Our Tips For Preventing Heat Stroke In Cats

During the summer, everyone loves spending time outdoors. This includes your family pet. Regardless of if you let your cat hang out in the backyard, or take it along on a road trip, you need to be mindful of signs of cat heat stroke. The fact is, this can be a serious medical condition and may be life threatening. Use the information to ensure you know the signs of this condition and how to prevent it in the first place.

Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the more generic term for hyperthermia or an elevated body temperature. The normal body temperature of a cat is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature of your cat reaches over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, then they are considered overheated or at risk of suffering a heat stroke.

Signs of heat stroke include:

• Excessive panting
• Closed eyes
• Appearing like they are going to pass out
• Sluggishness
• Unresponsiveness
• Sticky, thick saliva
• Bright red tongue
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Preventing Heat Stroke

One of the most common causes of heat stroke is leaving your pet in a vehicle without fresh water or air. You should never do this, even for a short period of time. Additional causes of heat stroke including vigorous or excessive exercise when it is hot outside, a cat getting over excited or having to remain outside for long periods of time with no water or shade.

To prevent heat stroke, make sure your cat has access to cold water and don’t leave them unattended outside for extended periods of time. Also, avoid letting your cat outside between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm, if possible.

Keep in mind if your cat suffers from muscle spasms, seizures, heart disease or has an infection, they are going to be more prone to heat stroke. This is also the case for kittens up to six months hold, pets that are overweight and any cat that has a thick or dark coat.

As you can see, there are several ways your cat may suffer a heat stroke. Knowing what these causes and signs are can help ensure your cat does not suffer this issue.

Have you ever had your cat suffer heatstroke?  What did you do to treat her?  Share your experiences with us in the comments!

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