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

Cats are said to be relatively tolerant of heat.

The reason for this is that cats' ancestors lived in deserts, so they are said to have adapted to withstand high temperatures. However, deserts have no humidity, so cats are not as well-suited to highly humid environments like Japan.

Heatstroke is a particular concern when it gets hot, but summer fatigue can be mistaken for heatstroke. This article explains how to identify, treat, and prevent summer fatigue in cats.

Symptoms of summer fatigue in cats

Symptoms of summer fatigue in cats primarily include gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. They also become lethargic and sleep for longer periods.

Water intake decreases, and consequently, urine output also decreases. In severe cases, dehydration can occur.

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

Summer fatigue, on the other hand, is characterized by symptoms that appear slowly and persist for a longer time. If your cat seems to have a slightly reduced appetite recently, there is a high possibility of summer fatigue.

How to treat summer fatigue in cats

Summer fatigue is caused by discomfort due to heat. The key is to take measures against the heat and provide food that doesn't reduce appetite.

If the symptoms are mild, improving the environment may help.

Create a comfortable environment

The comfortable room temperature for cats is said to be 26-28°C. When the room temperature exceeds 30°C, the risk of summer fatigue and heatstroke increases. Use air conditioning to adjust the temperature to 26-28°C.

Over-cooling can also cause health problems. Set the air conditioner so that the wind does not directly hit your cat, and make sure there is a place for them to escape to.

Grooming and brushing

Long-haired breeds tend to suffer from summer fatigue more easily than short-haired breeds. Long-haired breeds have a high density of fur and excellent insulation, making them prone to retaining heat. Additionally, long-haired breeds may have curly hair, which can lead to matting. Mats cause the fur to felt together, making it easier for heat to accumulate.

When the temperature rises, it is a good idea to give them a summer cut or brush them frequently.

If you've cut your cat's hair at home many times before, that's fine, but if someone unfamiliar with the process tries it, they might cut the skin with clippers. We recommend getting your cat's hair cut at a grooming salon or veterinary clinic that offers cat grooming services. Veterinary clinics sometimes use sedatives, allowing for a quick and safe cat haircut.

Ensure access to water

Cats tend not to drink water if there isn't any nearby. Increase the number of water bowls.

Many cats are very particular about the type of water they drink. Some cats prefer running water from a faucet or leftover bathwater. It's a good idea to provide a water fountain or water that has been left overnight. Mixing cat soup into their drinking water can also be effective.

Provide easy-to-eat food

Recall a time when you, the owner, experienced summer fatigue. Did you not want to eat anything, but could manage cold foods or somen noodles? It's the same for cats. Dry food can dehydrate the mouth, so cats with summer fatigue are not very fond of it. Use wet food or pour soup over their food to make it easier for them to eat.

Visit a vet

If these measures do not lead to improvement, or if your cat is dehydrated due to decreased appetite or water intake, visit a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

Subcutaneous fluids may be administered, or anti-nausea injections given, to alleviate the current symptoms. Medications to stimulate appetite may also be used.

If a significant amount of time has passed since the symptoms appeared, recovery will take longer. If you notice even slight changes in your cat's condition, it is advisable to visit a veterinary hospital early.

How to prevent summer fatigue in cats

The prevention methods for summer fatigue in cats are exactly the same as the treatment methods. Be sure to adjust the room temperature and ensure a constant supply of drinking water even before it gets hot. If you plan to give your cat a summer cut, be careful not to do it too early, as it could cause them to fall ill from the cold.

If you prepare things that are not usually in the room, such as fans or circulators, to prevent summer fatigue, it can lead to environmental changes for your cat and potentially cause them to become unwell. Overdoing it is prohibited. Cats find comfortable places for themselves. Adjusting the room temperature of their usual living space and ensuring they have a place to escape from the air conditioner's breeze may be less stressful for your cat.

Regarding food, if your cat is eating, there's no need to proactively add wet food. Observe changes in their appetite.

Summary

The symptoms of summer fatigue in cats are similar to heatstroke, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two. Summer fatigue is characterized by symptoms that worsen slowly, even if present. However, if you wait and see, it could actually be heatstroke and worsen rapidly. If you notice that your cat seems unwell, we recommend visiting a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

There is no single definitive way to prevent summer fatigue in cats. Review your cat's usual living environment, adjust the room temperature to an appropriate level, ensure a sufficient supply of drinking water, and strive to create an environment where your cat can live comfortably.