Heat stroke is an emergency commonly seen at the veterinary hospital. Heat stroke is a very serious condition and you cat should be taken to the vet immediately. Heat stroke is caused when your cat’s body temperature rises above normal due to environmental conditions, such as being left in a hot car or being over exercised on a hot day. Your cat is unable to sweat, which makes them overheat very quickly.

Cats can cool themselves by breathing rapidly or by licking their coats. When your cat’s saliva evaporates from his fur, it has a cooling effect. However, this method of cooling is only effective as long as the air temperature is lower than your cat’s temperature.

Your cat’s normal body temperature is between 100 – 102.5 degrees. Cats with heat stroke often have temperatures of 104 degrees or higher. Temperatures above 105 degrees can cause organ damage and death.

What are the signs of heat stroke?
If you cat is experiencing heat stroke, he will pant excessively and seem weak. Drooling, dilated pupils, vomiting and crying are also other signs of heat stroke. He might even seem unsteady on his feet or collapse. Taking your cat’s temperature is the only way to tell if your cat is really suffering from heat stroke. Using a digital or glass thermometer from your pet first aid kit, take your cat’s temperature. To do so, use a small amount of petroleum jelly and insert the thermometer into your cat’s rectum. For a glass thermometer, wait two minutes. For a digital one, wait until it beeps.

What should I do if my cat has heat stroke?
Do not pour cold water on your pet! This can cool your pet too quickly and lead to hypothermia. Instead, wet a towel with room temperature water and place it over your cat. Call your veterinarian immediately.

What will the veterinarian do to help my cat?
Your veterinarian will give your cat IV fluids and use controlled cooling on your cat. Because heat stroke can affect your cat’s organs, your veterinarian might also run blood tests to rule out any kind of damage. Your cat may have to be monitored for a few days depending on the severity of his heat stroke.

How do I protect my cat from heat stroke?
There are a few things that you can do to prevent heat stroke, such as:

• Never leave your cat in an enclosed car, crate or house during hot weather
• Limit activity to cooler times of day
• If you must leave your cat in a hot house, open the windows and use fans to circulate the air.
• Tape aluminum foil to windows that receive the most sun to help block out some of the heat.
• Use window shades to help block out heat.
• Provide fresh cool water, you can put ice in the water bowl in the morning to allow for cool water all day.
• Place ice in a baggie on a towel by your cat’s bed so he can lay on it to cool himself.