Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency for cats. It occurs when a cat’s body temperature rises to dangerously high levels and it is unable to cool itself effectively. During hot summer weather, cat owners need to be aware of the warning signs and know how to reduce the risk.
Cats are generally good at finding cool places and regulating their body temperature, but extreme heat can overwhelm their natural cooling systems. Unlike humans, cats do not sweat across their entire bodies. They mainly rely on limited sweating through their paw pads, grooming and moving to cooler areas. This means they can become dangerously overheated, particularly during periods of very high temperatures.
What Causes Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke can happen when a cat is exposed to excessive heat for too long. Being trapped in a hot room, shed, conservatory, greenhouse or vehicle can be particularly dangerous. Even when outdoor temperatures do not seem extreme, temperatures inside enclosed spaces can rise rapidly.
Dehydration can make the situation worse because cats need adequate fluids to help their bodies cope with heat. Cats that are overweight, very young, elderly or suffering from certain underlying health problems may also be more vulnerable.
Long-haired cats and cats with thick coats can have additional difficulty coping with extreme temperatures, although any cat can suffer heat stroke.
Recognising the Warning Signs
Early recognition is extremely important. Signs of overheating may include excessive panting, restlessness, drooling, weakness and seeking out cool surfaces.
As heat stroke becomes more severe, a cat may develop bright red or very pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, difficulty walking, collapse or seizures. In severe cases, overheating can cause damage to vital organs and may be fatal.
A cat that is struggling to breathe, collapsing or showing severe signs of overheating needs urgent veterinary attention.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect your cat has heat stroke, move them immediately to a cool, shaded and well-ventilated area. Contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service for advice straight away.
Cooling should be gradual rather than extreme. You can use cool, damp cloths on the body and encourage the cat to drink if they are alert and able to do so. Avoid forcing water into a weak or unconscious cat, as this could cause choking.
Do not use ice-cold water or immerse a severely overheated cat in very cold water, as sudden temperature changes can cause additional problems. Veterinary treatment may be necessary even if the cat appears to improve.
Preventing Heat Stroke
Prevention is always better than treatment. Make sure your cat has access to several sources of fresh drinking water and plenty of shaded, well-ventilated areas. Keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day and allow your cat access to cooler rooms.
Never leave a cat alone inside a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures can rise rapidly, creating a potentially fatal environment.
During heatwaves, consider keeping cats indoors during the hottest hours and providing cooling options such as a cool floor, a ventilated room or a wrapped cool pack that they can choose to lie beside.
By recognising the signs of overheating and taking sensible precautions, owners can help keep their cats safe throughout the summer. If you are ever concerned that your cat may be suffering from heat stroke, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.
