Can Cats Get Heatstroke? Causes and Solutions for Summer Fatigue in Cats

It is often said that cats are resilient to heat. However, the hot and humid Japanese summer is a difficult season for cats as well.

Just like humans, cats can also suffer from "summer heat fatigue" (natsu-bate). Symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy may be signs of heat fatigue.

To ensure you don't miss any signs of your cat feeling unwell, let's learn about the causes, symptoms, and effective countermeasures for feline summer heat fatigue.

Do cats get summer heat fatigue?

Feline summer heat fatigue refers to a chronic state of poor health caused by an inability to adapt to a hot and humid environment.

The ancestors of cats were African wildcats that lived in dry deserts. While it is said that cats are more resistant to heat than dogs, they can still fall ill due to summer heat fatigue and heatstroke.

Causes of feline summer heat fatigue

Cats hardly sweat. Since they only sweat enough to slightly dampen their paw pads, they cannot lower their body temperature by sweating like humans do.

Instead, they release heat by lying stretched out in cool places or pressing their bodies against cool floors or furniture. They also cool their bodies using evaporative heat by grooming themselves.

However, in a hot and humid environment, they cannot regulate their body temperature properly. Their autonomic nervous system becomes disrupted because they cannot handle temperature changes well, leading to summer heat fatigue.

Difference between summer heat fatigue and heatstroke

Just like summer heat fatigue, "heatstroke" is also a concern for cats during the summer.

"Summer heat fatigue" is a condition where the autonomic nervous system is disrupted in a hot and humid environment, leading to prolonged poor health. "Heatstroke" is a dysfunction where the body can no longer regulate its temperature due to an inability to cope with a rapid rise in temperature.

The difference is that summer heat fatigue develops gradually over several days to weeks, whereas heatstroke manifests suddenly in a short period of time. Both are dangerous conditions that can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of feline summer heat fatigue

When cats suffer from summer heat fatigue, they are prone to gastrointestinal symptoms.

However, cats are animals that hide their physical discomfort. Be sure to pay more attention to your cat's behavior than usual during the summer.

It is important to know the symptoms of feline summer heat fatigue so you can notice when your cat is unwell.

1. Loss of appetite

A common symptom of summer heat fatigue in cats is "loss of appetite." Due to the heat, their gastrointestinal function weakens, leading to a loss of appetite.

Even humans want to eat light, cold foods on hot days, don't they?

If your cat isn't eating their usual food or is eating less, consider summer heat fatigue as a possible cause. You might also notice changes such as weight loss or a lackluster coat.

2. Lethargy

Your cat may look sluggish, lethargic, or sleep for long periods. As their appetite decreases, they may become limp and inactive.

If they show no reaction to their favorite treats or toys, or if they hide away and don't come out, there is a possibility of heatstroke.

Immediately move your cat to a cool place, check if their body is hot or their breathing is heavy, and visit a veterinarian.

3. Vomiting and diarrhea

Poor health due to summer heat fatigue often presents as gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

It is not unusual for cats to vomit. However, if vomiting or diarrhea persists due to heat fatigue, it can lead to dehydration. This is dangerous and requires caution as it can be life-threatening.

4. Decreased urination

When a cat is dehydrated, the frequency and volume of their urination will decrease drastically. If dehydration persists for a long time, the risk of kidney and urinary tract diseases increases.

Prolonged loss of appetite also easily leads to dehydration. If your cat is not eating at all or not drinking water, see a veterinarian promptly.

5. Loss of coat luster

If your cat remains lethargic due to summer heat fatigue, they will gradually groom themselves less. If their fur becomes shaggy or loses its luster, suspect poor health due to summer heat fatigue.

Characteristics of cats prone to summer heat fatigue

"Long-haired" and "flat-faced" cat breeds are more susceptible to summer heat fatigue, so extra care is needed. Additionally, obese cats and kittens or senior cats who struggle with temperature regulation are also prone to it.

Long-haired breeds retain heat easily

Cats covered in thick, long fur find it difficult to dissipate body heat, causing it to build up.

Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, Scottish Folds, Munchkins, and Ragdolls require essential summer heat fatigue countermeasures.

Flat-faced breeds are also at risk for heatstroke

Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, and other brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds have difficulty breathing through their noses due to their facial structure, leading to irregular breathing. Because they struggle to cool their body temperature via respiration, they are at high risk for both summer heat fatigue and heatstroke.

Countermeasures for feline summer heat fatigue

What precautions should you take to help your cat spend the summer healthily? Here is an explanation of heat fatigue countermeasures for your cat.

Use the air conditioner wisely

The ideal room temperature for a cat is around 27–30°C (80–86°F), with a humidity of 40–60%. When using the air conditioner, set it to cooling mode at 26–28°C (79–82°F).

To ensure your cat can adjust if they feel cold, provide a bed with a blanket, or allow them access to move into a different room.

Use cooling products

Some cats simply do not like air conditioning. Japanese summers are brutal, so工夫 (ingenuity) is required to survive without A/C.

If possible, run the air conditioning in a different room and use a circulator fan to bring that cool air into the room where your cat spends time.

You can also try laying out aluminum cooling plates or cooling mats in their bed, or leaving a breezy bathroom open; find the method that best suits your cat's preferences.

Brushing

Brush your cat frequently to remove excess fur. This allows air to circulate between the hairs, which helps dissipate heat and serves as a heatstroke countermeasure. This is especially important for long-haired cats. If they are prone to heat fatigue, consider a "summer cut."

Encourage hydration

Many owners struggle to get their cats to drink enough water, but hydration is essential for preventing heat fatigue and heatstroke.

If your cat won't drink from a water bowl, try topping their dry food with wet food or offering wet-type treats to help them stay hydrated without force.

Also, try increasing the number of water stations or using an automatic water fountain to encourage them to drink as much as possible.

Don't forget escape prevention

Ensuring good ventilation is important for combating heat fatigue. During the hot season, we often open windows to keep heat and humidity from getting trapped indoors.

However, opening windows raises concerns about "escaping." This is the season when cats are most likely to tear screens or dash outside.

Be sure to take solid precautions, such as installing window grilles or window screen stoppers. You can easily DIY these using wire nets or tension rods from 100-yen stores to quickly prepare for both heat and escape risks.

Also, in case of an accidental escape, be sure to have them wear a "cat collar" with an "ID tag." During the hot season, we recommend collars made of linen or materials that are resistant to bacteria. Collars that can be kept clean are always reassuring.

Summary

The hot and humid Japanese summer is a grueling season for cats as well. Many cats fall ill due to summer heat fatigue.

Feline summer heat fatigue often manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms, starting with loss of appetite and continuing with diarrhea and vomiting. You may also observe signs such as reduced urination due to dehydration and a lackluster coat.

Both summer heat fatigue and heatstroke are caused by the body's inability to regulate temperature in a hot and humid environment.

It is important to improve ventilation and use the air conditioner to maintain a comfortable room temperature during the summer. Also, make sure they stay hydrated by topping their food with wet food or giving them wet-type treats.

Cats have a habit of hiding physical discomfort. If they seem lethargic or are eating less, suspect "summer heat fatigue" and check the room temperature, and watch for vomiting or diarrhea.

You are the only one who can notice changes in your cat's health. Please take steps to prevent heat fatigue while keeping a close eye on your cat's condition.

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