Heat stroke in cats
Heat stroke is a serious condition for your cat. Like us humans, they can suffer from heat stroke when they spend time in the sun and heat without access to shade and water. We want to teach you how to avoid heat stroke in your cat, but also what to do if your cat shows symptoms.
Symptoms of heat stroke
There are several signs that your cat may be suffering from heatstroke. We've listed some of them here to help you identify heat stroke at an early stage.
Cat panting
Tongue has turned bright red
Gums are red or pale
Saliva is sticky
General condition worsens; lethargic and wobbly
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Shock or coma may occur
Increased body temperature
If your cat shows symptoms
Act quickly if your cat exhibits these symptoms. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and it is important to bring your cat's temperature down quickly.
Contact a vet, with a Lassie policy you always have unlimited calls to digital vet, who can guide you and get help quickly. Move the cat to a cool place and offer lukewarm water and/or liquid replacement. Should your cat not drink water on its own, you can give small portions of water with a syringe. Moisten the coat with lukewarm water to bring the cat's body temperature down and place it on a cool, damp towel. We want the body temperature to come down gradually, so keep an eye on the temperature at all times.
Acute heat stroke
If your cat suffers from acute heat stroke, you need to see a vet immediately. The vet can then continue to cool the cat and treat with fluid therapy. The vet will then give drops to prevent dehydration and take tests and monitor the reduction in body temperature.
Prevent heat stroke
In many cases, cats will find a cool place on their own when they start to get too hot. But cats don't always do this on their own, especially indoor cats who can't escape. It is therefore important that your cat can move freely around the home on hot days. This increases the likelihood that your cat will find a cool place to rest. You can also put out more water bowls with fresh water during the summer months.
Keep an extra eye on older cats and kittens who are more sensitive to heat.
The car in summer
Never leave your cat alone in the car when it's hot. It gets hot quickly and it's a very dangerous place for your cat when it comes to heat stroke.
