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Heatstroke in Cats
Written By Wag! Staff
Published: 11/12/2016Updated: 09/26/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Heatstroke?
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.
Heatstroke Average Cost
From 250 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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Symptoms of Heatstroke in Cats
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
Causes of Heatstroke in Cats
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.
Diagnosis of Heatstroke in Cats
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.
Treatment of Heatstroke in Cats
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.
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Recovery of Heatstroke in Cats
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!
Heatstroke Average Cost
From 250 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Top
Heatstroke Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Medium long hai
Buddy
3 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting
My cat suffered heat stroke, he was in a hot place and he drooled all over his fur on his chest. He recovered well, as far as I can tell. This was 8 weeks ago. I've noticed he pants alot now when it's hot or if he is in the sun. I'm worried he might have internal damage. I havnt seen any blood in his urine and he eats regularly and goes to the bathroom as normal. Could he have any internal long term complications from this in the future now ?
Sept. 18, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Norwegian forest cat
Sunny
13 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Drooling
Excessive Saliva
Excessive Cleaning
Sweating Paws
This has as been an usually hot summer and usual my cat hasn’t had any issues (or at least not to my knowledge) with the heat. My cat is 13yrs old and is a long hair breed, a Norwegian Forest Cat. From what I know about his breed he is meant to be in freezing environments, so I wonder if this particular summer’s excess heat has caused him to have heat stroke or caused him to over heat? I say this because all of a sudden this summer...a week or so ago (during the hottest part of summer) my cat started to produce a lot of saliva than more than usual. He has also been drooling, panting, cleaning a lot more than usual, and he’s restless. He is an indoor and outdoor cat but he prefers to be outside during the day. However, he can come inside whenever he wants. When he’s outside he’s in the shade or can be if he wants. He also has constant excess to water. But I wonder if due to the thickness of his fur if he’s is getting too hot and that’s what is causing his symptoms. Btw He’s also may be drinking pool water. I don’t know what may be causing these symptoms. He has not vomited or had diarrea (as far as I know). He’s eating and drink and going to the bathroom. He’s behavior is normal for the most part and although he does seems a little off balance. Can you help me figure out what’s wrong? And Should I go to vet? I’m ask because he hate hates the vet more than most cats and I would like to avoid a visit if not necessary. What do you think is wrong with my little man?
Aug. 31, 2018
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Heatstroke Average Cost
From 250 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
