Heatstroke in Cats

Heatstroke is characterized by an increase in body temperature and the inability of the body to regulate temperature. Cats are susceptible to heatstroke because they can only regulate their body temperature through panting or sweating from their foot pads. A pet that is left in a poorly ventilated area, unable to avoid direct sunlight, or without access to water can quickly succumb to heatstroke.

In severe cases, your cat's organs can begin to shut down and the condition can be life-threatening. If you suspect that your cat has heatstroke, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Symptoms of heatstroke increase in severity as the condition progresses. They range from initial behavioral symptoms your cat will exhibit in an attempt to regulate body temperature, to symptoms indicating that organs are beginning to shut down and the nervous system has become impaired.

Early symptoms of heatstroke

• Panting/drooling
• Sweating from feet
• Excessive grooming (to cool down)
• Anxiety/restlessness
• Elevated body temperature; 103-104 degrees Fahrenheit

Heatstroke

• Body temperature 104-105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Bright red tongue
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Staggering
• Dizziness
• Lethargy/weakness
• Muscle tremors
• Shock
• Seizures
• Collapse/coma

Heatstroke occurs when a cat is unable to dissipate heat and keep their body temperature at a healthy level. Factors that contribute to this are:

• High ambient temperature
• Inability to access shade or escape direct sunlight
• Non-ventilated environment, such as a vehicle
• Lack of access to water
• Excessive anxiety
• Excessive exercise

Senior cats, kittens, and flat-faced cats such as Persians are more susceptible to heatstroke. Cats suffering from chronic or acute illness and obese cats are also more likely to be affected than others.

Your veterinarian will ask you about your cat’s activity and environment to determine whether heatstroke is a possibility. Tell your vet about factors such as exposure to hot conditions without ventilation, being unable to access shade or water, or excessive activity.

Your vet will take your cat’s body temperature to determine if it has become elevated. A cat's normal body temperature should be in the 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit range. A body temperature of 102.5-104 degrees Fahrenheit is elevated and a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is life-threatening.

Blood work and urinalysis may be performed by your veterinarian to rule out whether an elevated temperature is due to infection as opposed to heatstroke.

If your cat is conscious and heatstroke is suspected, move them to a cool environment immediately and give them access to water. Do not force your cat to drink as this could result in choking. Consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If your cat is unconscious or has impaired consciousness, apply cool — not cold — water to your cat’s body, avoiding their head. Get your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

Your veterinarian will continue to cool your cat with cool water, but may also administer cool or room temperature intravenous fluid to decrease your cat's body temperature and counteract dehydration. Your veterinarian may also administer oxygen therapy, and a cool water enema.

Body temperature will be closely monitored every 5 minutes until it is in the normal range. Cooling methods will then be stopped to avoid over-cooling.

Your veterinarian may hospitalize your cat if organ damage is suspected, while some cats require medicine such as antibiotics.

If your cat's throat is swollen, which is possible with heatstroke, the vet may administer steroids to reduce inflammation. In addition, because blood clotting can be affected by severe heatstroke, your vet may check this through blood work and administer anticoagulants if required.

If no organ damage has occurred, your cat should experience a full recovery. However, a cat that has suffered from heatstroke previously may be more prone to recurrence, so take care to ensure they are not exposed to factors that could cause heatstroke in the future.

You should also monitor your cat for possible complications from organ damage, especially if elevated body temperature was prolonged, including watching for blood in the urine which would indicate kidney damage. Seek veterinary help immediately if any signs of organ damage appear.

Heatstroke can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of heatstroke, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!