Sun Safety: Recognising and Preventing Heatstroke in Cats

Summer can feel wonderful with beautiful clear days and lots of basking in the sun. However, the sun brings both joy and danger to us and our feline friends.

Heatstroke can be life-threatening and develop very quickly in our cats. So, to help keep our feline friends safe here is our ultimate guide to heatstroke.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur when your cat’s body temperature gets too high. Our cats naturally run a little hotter than us, with their normal body temperature being between 38.1-39.2°C.

If your cat’s temperature rises above 40°C they are at risk of developing heatstroke. This can cause severe dehydration, blood clotting, seizures, organ damage and eventually death. The longer your cat has an elevated temperature the more dangerous it will be.

It is essential cats are cooled down as quickly as possible and taken to the vet ASAP.

Many owners will assume that spikes in temperature during the summer are the biggest risk for heatstroke. The truth is the average UK summer can pose a risk to any animal.

Our feline friends have a limited ability to sweat, so to control their temperature, they will lick at themselves and find shady places. However, our moggies are notorious heat seekers, so will often retreat to warm places for a snooze.

One of the most common causes of cat heatstroke is getting trapped in hot places like sheds, greenhouses, conservatories and garages.

Recognising Heatstroke in Cats

Sometimes our cats can be great at hiding signs of illness. Pay close attention to your cats’ behaviour during hot weather and get to know the symptoms of heatstroke.

• Dark red gums
• Weakness
• Panting and rapid breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Confusion
• Slipping into unconsciousness

Treating Heatstroke in Cats

Understanding how to treat heatstroke in your cat could one day save their life. The faster you can act and cool your cat down, the higher their chance of recovering.

Step 1-Move your cat into the shade or a cool room indoors.

Step 2- Immediately begin cooling your cat

• Create more airflow into the room by opening doors, and windows or turning on a fan.
• Offer your cat cold water- sometimes cats will not drink when suffering but do not force them.
• Pour cool water from the tap over their whole body, ensure you perform this slowly and gently as this isn’t a pleasant sensation for our cats. Do not let your cat inhale the water, keep it far away from their mouth and nose.
• Pop them on top of a cold soaking-wet blanket or towel.
• Use a packet of frozen vegetables, or an ice pack and place it between their legs.
• Naturally, you want to comfort your cat, however, cuddling them will increase their body heat so this should be avoided. Also, avoid placing items (even cooled ones) on top of them.

Step 3: Contact your Vet ASAP

• Ideally, cats will need to be treated straight away so, if possible, go to your nearest vet. Even if this isn’t your regular surgery, the longer they are without care the higher the risk to their health. Find your closest Pet Practice surgery.
• Ensure the car is cool by putting the air conditioning on or opening all the windows. Place the cool towel in their carrier to continue reducing their temperature during the journey.

It is easy to panic about your cat’s welfare during an emergency like heatstroke. However, do your best to remain calm and if possible, keep someone with you to help. Remember the quicker they are cooled down the more chance they will fully recover.

Which cats are at higher risk of heatstroke?

Heatstroke can impact every cat but there will be some who are at higher risk.

1. Obese or overweight cats. These will find it much harder to keep cool on a hot summer day. For help getting your cat fitter, watch our 3 Tips for Weight Loss video.
2. Long haired cats
3. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Persians, Scottish Folds and some British Shorthairs.
4. Senior cats and very young kittens. These will always be more vulnerable to heatstroke and other health concerns.
5. Cats with existing respiratory disease

How can I prevent my cat from overheating?

There is a lot you can do to reduce the risk of heatstroke in your cat. First and foremost, your cat must have constant access to fresh clean water. If you struggle to get your cat to drink, our water advice video is for you.

Ensure your cat has plenty of shade and that there are cooler rooms in the house that they can retreat to. Always check your greenhouses, sheds and garages before shutting them up at night. This not only will keep your cat safe, but also other furry wanderers.

Avoid travelling anywhere with your cat during a really hot day and NEVER leave them in a hot car. This will quickly lead to dehydration and subsequent heatstroke. For more help keeping your pet healthy in the summer, read our blog on Keeping Pets Cool.

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