Summertime is a time for fun, but the heat waves can pose a serious threat. If you live in an area where such heat is uncommon, it’s easy to overexert yourself. The same is true for our pets. It’s crucial to ensure they have access to a cool place to rest and a steady supply of fresh drinking water to prevent heatstroke.
So here’s some invaluable information from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, PDSA, one of the UK’s leading authorities on pet health and care.
Note: As always, call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet may be suffering from signs of any illness or heatstroke.
Gandalf the cat via Facebook/Cat Man Chris
What Are the Signs of a Heatstroke in Cats?
It’s important to be aware of what the signs of a heatstroke look like since they can be easy to overlook. We all slow down and become a bit lazy in the heat. But if a pet has low energy accompanied by one or more of these symptoms, it’s not just a matter of discomfort. It could be a potentially life-threatening situation. Responding quickly could save their life.
“Heatstroke is a very serious condition that can cause severe dehydration, organ damage and even death. If your pet is showing symptoms of heatstroke, start cooling them down immediately and contact your vet. The quicker they’re cooled down, the better their chance of recovery!” shared the PDSA.
Here are the signs of heatstroke in cats from the PDSA:
- Diarrhea
- Low energy
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Collapse
- Vomiting
- Panting of fast breathing
- Drooling
- Bright red or pale gums
Image via Facebook/PDSA
Image via Facebook/PDSA
Help Cats Find Shelter, Shade, and Water
If your cat is showing any of these signs, it’s time to get them out of the heat immediately. If they are outdoors, bring them inside to the Air Conditioner (or near an open window). However, we understand that some cats stay outdoors, in which case they will need a shelter and clean, cool water. In a pinch, a styrofoam cooler with a hole cut for a door or a large cardboard box can work.
Below, Cat Man Chris shows how he constructs simple, insulated shelters using nothing but a plastic storage container with insulation. See more here.
Image of do-it-yourself cat shelter via Facebook/Cat Man Chris
Since we know cats are looking for shade, check in any outdoor buildings since they can get trapped inside and quickly overheat. And as always, knock on your car hood for any hidden stowaways in the engine!
Image via Facebook/Cat Man Chris
Here’s What to Do If You Suspect a Heatstroke
If a cat is showing signs of heatstroke, merely offering shelter and clean water won’t be enough. According to the PDSA, you can gently pour cool (not cold) water over the cat’s body. But don’t pour it on their nose or mouth or try to force them to drink water.
Turn on a fan, open doors and windows, and lie the kitty on a wet towel. But as they point out, avoid covering the cat with the towel, which traps heat. Additionally, you wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen veggies with a towel. Then, they suggest putting it between the pets’ legs as you take them to the vet.
Teddy the cat via Facebook/Cat Man Chris
Ice Cube Treats Aren’t Enough
An item many would try is ice cubes or frozen treats. These are great for keeping pets cool. However, the veterinary charity notes that using ice cubes alone won’t be adequate if they are already showing signs of heatstroke.
“🧊 Please note that ice cubes are perfectly safe to use as a treat to cool down on a hot day. If your pet is suffering from heatstroke, they should not be used as treatment,” they shared.
Avoid the Hot Pavement
When the pavement gets hot to the touch, it’s best to keep all pets away from it. So, postpone walks until later in the day (Or early morning).
“To protect your pet, it’s best to avoid walks during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 8am and 6pm. If you can’t safely exercise your dog, missing a day won’t hurt,” the PDSA shared.
And all the stray and feral cats and dogs living in the city can find it harder to avoid the extremely hot blacktop. They can use temporary shelters and bowls of water, provided it’s cool and kept clean.
There is more information available on the PDSA website for pets and heatstroke, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals.
You can also see our tips for helping cats beat the heat and stay cool here. Stay cool and have a wonderful summertime from Cole and Marmalade!
Video by PDSA about heatstroke First Aid for dogs:
Featured image: Gandalf the cat via Facebook/Cat Man Chris and Kali via Facebook/Cat Man Chris
