How to tell if your cat has heatstroke: Prevention and First Aid

During hot weather, we worry about our cats getting "heatstroke."

Even indoor cats are susceptible to heatstroke. It can be life-threatening, so it's important to take preventative measures before the heat truly sets in.

This article explains how to recognize the symptoms of heatstroke in cats, how to administer first aid, and how to prevent it.

Symptoms of heatstroke in cats

"Heatstroke" occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails in a hot and humid environment.

Humans regulate their body temperature by sweating, but if the body is unable to dissipate heat effectively for an extended period, heatstroke can occur.

Heatstroke is also dangerous for cats. It's important to understand the symptoms and mechanisms of heatstroke in cats.

What is heatstroke in cats?

Cats don't sweat, so they need to cool down in a different way than humans.

For example, grooming. Cats lick their bodies and use the evaporative cooling effect of their saliva to lower their body temperature.

Cats are naturally very good at regulating their body temperature, such as by pressing their bodies against cool aluminum plates or sinks, or by lying on their backs with their bellies exposed to increase their body surface area.

Nevertheless, if they are unable to effectively lower an elevated body temperature due to a hot and humid environment, insufficient water intake, or other reasons, they can suffer from heatstroke.

Signs of heatstroke

A cat's normal body temperature is approximately 38-39 degrees Celsius, so if their body temperature (rectal temperature) exceeds 39 degrees, heatstroke is suspected. Pay close attention if their paw pads or ears are hot.

Early symptoms of heatstroke include lethargy and loss of appetite. If left untreated, even mild symptoms can rapidly worsen.

It can lead to impaired consciousness and seizures, and in the worst cases, it can be fatal due to multiple organ failure or shock.

If any of the following symptoms appear, seek veterinary attention immediately.

[Symptoms of heatstroke]

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Stumbling gait
• Open-mouth breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Congested mucous membranes in the eyes and mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

First aid for cats with heatstroke

If heatstroke is suspected in your cat, the first priority is to lower their body temperature. Move your cat to a cool place and provide first aid while following the veterinarian's instructions over the phone.

Even if the symptoms seem mild, there may be internal organ damage. Even if the symptoms subside with first aid, always take your cat to the vet.

Also, if your cat is unconscious or having seizures, it's a severe condition. Take them to the vet immediately.

First, cool your cat's body

Place a wet towel or a cold pack wrapped in cloth under their armpits or between their thighs. You can also wrap their entire body in a wet towel.

Give them water if possible

If you pinch the skin on their back and it doesn't return to normal quickly, dehydration is suspected. If they can drink water, give them small sips. If they can't drink on their own, moisten their tongue with a water-soaked cloth to prevent choking.

Heatstroke prevention for cats

Heatstroke is likely to occur in environments with "temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or higher," "humidity of 60% or higher," and "poor ventilation." Heatstroke can also occur during the rainy season in May and June.

Keep these points in mind to prevent heatstroke in your cat.

Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity with air conditioning

Cats are comfortable at around 27-30 degrees Celsius. Set the air conditioner to cooling mode and let it run automatically to keep the room temperature from exceeding 28 degrees. If the room temperature isn't very high but the humidity is, use the dehumidification function.

If your cat feels cold, make sure they can move freely by leaving the door slightly ajar or creating an area where the air conditioner's breeze doesn't reach.

Use heatstroke prevention goods

Prepare cooling items such as aluminum plates or cool mats in your cat's favorite spots. If you drain the bathtub, they can also cool off in the bathroom.

These are recommended for cats who dislike air conditioning, and also serve as a backup in case the air conditioner stops working during a power outage. It's reassuring to have them prepared in advance.

Brush your cat

Brushing your cat to remove excess fur can also help prevent heatstroke. Especially long-haired cats have a higher risk of heatstroke, so brush them frequently.

Provide plenty of water

If the room temperature is high, your cat may not move much from their comfortable spot. To ensure they can stay hydrated, provide multiple water bowls in various locations.

Measures when your cat doesn't drink water

Cats' ancestors lived in deserts and hydrated by eating their prey. They didn't have much of a habit of drinking water, and their bodies were designed to efficiently use what little moisture they consumed.

The reason cats don't drink much water is that this trait still remains.

In modern cat lifestyles, insufficient hydration is a concern. Not only does it increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration, but also kidney disease and urinary stones.

Here are some ways to encourage your cat to drink water during the rainy season and summer.

Try mixed feeding

If your cat primarily eats dry food, they may not be getting enough water. Try mixed feeding by topping their dry food with wet food or giving them wet treats.

Change the water bowl

Sometimes cats don't drink water because they don't like their water bowl. Possible reasons include disliking their reflection in a stainless steel bowl or their whiskers touching the bowl and getting wet. Changing the material or shape of the bowl can be effective.

Many cats also like running water, so try a fountain-style water dispenser.

Increase the number of water sources

Cats are curious creatures, so simply placing a water bowl in a different spot than usual might encourage them to drink. To prevent heatstroke, create multiple water stations around the house.

Also, if you have multiple cats, it's good to have one more bowl than the number of cats.

Adjust the water temperature 

Some cats prefer lukewarm water or water with ice cubes rather than room temperature water. Cats sensitive to odors may dislike the chlorine smell of tap water, so try boiled and cooled water or filtered water.

You can also give them broth from boiled chicken, fish, or vegetables as a soup. Make sure it's salt-free and discard any uneaten portions immediately.

Summary

Given how fluffy cats are, "heatstroke" is a major concern.

The key to preventing heatstroke is to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity for your cat. Use air conditioning effectively for cooling and dehumidifying to get through the hot season.

In the event that your cat shows symptoms of heatstroke, lowering their body temperature is the top priority. Move them to a cool place and cool their body with an ice pack wrapped in a towel or a wet towel.

If symptoms are severe, such as seizures or impaired consciousness, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Especially "flat-faced" cat breeds like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs are prone to heatstroke because their body heat tends to accumulate internally. Also, kittens and senior cats, who have difficulty regulating their body temperature, are susceptible to heatstroke.

Japan's rainy season and summer are hot and humid. To protect your cat's life, be sure to know about heatstroke prevention and first aid.

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