The emergency veterinarians in Somerset County encounter fewer cat heat stroke than in dogs, but it does occur. In today’s article, we discuss the signs of heatstroke in cats and what you should do if you suspect your cat is suffering from this condition.
What Is the Definition of Heatstroke?
Heatstroke condition characterized by a dangerously elevated body temperature. A cat’s usual body temperature range is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A body temperature over 102.5 degrees deemed abnormal if the increase in body temperature results from a hot environment. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are likely to occur.
The onset of heatstroke is preceded by heat exhaustion. If the cat is not evacuated from the heated environment, it will get heatstroke. Heatstroke may occur when a cat’s internal body temperature exceeds 104 degrees. This damages the body’s organs and cells, which may end in death rapidly.
Heatstroke is an urgent medical condition. Immediately contact a veterinarian if you feel your cat is hot.
Heatstroke in Cats
Heatstroke, also known as prostration or hyperthermia, is an environmental condition characterized by a rise in core body temperature. The average body temperature for a cat is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your cat’s body temperature increases beyond 105, medical attention is necessary immediately!
Why Cats Get Heatstroke
Heatstroke is generally induced by exposure to extreme ambient heat in cats and dogs. Among the most frequent causes of heatstroke in cats are:
Very high outside temperature
Inaccessibility to shade
Confined to a warm, stuffy environment (such as a car)
Inaccessibility to water
Cat Heatstroke Symptoms
If your cat is experiencing heatstroke, you may see one or more of the following signs:
- Extreme Panting
- agitated behavior
- clammy feet
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Muscle Shakes
- Drooling
- Excessive hygiene
- Uncoordinated action
- Loss of Stability
- Seizure
- Unconsciousness
How to Treat Your Cat’s Heatstroke
The symptoms of heatstroke are always to be handled as an emergency! If your cat exhibits signs of heatstroke, see your veterinarian or the closest animal emergency facility immediately.
If you believe your cat is suffering from heatstroke while they are aware, relocate them to a vast room, moisten their hair with cold (NOT COLD) water, and lay ice packs lightly on their feet.
While taking your cat to the veterinarian, leave the air conditioner on high or open windows to enable circulation and assist cool your cat.
How your veterinarian will treat heatstroke in your cat
Your veterinarian will strive to return your cat’s body temperature to normal levels. This may be accomplished with chilly water or ice packs.
In addition, your veterinarian may deliver intravenous fluids to assist reduce your cat’s temperature, offset the symptoms of shock, and reduce the risk of organ damage. In some instances, oxygen treatment may also be necessary.
The staff at your veterinarian’s clinic will check your cat’s body temperature every few minutes until it returns to normal levels. If heatstroke is detected early and treated promptly, cats may recover swiftly.
However, heatstroke presents a severe danger to the health of cats and dogs. Before allowing your cat to return home, your veterinarian will inspect it for indications of organ damage and other significant issues. In different situations, organ damage may not become evident for many days; thus, if your cat has just recovered from heatstroke, watch it closely for indications of sickness.
How to Prevent Cat Heatstroke
Always provide your cat with a cool, shady place to rest on hot days, ensure your feline companion has access to plenty of fresh, clean water, and never leave your pet in a burning vehicle or room.
The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and does not represent medical advice for dogs. An appointment with your veterinarian is required to diagnose your pet’s ailment accurately.
Treatment
If you fear your cat suffers from heatstroke, you should immediately transport them to the closest open veterinary clinic. Call for guidance on safe cooling techniques on your journey to the hospital or clinic.
You can determine the severity of the condition by taking your cat’s temperature. You may be able to provide cooling treatments at home if their body temperature exceeds 104 degrees. Remember that your cat will still need veterinary care.
A cat that has become hot must be cooled with care. Ice or very cold water may seem natural, but they may restrict blood arteries and hinder cooling. Ice and cold water may also cause the cat to become hypothermic, which is potentially fatal.
Follow the instructions below to calm your cat:
Transfer them to a calm, well-ventilated location.
If the cat is aware, provide cold water but do not push it to drink. When they are hot, many cats avoid drinking water.
Soak a towel in cool/tepid water and set your cat on it. Avoid wrapping your cat in the towel since doing so might trap heat. When the towel gets warm from your cat’s body heat, replace it.
Apply cool/tepid water gently to your cat’s coat.
Activate a fan, if feasible.
Continue to monitor the temperature of your cat. All cooling procedures should be discontinued when the body’s temperature reaches 103.5 degrees. At this point, further cooling raises the danger of hyperthermia.
What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke in cats?
Heat exhaustion usually precedes heat stroke. Without treatment, heat exhaustion might lead to fatal heat stroke.
The temperature of the cat’s internal organs differentiates between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Average cat body temperature ranges from 100o F to 102.5o F. If a cat exhibits early symptoms of overheating and is not treated, its internal body temperature will exceed 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, the cat will develop heat exhaustion and seek to cool itself. If the cat’s body temperature continues to increase beyond 104 degrees Fahrenheit and it cannot cool itself or is not removed from the hot environment, heat stroke will occur.