Heat Stroke In Cats
Can You Spot Heat Stroke in Your Cat?
Most of the news focus' on heat stroke or the heat in general and how it affects dogs, but cats are just as susceptible, and the good news is the warning signs are pretty much the same as in dogs and the treatment is similar as well.
Early Warning Signs (Heat Exhaustion)
Rapid panting and/or heavy, noisy breathing – think rasping noises
Pacing, inability to settle, or an intense search for cool surfaces.
Licking their fur more than usual, especially the belly, legs, and paws, this is an attempt to cool down.
Sweaty or warm paw pads (leaving damp footprints) and extremely hot ears, remember that their paws are their main sweat point.
Sprawling out flat on cool floors with a low head or hiding in dark places.
Severe Signs (Heat Stroke)
Bright red, dark red, or pale tongue and/or gums inside the mouth.
Vomiting or diarrhoea (which may contain blood).
Mental confusion, dizziness, staggering, or muscle tremors.
Physical Crash: Sudden weakness, complete collapse, seizures, or coma.
If you notice these severe, life-threatening symptoms, you must move your cat to a cool area and contact a vet immediately.Because most cats are masters at masking their discomfort recognising the early signs can be difficult unless you are really watching your cat.
What to do if your cat is overheating:
Take your cat to a shaded or air-conditioned space immediately.
Cool them quickly with lukewarm (tap temperature) or cool water. Never use ice-cold water or submerge them entirely, as this is likely to cause them to fight the process even more. Be careful not to let them inhale the water, so avoid their head but soak the rest of their body. Put them on top of a cold, soaking wet towel, but don’t wrap them in one. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen veg in a tea-towel and place in in between their legs
Offer them a drink of cold water but do not force them to drink
Call your closest vet and get them in to be seen asap.
The important thing is to act fast and stay calm.
As we get more and more hot weather having an action plan ready to go is an important part of being a pet owner to ensure you and your pet have many happy years together.
