[Written by a Veterinarian] How to Prevent Heatstroke and Summer Fatigue in Cats: Unmissable Warning Signs and Proper Heat Prevention Measures

The extremely hot days continue, don't they? Some areas have seen temperatures exceed 40℃. While most cats are now kept indoors, air conditioners can sometimes struggle against the heat, making it difficult to lower indoor temperatures. In such high temperatures, even indoors, there's a risk of your cat suffering from summer fatigue or heatstroke. This article will explain summer fatigue and heatstroke in cats.

What's the difference between "summer fatigue" and "heatstroke" in cats?

Causes and symptoms of summer fatigue in cats

The ancestors of cats, known as African wildcats, lived in deserts. Therefore, cats are generally strong against heat but tend to be vulnerable to humidity. Recent Japanese summers are characterized by high temperatures and high humidity, making it a challenging season for cats. Additionally, cats can only sweat through their paw pads, making them prone to retaining heat. When it gets hot, their autonomic nervous system can become imbalanced, leading to a decrease in appetite, reduced gastrointestinal function, and an overall feeling of discomfort or poor health.

Life-threatening! What is heatstroke in cats?

Heatstroke is a condition where the body retains too much heat, and the body's temperature regulation system can't keep up. This leads to various bodily dysfunctions and is an extremely dangerous, life-threatening situation. As mentioned earlier, cats cannot sweat over their entire body, only through their paw pads, so their body temperature can rapidly rise in a hot and humid environment. Therefore, cats are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans.

【Checklist】Early symptoms and dangerous signs of summer fatigue/heatstroke in cats

First aid if your cat might have summer fatigue or heatstroke

Correct ways to cool the body at home

If it's summer fatigue, provide a cool environment and allow your cat to move around on its own. However, if there's a possibility of heatstroke, you need to lower its body temperature immediately. First, if possible, move your cat to a cool or shaded area. Then, gently cool the areas where major blood vessels run (neck, armpits, inner thighs) with an ice pack wrapped in a towel.

However, during heatstroke, the body's temperature regulation may not function normally, so there's a risk of the body temperature dropping too much. Be sure to check that it's not getting too cold. If your cat is conscious, you can give it small sips of room-temperature water, but if it's drowsy or unconscious, do not give it water due to the risk of choking.

No self-diagnosis! When to take your cat to the vet

If you notice signs of heatstroke, provide first aid and immediately contact your veterinarian for instructions. Heatstroke can quickly worsen and become life-threatening if not treated properly. Do not wait, even at night or on weekends; visit an emergency veterinary hospital. Cats with pre-existing conditions, senior cats, obese cats, and long-haired breeds are at higher risk of heatstroke. If your cat seems even slightly unwell, consult a veterinarian.

Protect your cat from summer fatigue and heatstroke! Proper heat countermeasures you can start today

Appropriate air conditioner temperature and humidity guidelines

The comfortable room temperature for cats is around 26℃ to 28℃, and humidity should be between 50% and 60%. If the air conditioner's breeze hits them directly too much, their body temperature might drop too low, causing them to feel unwell. Provide a place like a cat house where the wind doesn't directly hit, or keep doors open with door stoppers so they can move to other rooms.

Tips for "hydration" so they can always drink fresh water

Cats don't actively seek out water, so they tend to become dehydrated in the summer. Therefore, especially in summer, increase the number of water bowls and ensure they can drink water frequently. Also, since dry food has low moisture content, in addition to drinking water, encourage hydration by utilizing wet food, cat soups, or cat-specific oral rehydration solutions.

Utilize heat protection goods for peace of mind even when you're out

When you're away, it's hard to know the indoor temperature, so even with the air conditioner on, the room might become hot. Even with the air conditioner on, use cooling mats, aluminum pans, marble plates, and other items that can lower body temperature as heat protection. However, these items should be used when the room temperature is regulated by an air conditioner.

If there's no air conditioner, or only a fan is used, or just windows are opened, the room temperature can get quite high, and heat protection items alone cannot overcome the heat. In case of a power outage, keep shaded areas open and place heat protection items there so your cat can escape the heat as much as possible.

Summary: Prevent your cat's summer fatigue and heatstroke by "creating a suitable environment" as an owner

In a sealed indoor environment, cats cannot change their surroundings themselves, so measures such as adjusting the room temperature with an air conditioner or preparing cooling items are necessary. Conversely, ensure there's a place where they can escape the air conditioner's breeze to avoid getting too cold. In the unfortunate event that the air conditioner stops for some reason, or if your cat has been exposed to direct sunlight and developed heatstroke, perform cooling procedures and immediately contact your regular veterinarian or an emergency hospital. Furthermore, if you notice even the slightest change in their condition, consult a veterinarian.

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