Heat Stroke in Cats

In the heart of summer, the extreme heat may lead you to become dehydrated, and to experience physical symptoms such as dizziness and heart palpitations - signs that you may be suffering from heat stroke. Likewise, the heat can lead your cat to experience heat stroke as well. While our furry friends cannot tell us they are too hot, you can observe several signs in them that will tell you they are overheated.

At-Risk Cats:

Some cats are more prone to developing heat stroke than others. However, remember that ALL cats can suffer from heat stroke.

Cats who are especially prone to developing heat stroke include: kittens, senior cats (8 years old and older), obese cats, and cats who have dense coats, such as Persians.

Signs of Heat Stroke in Cats:

• Anxiety - your cat may be agitated or pace around.
• Lethargy.
• Panting.
• Gums that are dark red or pale in color.
• Bright red tongue.
  
• Increased internal body temperature - according to About, normal body temperature for felines is between 100.5 to 101.5 degrees. An internal temperature of 104 degrees or higher is cause for concern.
  
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting.
• Collapse.
  
• Nose bleed.
• Muscle tremors.
  
• Increased heartbeat.
• Lethargy.
• Hyperventilation or respiratory distress.
• Coma.
  

Preventing Heat Stroke in Cats:

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways in which you can help keep your kitty from overheating during the summer months. First, keep your cat indoors during summer months in a cool interior room of the house (preferably with some air conditioning or a fan). Some cats enjoy laying in the bathroom because the tile floor is often cooler than carpeted spaces.

One suggestion About has regarding keeping your cat cool that I really like is to take a bag of frozen peas and put them in your cat's bed. The peas will mold around him and he or she will have somewhere very cool to sleep.

Never leave your furry friend alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature in a parked car rises very quickly, even in the cooler months, so it is essential that when you are traveling with your feline that there is plenty of ventilation.

In order to ensure your cat stays hydrated, ensure he or she always has a supply of fresh, cool, water. You might want to put more bowls of water down for your kitty during the summer because staying hydrated is so important. You can even drop an ice cube in your cat's water to encourage him or her to drink it.

If your cat shows the signs of heat stroke, it is essential that you begin cooling your cat as soon as possible. Get your kitty wet with cool, but NOT cold water. Next, wrap some cool, damp towels around him or her so that he or she can continue to cool down while you take your furry friend to the vet. If your cat exhibits the signs of heat stroke, it is essential that you take him or her to the vet (or a vet hospital) immediately, as this is a life-threatening condition.

You can help your cat stay cool this summer by utilizing these techniques. If you have found other techniques to work for keeping your feline cool, please feel free to share them in the comments section.