[Permanent Preservation] Has Your Cat Suffered From Heatstroke? A Veterinarian Explains How to Recognize It, Provide First Aid, and What to Do Until Your Vet Visit

July has arrived, and we are seeing many more very hot days. We often hear reports on the news of people being rushed to the hospital with heatstroke.

In hot conditions, not only humans but also cats can suffer from heatstroke.

Heatstroke in animals is an emergency, and unfortunately, it is a condition with a very high mortality rate.

In this article, we will explain heatstroke in cats.

What is heatstroke in cats?

Heatstroke is a condition caused by a rapid rise in ambient temperature, which impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature, leading to high body temperature, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities.

Humans cool themselves by sweating from their entire body, but cats can only sweat from certain parts of their bodies, such as their paw pads.

While cats' ancestors lived in deserts, they are not well-suited to highly humid environments like that of Japan.

In hot and humid environments, cats cannot sweat effectively, causing body heat to build up inside them and leading to heatstroke.

Like in humans, heatstroke in cats is a medical emergency with a very high potential for fatality. Even if they survive, there is a risk of lasting aftereffects.

If your cat is in a hot environment and shows the following symptoms, they may have heatstroke.

Main symptoms of heatstroke in cats

• Body is hot (body temperature of 40°C or higher)
• Lack of energy
• Rapid breathing
• Open-mouth breathing, drooling
• Eyes, inside of the mouth, and inside of the ears are red and congested
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Staggering
• Bloody urine or bloody stool
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness

Among these symptoms, they become more severe as you go down the list.

While appetite loss can sometimes occur due to the summer heat, a characteristic of heatstroke is the rapid deterioration of symptoms.

Cats more susceptible to heatstroke

All cats are at risk of heatstroke in hot environments, but the following cats are at even higher risk.

Kittens and senior cats

Kittens and senior cats have immature or declining thermoregulation capabilities.

Even in hot environments, they may find it difficult to move to a cooler area on their own, leading to an increase in body temperature.

Long-haired breeds

Long-haired cats have a higher coat density than short-haired cats, making it easier for their body temperature to rise. Many long-haired breeds originate from cold regions and tend to be sensitive to heat.

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds

Brachycephalic breeds are known as "flat-faced" cats. Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs are examples of brachycephalic breeds.

These cats have narrow noses, mouths, and tracheas, which restrict airflow.

While cats can release body heat through breathing, brachycephalic cats struggle to effectively dissipate heat from their bodies, putting them at higher risk for heatstroke.

Obese cats

Obese cats have more adipose tissue, which makes it easier for heat to build up inside the body. Additionally, adipose tissue can accumulate around the airway, making it difficult to dissipate heat through breathing.

Cats with underlying medical conditions

Cats with underlying conditions such as heart disease or respiratory disease have a higher risk of developing heatstroke. Furthermore, since cats with chronic conditions are often older, they are more susceptible to heatstroke and more likely to develop severe cases.

First aid for heatstroke in cats

If you suspect your cat has heatstroke, you must act immediately as it can be life-threatening. Here is how to perform first aid for heatstroke.

Move them to a cool environment

Heatstroke occurs in hot environments. Therefore, as soon as you discover the cat, you must turn on the air conditioning or move them to a well-ventilated, shaded area if you are outdoors.

Cool the body down

Heatstroke is a state where body temperature is high and the cat cannot lower it on their own. Therefore, you must help them lower their body temperature.

To lower body temperature, it is effective to cool the neck, underarms, and inner thighs, where large blood vessels are located. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel.

Applying a wet towel is also effective, and blowing air with a fan will help lower the body temperature more efficiently.

If you have a shower, it is also good to gently run water over them.

Give them water

Heatstroke can sometimes result from an inability to take in enough moisture. If the cat is conscious, place a bowl of water near them.

If the cat is unconscious or unable to drink on their own, never force them to drink, as this can lead to choking. In this case, take them to a veterinary clinic immediately.

Steps to take before visiting the veterinary clinic

Even if the symptoms are mild, you must always take your cat to a veterinary clinic if they have had heatstroke.

Serious symptoms or aftereffects may emerge after some time has passed.

Here are the steps to follow when heading to the vet for heatstroke.

Perform first aid

As soon as you discover signs of heatstroke, you need to provide first aid and lower their body temperature as much as possible.

Call the veterinary clinic

When visiting a veterinary clinic for heatstroke, try to call ahead if possible.

Heatstroke is a high-priority emergency, and the clinic may need to prepare medication and equipment, such as oxygen inhalation or CPR supplies.

By notifying them, the clinic can have necessary items ready by the time your cat arrives.

When calling the vet, in addition to basic information about your cat, please provide the following:

• Time of onset (if they were outdoors, the duration spent outside)
• Cat's condition
• How long it will take to arrive at the clinic
• Presence of any underlying medical conditions

Since this happens suddenly, most owners are understandably confused.

Calling the clinic can also get you specific first aid instructions. Follow the instructions given by the veterinary clinic.

Transport to the veterinary clinic

Once you have called the clinic, prepare for transport as quickly as possible. Continue cooling the cat's body while moving to the clinic.

Summary

In the coming season, the risk of heatstroke for both humans and cats will be very high. While most cats are kept indoors, always leave the air conditioning on when you go out. Do not blow the cold air directly onto the cat; instead, adjust it so that the cold air circulates throughout the room. The cat also needs a place to escape from the air conditioning. Fresh drinking water is also important for heatstroke prevention; place water in multiple locations around the house.

If your cat develops heatstroke, stay calm, perform first aid immediately, and seek instructions from a veterinary clinic.

It is only going to get hotter from here. Let's ensure both people and cats stay comfortable and safe.