Inside this Article:
Heatstroke in Cats: How to Prevent and Treat It in Hot Weather
This year’s temperatures have been exceptionally high. By June, we already felt the intense heat, and the weather reports show temperatures exceeding 42°C in the top 10 cities. For furry cats, this extreme heat poses a significant challenge. Recently, several cats have been brought to pet hospitals for treatment of heatstroke.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at this dangerous condition and how to recognize and treat it in your cat.
1. Heatstroke Is Not Just About Sun Exposure!
There are two main types of heatstroke: heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Heat exhaustion is caused by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which leads to cerebral congestion and severe neurological dysfunction. Cats placed in areas where they are directly exposed to the sun, such as balconies, are at risk of developing heat exhaustion.
- Heatstroke, on the other hand, occurs when pets are in high-temperature environments with poor ventilation, causing their body temperature to exceed 41°C. For example, in summer, indoor temperatures can exceed 30°C and sometimes even reach 40°C. Without proper cooling measures, and without ventilation, cats are highly susceptible to heatstroke.
In clinical settings, heatstroke is more common than heat exhaustion.
2. How to Identify Heatstroke in Cats?
Heatstroke doesn't always show distinct symptoms, and at first, your cat may just have rapid breathing and be lethargic. Many pet owners might think their cat is just tired or a bit overheated and not pay much attention.
However, heatstroke can progress rapidly and include a variety of symptoms. As the condition worsens, you may notice your cat becoming unsteady on their feet, drooling excessively, vomiting, and having diarrhea. In severe cases, your cat might have foam or blood in their mouth.
Once a cat’s temperature regulation is thrown off balance, even a slight rise of 2-3°C in body temperature can lead to multi-organ failure, and death can occur in as little as 15 minutes.
Among pets diagnosed with heatstroke, the survival rate is only about 50%.
If heatstroke causes severe brain damage, even if the cat survives, they may experience long-term effects.
3. What to Do If Your Cat Gets Heatstroke?
- Move your cat to a cool, ventilated area.
- Use a damp towel to cool them down. Never pour ice-cold water on your cat.
- Immediately contact a nearby pet hospital for professional treatment.
- Do not give your cat herbs like Ho Shee powder.
4. How to Prevent Heatstroke in Cats?
- Ensure plenty of fresh water is available at all times. Place water bowls in different rooms to encourage your cat to drink more.
- Monitor the temperature in your home. Close the curtains when you go out to prevent sunlight from heating your home. The ideal indoor temperature should not exceed 30°C. If possible, turn on the air conditioning when you leave your cat alone.
- Avoid using popular space cat carriers during hot weather. These carriers are often poorly ventilated and can cause heatstroke.
- Never leave your cat alone in a car, even with the windows open. The temperature inside a car can rise dramatically, even with the windows slightly open, leading to life-threatening heatstroke.
- Ensure the environment is cool and ventilated when bathing your cat. Always monitor your cat's condition during baths.
- Special care is needed for brachycephalic breeds (such as Exotic Shorthair cats), elderly cats, or obese cats, as they are more prone to heatstroke.
Final Thoughts:
During the hot summer months, it’s important to pay extra attention to your cat’s well-being. By following these precautions, you can prevent heatstroke and keep your pet safe and healthy. We hope all cats have a happy and healthy summer!
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