Vet Note (please delete): The body temperature can be deceiving. Is likely to be elevated to 40-41.5 degrees but if the owner has started the cooling process, then the temperature can be normal or even low!

As we discussed, I am worried that your cat may be suffering from a degree of heat stroke and it is therefore important that you take action immediately to prevent the condition getting worse and reduce the risk of death.

If you suspect your cat has signs of heat stroke then you should consider starting the following first aid procedures immediately and consult your vet or your emergency out of hours service provider. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop further.

First aid

- Water is the most effective way to cool your cat BUT this must always be done safely to avoid accidental water inhalation and drowning.

- Spray your pet with cool or temperate water or immerse your cat in water while holding the head securely above the water at all times.

Most cats are not used to being immersed in water or going for at swim. If your cat is fearful of water, poor water on it, instead of immersing it in water. Fear and stress can exacerbate the heat stroke and may lead to you being scratched or bitten.

- If water is not available then move the cat to a cooler place without delay (air conditioned room, air conditioned car, shaded space etc.)

- Provide good air circulation for example by using a fan as this helps with the cooling.

- Put ice packs on both sides of the neck near the windpipe to cool the blood vessels in the neck. This can also be done during transport.

- Allow the cat to drink small amounts of cool water or alternatively provide ice cubes for the cat to lick.

- Consider pre-cooling the interior of the car prior to traveling with the cat if a visit to the vet clinic is deemed necessary.

New studies suggest that when urgent cooling is needed the temperature of the water is less important as long as it is lower than the body temperature. 15-16 degrees is best but in reality, you need to use whatever you have available and start the cooling as soon as possible. Furthermore, wet towels are not recommended as this reduces the amount of heat lost by radiation, convection and evaporation.

Clinical signs of heat stroke

- Increased temperature 40 degrees and above but can in some cases be decreased or normal. So a normal body temperature does not exclude heat related illness.

- Noisy, fast and excessive panting with conscious effort.

- Drooling.

- Vomiting.

- Red, purple or pale gums or tongue.

- Fast and weak pulses.

- Lethargy/depression.

- Weakness or collapse.

- Seizures.

- Bleeding tendencies.

Background

Heat stroke in cats is very serious yet a common pet presentation. It is an avoidable consequence of overexposure to heat in the absence of adequate means of cooling or reduced ability to manage their own body temperature.

Heat stroke often occurs during exercise in hot weather or if the cat is unable to move away from a hot environment with inadequate ventilation. There can be very serious consequences of heat stroke including organ failure and death and it is therefore very important that you act very quickly if your cat shows any signs of heat stroke.

All cats, of any age, gender or breed, are at risk of developing heat stroke but unfortunately there are those who are particularly susceptible

- Flat-faced cats (known as brachycephalic breeds) such as Persian cats have a decreased ability to cool down by themselves. Cats pant to cool themselves and having a short face reduces the ability to move air well enough to cool the body as well as cats with a long face and larger nostrils. Panting like a dog is not a common behaviour in cats. Panting can be caused by e.g. heat stroke, stress, respiratory disease or heart disease. Contact your vet if the panting doesn´t resolve within a few minutes.

- Overweight cats: These cats are at much higher risk as normal activities such as breathing and walking require more effort. The body temperature will therefore increase more rapidly in overweight animals compared to normal fit animals.

- Thick hair coat: Long-haired or semi long-haired breeds such as Persian cats, Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats and Birman cats. Some owners choose to get the hair of these breeds trimmed every summer to prevent heat related discomfort or illness.

- Very young & older cats: Older cats (around 11 or years old) and very young cats have a reduced capability to adequately regulate their body temperature, are sometimes less mobile and can dehydrate more quickly. 

- Cats with pre-existing and chronic illnesses: e.g. heart disease or any condition that affects breathing. More effort is needed to cool down and a critical point can be reached more quickly.

- Overexertion: Sunny days are when we all want to play outside. But for cats, particularly those who are not used to such temperatures and those at increased risk noted above, such days can cause a risk of developing heatstroke. For a vulnerable animal, any exercise in hot weather may actually constitute over exertion.

- Anxious or fearful cats such as cats with transportation anxiety. The stress itself increases the cat´s heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure and so on, which can make the heat stroke even worse.

Some cats may have several or indeed all of these additional risk factors and in this case, you need to take very great care in any warm weather or warm and humid environments.

Prevention

- Do not play high activity games with your cat in the daytime if the weather is hot.

- Provide many sources of cool shade and fresh water inside your home and outdoors if your cat has got access to your garden. A few ice cubes in the bowl can help keep the water cool, and some cats enjoy playing with the ice cubes in the water bowl. A water fountain will help keep the water cool and interesting for your cat too.

- Feed your cat extra wet food, and add extra water to it, to encourage an increased water intake.

- Never leave a cat in a car or any enclosed area during hot weather. If you must transport your cat in a vehicle, use the aircon to cool the vehicle before you put the cat inside. If your car does not have aircon, drive in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler. And try to park in the shade. Do not put a thick blanket in the carrier. A thin hand towel is enough. Reschedule routine vet appointments such as vaccinations to a cooler day.

- Groom your cat regularly so that there is no excess hair to hold the heat.

- Keep your cat in good body condition, if your cat is gaining weight seek good dietary advice from you vet, it may save their life.

- Have to hand reliable pet cooling accessories during hot weather periods such as water, a fan or a cooling mat.

- Be certain that your cat has left the greenhouse or shed before you close the door to it. Being trapped in the hot environment is a high risk for heat stroke.

- Cats often enjoy laying in the clothes dryer. Always check the dryer for cats before turning it on! Cat suffer from heat stroke from being caught in the dryer.