Heat stroke in cats occurs when the body temperature rises to more than 40 degrees Celsius due to a build-up of heat. This can be triggered by direct sunlight or high ambient temperatures. This can quickly become a problem in summer because, unlike humans, cats have limited options for cooling down - for example, by jumping into cold water or drinking an ice-cold drink. Cats can only lower their body temperature by sweating via the small sweat glands on the pads of their paws. On a particularly hot day, cats can suffer heat stroke, which often occurs in connection with a disorder of the cardiovascular system and can be life-threatening. In the BARF guide from haustierkost.de , we therefore tell you how to recognize heat stroke in your cat and how to counteract it.
Cat and heat stroke: These are the symptoms
In cats, heat stroke does not manifest itself in sudden symptoms. Rather, these symptoms appear gradually, which is what makes heat stroke in cats so insidious: owners sometimes only notice the subtle signals relatively late. At first, these consist of the animal becoming restless and looking for cool, shady places to avoid direct sunlight. Other cats, on the other hand, appear rather lethargic and exhausted, which at first glance does not seem to be a cause for concern in summer.
As the condition progresses, cats with heat stroke show clear symptoms. This includes panting, which is actually not typical for cats. Just like with dogs, this is a way for them to dissipate body heat to the outside. Mouth breathing can be accompanied by an increased respiratory rate or even shortness of breath. In many cases, this leads to hyperventilation and vomiting if no timely countermeasures are taken.
At this point, cats with heat stroke may experience symptoms such as chills, convulsions and loss of consciousness - clear signs that you should seek immediate veterinary attention. Otherwise, unconsciousness may set in, which can lead to paralysis of the respiratory center.
Heat stroke in cats: first aid
Heat stroke in cats requires quick but cautious action. The little tigers are very sensitive - if their owners become stressed and hectic, this can easily be transferred to the animals and, in the worst case, cause additional heat production. So stay calm and take your animal to a cool place. This could be a shady spot in the garden, for example. However, if the temperature there is not significantly lower, rooms in the apartment are preferable. The basement or garage as well as tiled rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom are ideal here. In addition to the cool floor on which the cat can lie down, wet towels wrapped around the cat provide effective cooling. Also provide your four-legged friend with fluids so that it can compensate for the moisture loss through panting. The water should ideally be at room temperature.
Preventing Heat Stroke in Cats
The main thing is to prevent heat stroke in cats. To do this, make sure that your pet has a cool place to retreat to in the shade in summer and that it always drinks enough. In the home, it is important to darken the rooms when the sun is shining brightly and at the same time to air them regularly. Cats that are lazy to drink can be encouraged to drink water with drinking fountains. Special cooling mats or damp blankets provide additional refreshment. Although cats are generally considered to be afraid of water, splashing around in the heat can sometimes be a welcome and, above all, refreshing change. Ask your vet about the possibility of having your cat shaved if it is suffering greatly from the summer temperatures.
