Signs of heatstroke in cats as vets issue warning

Much of the UK is still experiencing sweltering hot temperatures as the heatwave rages on. A red alert for hot weather is still in place for London and the southeast, meaning it’s even more important to take good care of your pets.

If you have a cat, it’s important to know that they can get heatstroke too, and it can be fatal. According to the vet experts from the PDSA, heatstroke is a very serious condition that can cause severe dehydration, organ damage and death. The most common cause of heat stroke in cats is being accidentally trapped in a hot space such as a shed or conservatory.

The normal body temperature of a cat ranges between 38.1-39.2C, and when it gets any higher than 40C, they’re at risk of getting heatstroke. This can cause severe dehydration, seizures, blood clotting problems, organ damage, coma and death.

The longer that the cat’s body temperature is too high, the more dangerous the heatstroke gets – so it’s important to act quickly and get them to a vet as soon as possible.

Unlike dogs, it’s very unlikely that a cat will get heatstroke from excessive exercise. Most often, it’s because they’ve fallen asleep or been shut in a garage, shed or conservatory with poor ventilation on a very hot day.

What are the signs of heatstroke in cats?

According to the PDSA, some of the most common heatstroke symptoms in cats are:

• Panting and fast breathing
• Bright/dark red or sometimes very pale gums
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea (sometimes containing blood)
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Wobbliness and collapse
• Seizures
• Blindness
• Unconsciousness

Which cats are most at risk?

Any type of cat can get heatstroke, but it’s most common in cats with long coats or obese cats, as well as certain flat-faced breeds like Persian cats.

A cat’s age can also have an impact, with very old cats and very young kittens also at risk, as they aren’t as good as regulating their body temperature.

And any cat with pre-existing heart or lung conditions may also be more vulnerable to heatstroke as well.

How to prevent heatstroke in cats

Since cats often get heatstroke from accidentally being shut away, it’s vital to check any sheds, greenhouses, conservatories and cars before closing them, to make sure your pet isn’t hiding them.

They should never be left in a hot room for too long, and it’s best to avoid taking them into the car at all, even if the windows are open. If you do need to take them anywhere, make sure the car is at a comfortable temperature first, especially if they’re prone to stress.

Make sure they have access to shade and water at all times, and if you do suspect that your cat has heatstroke, take them to the vet immediately.