Heat Stroke in Cats

With Baltimore weather topping 100 degrees this week and it is not even summer yet, it is very important as feral cat caretakers to be on the lookout for signs of heat stroke in our cats. 

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke (also known as hyperthermia) is a life threatening medical condition in which the body's internal organs (liver, kidneys, lungs, heart & brain) begin to shut down as a result of elevated body temperature caused by high temperatures & humidity.

Humans are able to reduce their body temperature by releasing sweat at the surface of the skin. Cats protect themselves against high temperatures by panting & licking the fur. Cats can become overheated very easily, more so than humans as panting isn't a particularly efficient way to cool down the animal.

The cat's body temperature is approximately 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the outside temperature is warmer than the cat's internal temperature heatstroke is a very real possibility.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

• Rapid panting
• Bright red tongue
• Dark red gums or pale gums
• Salivating (thick)
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Muscle tremors
• Lethargy
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding from the nose when the blood clotting system fails.
• Coma 

How to avoid heat stroke in cats:

• Make sure they have access to a shaded area where they can escape from the sun & heat
• Always ensure your cats have an adequate supply of fresh, cool, clean water.
• Run the hose across the yard to cool down the cement.
• Purchase a few shady (pet safe) plants for the cats to escape the sun.
• Add Pedialyte to the water.
• Provide more wet food than dry.

How to treat heat stroke in cats:

• When possible, cover the cat in a wet towel to bring down temperature.
• If you can, give fluid injections, or take to a feral friendly vet who can.
• Bring the cat indoors to AC. Be sure to have the cat in a carrier or trap, once feeling better they will want to run.
• Temperature must come back down slowly. Too fast can cause shock.
• If you don't see any improvement, take to your feral vet.

 

Long Term Care: Once cats have suffered heart stroke, they are more prone to have it happen again. Monitor the cat in the future, and is possible look for blood in the urine or stool, which could be signs of an underlying issue and should be seen by your vet. Do not assume that just because the cat is not drinking water, it is not suffering from heat stroke.  Heat stroke can cause kidney damage, only way to know for sure is have your vet do blood work. Cats with kidney damage can still live long lives, provided you give a diet such as Hills k/d that is made specifically for CRF cats. With CRF+ ferals, best to try and socialize to extend their life.