Just like humans, cats can experience stress and dehydration if they are too hot. While more common in dogs, heatstroke can still affect cats and cause serious complications if left untreated. 

Heatstroke in cats is a real concern over summer or if the cat has been left in a room or car without proper ventilation or access to water. If a cat develops heatstroke and is left untreated, it can prove to be life-threatening. 

Here are some of the signs of heatstroke in cats, its causes, treatment and ways you can prevent your pet from heat-related stress and illness. 

What causes heatstroke in cats?

Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature becomes dangerously high. A cat’s normal body temperature range is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 to 40°C), anything above is considered abnormal. 

Heatstroke is often caused by an environment becoming too hot. This could be a room or home without any ventilation or cooling or a hot car. While dogs are more likely to be left in hot cars, cats are known to become trapped in confined spaces such as in sheds or even in clothes dryers.

Heat exhaustion will be the first symptom your cat experiences, followed by heatstroke if the cat isn’t removed from the hot environment.

Heatstroke causes the organs and cells in the body to shut down which may quickly result in death. 

Signs & symptoms

Cats are known to hide their symptoms if they are feeling unwell, so you might not even notice when your cat is overheating. However, there are common signs of heatstroke in cats that indicate heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These include:

• Excessive panting, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing

• Vomiting or diarrhea 

• Sweaty paws

• Restlessness or erratic behaviour

• Lethargy

• Disorientation

• Excessive licking/grooming

• Abnormal gum colour 

• Rapid heart rate, erratic heartbeat or weak pulse

• Seizures

• Blood in urine, vomit or stools

• Collapse

A good way to tell if your pet is dehydrated is to use a test that veterinarians use, known as the ‘skin turgor test’. Gently pinch and lift the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades and then release it. If the skin quickly bounces back to normal, then they are hydrated but if the skin remains slack or tented then this is a sign that they are dehydrated. 

You may also use a rectal digital thermometer to check your cat’s temperature. Any temperature above 102.5f indicates that it’s time to take your cat to an emergency vet.

How is heatstroke treated?

Many cat owners want to know how to treat heatstroke at home, but the truth is there isn’t a lot you can do once it occurs. Aside from removing the cat from the hot environment, cat owners should immediately go to their vet for proper care and treatment.

You can prepare your cat for the veterinarian by:

• Moving it to a safe, cool, and shady area

• Placing a cool towel under the body and taking its temperature every minute or so, noting the time

• Pre-cool your car for the trip to the vet

• Alerting the vet of your arrival ahead of time

Once at the vet, your cat will be examined and tested for any organ failure or damage. Additional treatment will be used to further cool down your cat and regulate its body temperature. Sadly, not all cats will recover from heatstroke so the best thing you can do as a cat owner is to prevent heatstroke from occurring in the first place. 

Ways to prevent heatstroke in cats

There are a few things you can do to protect your cat and prevent it from developing heatstroke. One of the first things to do is to always make sure that your cat has access to clean, fresh water both inside and outside the house. 

On hot days, always ensure your home is properly ventilated or that there is cool air circulating and easy access to shade outside. Before leaving a room or closing the dryer, always check if your cat is inside to prevent them from becoming stuck. And never leave cats - or any pet - inside a car. If you are travelling or you have to park for a short time, always make sure the car has the air conditioner turned on and the windows are cracked to let in fresh, cool air.  

Heatstroke is not only dangerous for people but cats too. Heatstroke in cats can occur when a cat has become trapped in a hot environment for too long without water or cool air. If dehydration or heat stress isn’t picked up soon enough, a cat can develop heatstroke increasing the risk of organ failure and death. If you ever suspect your cat of having heatstroke, contact and visit your vet immediately. While heatstroke can be treated in some cases, the best thing you can do is to prevent the risk of heatstroke by providing your cat with plenty of access to cool shade, fresh air and water.