Heat stroke in cats - Symptoms and first aid

Cats really enjoy being outdoors and feeling the warmth of the sun's rays on their bodies. This is why their favourite places are roofs, balconies and terraces. Just like humans, and even though cats are used to the sun, too much exposure could cause heat stroke. In summer, which is when the sun is at its harshest and temperatures tend to rise a lot, it is important to be vigilant and measure the amount of sun that our cat's skin is absorbing.

Let's see in this new Blog article, what is heatstroke in cats, its symptoms and first aid to take into account in case this happens.

What is a sunstroke in cats?

We could talk about a sunstroked cat when it is exposed for an excessive time in the sun. Due to this, our cats are unable to eliminate the heat produced by lightning and, therefore, do not regulate their temperature. Not being able to eliminate heat, cats begin to increase their body temperature alarmingly, reaching 40ºC and even death can occur.

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Causes of heatstroke in cats

Although cats are covered in thick fur, they can also be affected by long exposures to the sun. This star is very powerful and its rays affect practically all the creatures on the planet. Heat stroke could represent a medical emergency and should not be taken lightly.

Cats are susceptible to heat stroke, especially kittens and older cats, who are unable to regulate their temperature properly. The risk factors and causes of sunstroke in cats are usually the following:

• They don't have a shelter in the shade
• They are locked in cars
• They are locked in houses
• They live in very hot places
• Those with heart disease
• Those with respiratory illnesses
• With previous history of sunstroke
• long haired cats
• dark colored cats

Symptoms of heatstroke in cats

The symptoms that a cat is suffering from heat stroke are very evident, so it is extremely important to detect them from their first appearance, especially if the cat is a puppy or elderly. Symptoms of sunstroke in cats are:

• high body temperature
• Anxiety
• constant panting
• drooling
• foam at the mouth
• dry gums
• White, very red or blue gums
• Difficult breathing: his breathing would accelerate and it would even be difficult for him to breathe.
• Cough
• Tachycardia
• vomiting
• Diarrhea
• tremors
• poor muscle coordination
• Weakness – A heat stroked cat may become slower and lazier.
• Fainting
• seizures
• abnormal heart rhythm

Keep in mind that cats cannot perspire in the same way that people do, but rather they depend on:

• Panting – removes hot air from your body and invites in air to cool down and cool off.
• Paw pads and nose pads: Through these two parts of their body, cats can carry out limited perspiration.

Still, this is not enough for them as it makes them more sensitive to absorbing more heat than normal, especially during hot and humid times. If your cat shows physical symptoms, staggers when walking or even vomits, he may be suffering from heat stroke, so we should go to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

 

Consequences of prolonged exposure

If first aid and treatment are not applied quickly, the cat is susceptible to consequences due to prolonged exposure to the sun and the symptoms caused by sunstroke. Gravity will be directly related to the performance time and the physical state of the cat .

Among the mildest consequences we find the loss of salts and mild dehydration, but in the most serious we can notice:

• Acute dehydration.
• Internal bleeding : causing damage to multiple organs.
• Kidney and liver failure .
• Brain hemorrhage or stroke .
• Coma and even the death of the cat.
• Acute inflammation in the skin: if they are very frequent, they can lead to pre-cancerous situations, or failing that, skin tumors. This last condition is determined by degrees of intensity that range from skin burning, superficial partial burns (first degree), deep partial burns (rare and more severe) and deep burns that extend throughout the skin and can affect the internal tissue.

With this last case, the partial burns on the skin of the insolated cat will take on a reddish tone, they will appear irritated and sensitive to the touch. Although it is superficial, it does not mean that the animal does not feel discomfort and even pain. When a cat has symptoms of sunburn, it is important not to handle it too much.

Deep partial burns cause blisters in some cases and your skin will be really red, this type of burn can go through the first layer of skin. Pay attention to the state of your pet's scalp.

 

First aid and treatment for a heat stroked cat

If you see your cat and you find that he is suffering from sunstroke, the steps you must follow are, first of all, lay him down in the shade and then, very delicately, spray water at room temperature or apply water compresses warm between 10 and 15 minutes.

Some considerations must be taken into account when applying first aid to a heat stroked cat. Among them we find that:

• You should never apply cold water to him suddenly: or in a compress since he could suffer a shock. She talks to him and tries to calm him down.
• Check if it has wounds: in the case that it has, check what type of wounds they are and what discomfort in the skin it presents.
• Wrap it with a soft, wet cloth.

Once the cat's health status has been verified, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible. Explain to him in advance by phone how he is and if you should proceed in any way. Even so, we recommend some of the basic first aid that can help you improve your health:

• Keep your cat in a shaded area and out of the sun.
• Check your cat's rectal temperature at all times while you apply the compresses and stop when it reaches 39 ºC.

The heat should subside slowly and gradually, do not forget that a drastic change can affect your internal organs seriously.

The veterinary treatment to apply will depend on the seriousness of the situation and the damage that the sunstroke has caused to the body of our feline. As there is no specific treatment, the professional will act trying to alleviate the symptoms and conditions observed. The prognosis may or may not be favorable, depending on the damage.

Prevention of heatstroke in cats

We always focus on prevention first, as this will help us avoid future bad times with our pet. Sunstroke can be very unpleasant and in some cases very serious, so if your cat likes to be exposed to the sun, you should prepare both him and his environment.

Always have a drinking fountain with plenty of fresh water ready. Place a cushion or a bed in an area of ​​the house that is always cool, so when he feels saturated with the sun, he knows that he has an area where he can relax in the shade and prevents him from having access to the sun during peak hours between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.