Cat Got Summer Fatigue? A Vet Explains How to Recognize, Treat, and Prevent It

It is said that cats are relatively resilient to heat.

The reason for this is believed to be that their ancestors lived in the desert, which helped them adapt to high temperatures. However, because deserts are low in humidity, they are not well-suited to the high-humidity environment of Japan.

When it gets hot, heatstroke is a particular concern, but there is another condition with symptoms easily confused with heatstroke: summer lethargy (natsubate). This article explains how to identify, treat, and prevent summer lethargy in cats.

What are the symptoms of summer lethargy in cats?

The symptoms of summer lethargy in cats primarily manifest as digestive issues such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. They may also appear less energetic and sleep for longer periods.

Water intake decreases, and as a result, urine output also drops. In severe cases, this can lead to dehydration.

Heatstroke shares similar symptoms, but heatstroke is characterized by a sudden onset and rapid deterioration of health.

In cases of summer lethargy, the symptoms tend to appear slowly and persist over a long period. If you notice your cat seems to have a poor appetite lately, there is a higher possibility of summer lethargy.

How to treat summer lethargy in cats

Summer lethargy is a physical condition caused by heat. The keys to treatment are managing the temperature and providing a diet that keeps your cat eating.

In mild cases, adjusting the environment can lead to improvement.

Create a comfortable environment

The ideal room temperature for cats is said to be between 26 and 28°C. Once the temperature exceeds 30°C, the risk of summer lethargy and heatstroke increases. Please use an air conditioner to maintain the temperature between 26 and 28°C.

Over-cooling can also cause illness. Adjust the vents to avoid direct airflow on the cat and ensure they have a place to retreat to.

Trimming and brushing

Compared to short-haired breeds, long-haired cats tend to be more prone to summer lethargy. Long-haired breeds have a high hair density with excellent insulation, causing them to retain heat more easily. Furthermore, their hair can curl and form mats. These mats act like felt, trapping heat.

As the temperature rises, it is a good idea to consider a "summer cut" or brush their coat frequently.

While cutting your cat's hair at home is fine if you are experienced, inexperienced owners risk cutting the skin with clippers. We recommend having it done by a professional grooming salon or a veterinary clinic. Veterinary clinics can sometimes use mild sedation to ensure a safe and quick grooming session.

Ensure access to water

Cats often refuse to drink if the water is not nearby. Try increasing the number of water bowls in the house.

Many cats have strong preferences for the type of water they drink. Some prefer running water from a tap or leftover water in the bathtub. Offering a water fountain or tap water that has been left to sit overnight can also be effective. Adding cat-safe soup to their water is another helpful trick.

Provide easy-to-eat meals

Think back to a time when you were suffering from summer lethargy yourself. Haven't you ever felt that you couldn't eat anything heavy, but you could manage something cold or light like noodles? Cats are the same. Since dry food can dehydrate the mouth, cats suffering from summer lethargy often don't prefer it. Try offering wet food or adding soup to their meals to make it easier for them to eat.

Consult a veterinary clinic

If your cat doesn't improve despite these measures, or if they are showing signs of dehydration due to a lack of appetite or water intake, please take them to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

The clinic may administer subcutaneous fluids or anti-nausea injections to help alleviate current symptoms. They may also prescribe appetite stimulants.

If symptoms have been present for a long time, recovery will take longer. If you notice anything unusual at all, please visit the vet promptly.

How to prevent summer lethargy in cats

The prevention methods for summer lethargy are exactly the same as the treatment methods. Be mindful of adjusting the room temperature before the heat peaks, and ensure they never run out of water. If you choose to give your cat a summer cut, be careful not to do it too early, as they may become ill from the cold.

Avoid adding new items like fans or circulators that are not normally in the room, as this can be an environmental change that could cause stress and make your cat feel worse. Overdoing it is not recommended. Cats are good at finding their own comfortable spots. Sometimes, simply maintaining a reasonable room temperature and ensuring your cat can escape the direct draft of the air conditioner is enough to keep them stress-free.

As for their diet, there is no need to force wet food upon them if they are still eating well. Simply keep an eye on any changes in their appetite.

Summary

The symptoms of summer lethargy in cats overlap with those of heatstroke, so it can be difficult to tell them apart. Summer lethargy is characterized by symptoms that appear and worsen gradually. However, waiting to see how things progress can be dangerous if it turns out to be heatstroke, which can deteriorate rapidly. If you feel that your cat is slightly "off," we recommend consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible.

There is no single guaranteed way to prevent summer lethargy. Focus on reviewing their daily environment, keeping the room at an appropriate temperature, and ensuring a sufficient supply of drinking water to create a comfortable space for your cat.