right away. Don’t spend too much time at home trying to help her as this could delay potential life- saving veterinary treatment.
🐈 The good news is that we can help to prevent heat stroke in cats. Check our recent post “Summer heat & Cats” for tips!