Top Tips to Prevent Cat Heatstroke: Stay Cool with Your

Causes of Heatstroke in Cats

As the summer heat intensifies, cats that spend prolonged periods in high temperatures can experience disruptions in their body's temperature regulation center. This can lead to excessive loss of electrolytes in their body fluids, triggering more severe circulatory dysfunction. If not addressed promptly, this can result in organ damage and even be lifethreatening. In the summer, if indoor ventilation is inadequate or if the home is on a high floor, the indoor temperature can easily exceed 36°C, surpassing the upper limit of a cat's thermal balance (which ranges from 3036°C for domestic cats).

Symptoms of Heatstroke in Cats

Cats, unlike dogs, have sweat glands around their mouths and on their paw pads, which help dissipate heat. When they feel overheated, they will stretch their limbs to expose as much of their paw pads as possible to the air, facilitating sweating (and the release of pheromones). The wet prints left behind are what we refer to as "sweaty paws," a term often mentioned by veterinarians.

Of course, cats have more than just sweat glands to cool down. They also rely on licking their fur, using the evaporation of moisture in their saliva to remove heat from their bodies. This method is not surprising since cats and dogs have different ancestors, with cats originating from the African wildcat, which inhabited the fertile crescent, a region with high temperatures and low humidity, teaching them various cooling techniques.

When these two methods are insufficient, cats will attempt to breathe heavily, exhaling hot air and inhaling fresh, cool air to cool down. When a cat exhibits this behavior, it may already be on the brink of heatstroke.

As temperatures rise, if the surrounding air is not cool enough, and the cat's heavy breathing does not effectively dissipate internal heat, it can lead to rapid water loss and energy depletion, potentially causing dehydration. At this point, the symptoms of heatstroke will become apparent, including elevated body temperature, dry nose, and red conjunctiva and mucous membranes in the mouth. In severe cases, seizures and coma may occur. It is crucial to cool the cat down immediately and seek veterinary care, as delayed treatment can lead to hyperthermia and even death.

Prevention of Heatstroke in Cats

The simplest and most effective way to prevent heatstroke is to control indoor temperatures, which can be achieved through the use of air conditioning, fans, or proper ventilation.

Ensure your cat has access to plenty of cool, lowsodium water, which will help them dissipate heat through sweating, urination, and heavy breathing, while also replenishing fluids and electrolytes.

Provide your cat with large tiles or cooling mats to prevent their body temperature from rising.

Trim the fur between your cat's paw pads to allow sweat to evaporate more quickly.

Treatment of Heatstroke in Cats

When a cat shows signs of heatstroke, immediately move it to a cool, shaded area. Then, drape a damp towel over the cat to lower its body temperature. If the cat is conscious and able to swallow, use a syringe or small spoon to give it some saltwater to ensure adequate fluid intake.

If the cat exhibits seizures or coma, it is not advisable to treat at home or to observe without intervention. Seek veterinary care immediately. During transport, use cold towels or water bottles to apply to the cat's forehead and neck to prevent excessive heat in the brain from causing neurological damage.

Important Tips:

For more information on treating heatstroke in cats, click 'How to Treat Heatstroke in Cats and Dogs'.