Heat stroke in cats – Symptoms and first aid

Heat stroke or hyperthermia is a excessive rise in temperature Body of the cat that can cause damage to your body. In the most serious cases, irreversible damage and even death may occur.

For this same reason, it is essential to know the symptoms of heat stroke in the cat as well as the first aid that we must apply or the basic prevention methods.

In this article we will explain how to correctly identify heat stroke in cats and we’ll give you the best tips so you can act quickly if you need to. Keep reading:

Causes of heat stroke in cats

The usual temperature of the felines round between 38ºC and 39,5ºC. Once these levels are overcome, the cat tries to regulate the temperature by means of the sweat in the pads, the genital area, the saliva and they can even get to pant.

Some felines are going to be more susceptible than others to suffer a heat stroke and it is that the advanced age, health problems already present or obesity can cause the animal to have a certain predisposition to it.

The most common causes Heat stroke are the following:

• Water: As we all know cats are very hygienic and neat animals so a water in poor condition, not renewed and even the lack of it can make you not drink with the proper frequency. We must be alert.

• Temperature: High temperatures, humidity and in general, suffocating environments, dehydrate our pet more easily.

• Closed spaces: Cages, carriers and cars are not appropriate places to leave our cat. This type of space, if not well ventilated, can reach high temperatures with great ease. We should not leave our cat in such spaces.

• Prolonged exposure to the sun: The lack of shade and cool places to take refuge can cause an alarming body temperature increase. It is important to make sure from time to time that our cat is well.

If we suspect that our cat may be dehydrated or suffering from excessive heat it will be important to evaluate the symptoms that will be explained below. Do not forget that heat stroke is a serious health problem and therefore we must act quickly.

Symptoms of heat stroke in cats

As we have mentioned before, heat stroke can have devastating effects on the organism of the cat, which can cause multi-organ failure, intestinal bleeding and even death.

If we suspect that the cat may be suffering a heat stroke it will be imperative check the temperature by a thermometer. If this is higher than 42ºC We must act quickly and apply first aid. Other symptoms that are also common in heat stroke are:

• Weakness
• Muscular tremors
• Wobble
• Abundant salivation
• High heart rate
• Bluish language

What to do if the cat suffers heat stroke – First aid

If our cat is suffering a heat stroke or has a very high body temperature it will be basic to apply first aid as soon as possible.

We recommend that you call the emergency veterinarian to describe the symptoms that we observe and follow your specific instructions. However, here are some tips you can follow to alleviate your situation:

1. Importantly we should not lower its temperature radically but rathergradually. A change too sudden could cause hypothermia in our cat.
2. Take your cat to a cool place that does not receive the sun’s rays. You can also help with a fan at minimum speed.
3. Moisten your mouth slightly with a spray diffuser, for example.
4. Apply fresh water cloths to the head, neck, belly, chest and legs. You can use gauze or small rags, never a whole towel.
5. Check its temperature until it reaches 39ºC.
6. Moisten your mouth regularly with the diffuser.

The ideal at this point would be to urgently request an appointment with the specialist to help us rule out possible side effects derived from heat stroke. The professional can also recommend the supply of mineral salts or glucose. We will continue taking care of our cat paying attention, making sure that it has access to fresh water at all times and avoiding direct contact with the sun.

Tips to avoid heat stroke in cats

Whether our cat has suffered heat stroke or not, it will be important keep these tips in mind in summer or on days of excessive heat. Take note:

• Never leave your cat locked in a car, a carrier or any type of cabin, especially under the sun. These instruments must always be of temporary use.
• Check that your cat always has fresh and clean water in abundance.
• We will always provide a shaded area in which the feline can be fresh.
• In summer it will be advisable to go to the feline hairdresser to trim the mantle of long-haired cats.
• We will avoid obesity through exercises for cats, however we will avoid intense and prolonged exercise.
• Offer food at sunset, always in a cool place.

The affection and care towards our pet is the true formula to prevent a heat stroke. Therefore it is useful pay attention regularly and monitor that the 5 freedoms of animal welfare are covered.

This article is merely informative, in .com we do not have the faculty to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Heat stroke in cats – Symptoms and first aid, we recommend that you enter in our First Aid section.