Cats really enjoy being outdoors and feeling the warmth of the sun's rays on their bodies. This is why their favorite 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 article on our site, what is heatstroke in cats, its symptoms and first aid to take into account in case this happens.
What is heatstroke in cats?
We could talk about a sunburned cat when it is exposed to the sun for an excessive time. Due to this, our felines are unable to eliminate the heat produced by the rays and, therefore, they do not regulate their temperature By not being able to eliminate the heat, cats begin to increase their body temperature alarmingly, reaching 40 ºC and can even death
Check this other article where we talk about 5 symptoms that a cat is going to die, here.
Causes of heatstroke in cats
Although cats are covered with 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 puppies and elderly cats, which are unable to regulate their body temperature. proper way. The risk factors and causes of heatstroke 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 suffering from respiratory diseases
- With previous heatstroke history
- Long-haired cats
- Dark colored cats
Symptoms of heatstroke in cats
The symptoms that a cat is suffering from heat stroke are very evident, therefore, it is extremely important to detect them from their first appearance, especially if the cat is a puppy or elderly. Symptoms of heatstroke in cats are:
- High body temperature
- Anxiety
- Constant gasping
- Drool
- Foaming at the mouth
- Dry gums
- White, very red or blue gums
- Heavy breathing: Your breathing would speed up and even breathing would be difficult.
- 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:
- Gaping: Removes hot air from your body and invites air to cool down and cool down.
- Pads of his paws and his nose: through Of 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, it 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 sun exposure and symptoms caused by sunstroke. The gravity will be directly related to the action time and the physical state of the cat
Among the mildest consequences we find the loss of s alts and slight dehydration, but in the most serious we can warn:
- Acute dehydration.
- Internal bleeding: causing damage to multiple organs.
- Kidney and liver failure.
- Help or stroke.
- Coma and until the death of the cat.
- Acute skin inflammation: 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 ranging from skin burning, superficial partial burns (first degree), deep partial burns (more rare and severe) and deep burns that extend throughout the skin and may affect internal tissue.
With this last case, the partial burns of the cat's skin with heat stroke will take 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 in some cases blisters and your skin will be really red, this type of burn can go through the first skin layer Pay attention to the state of your pet's scalp.
If you want to know more about skin cancer in cats: its symptoms and treatment, don't hesitate to take a look at this article that we suggest.
First aid and treatment for a heat stroke cat
If you see your cat and find that he is suffering from heatstroke, the steps you must follow are, first of all, lay him down in the shadeand then, very gently, spray room temperature water or apply warm water compresses 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:
- Never you must apply cold water at once: or in a compress as you could go into shock. Talk to him and try to calm him down.
- Check if you have wounds:if you have, check what type of wounds they are and what discomfort on the skin they present.
- Wrap it with a soft, wet cloth.
Once you have checked the cat's he alth, you should Take him to the vet as soon as possible Explain to him in advance by phone how he is and if you should proceed in some way. Even so, we recommend some of the basic first aid that can help you improve your he alth:
- Keep your cat in a shaded area and out of the sun.
- Check your cat's rectal temperature at all times while applying compresses and stop when it reaches 39 ºC.
The heat should fade slowly and gradually, don't forget that a drastic change can affect his internal organs seriously.
The veterinary treatment to be applied 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 that he observes. The prognosis may or may not be favorable, depending on the damage.
Prevention of heatstroke in cats
On our site we always aim first at prevention, since 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 ready with abundant fresh water Place a cushion or a bed in an area of the house that is always cool, so when you feel sunburned, know that you have a area where you can relax in the shade and keep you out of the sun during peak hours between 12: 00 and 17:00 hours.
