Heat Stroke in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

What Is Heat Stroke?

A cat’s normal body temperature is 100.5–102.5°F (38.1–39.2°C). Heat stroke occurs when a cat’s body temperature reaches 105°F (40.6°C) or higher, and the body is no longer able to cool itself through methods like sweating through the paw pads. Heat exhaustion, when the body temperature reaches 103–104°F (39.4–40°C), precedes heat stroke.

Certain cats can be more susceptible to heat stroke. For example, brachycephalic (flat-faced) cats, overweight and obese cats, longhaired cats, senior cats, and kittens can be at greater risk, as can cats with certain health conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory issues.

When exposed to hot temperatures, high humidity, and lack of shade and water, kitties can become overheated and dehydrated. But they can also overheat when they’re in an area with poor ventilation, even if it isn’t very hot.

Heat stroke can cause serious problems, including organ failure, and can result in death, so quick action and emergency vet care is necessary.   

What Are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Cats?

Heat stroke symptoms in cats include:

• Panting
• Increased breathing rate
• Noisy or labored breathing
• Red gums or red tongue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Unsteadiness
• Collapse
• Seizures  

These symptoms need to be treated immediately because heat stroke progresses fast, and the longer your cat is suffering, the more damaging and the more life-threatening the condition becomes. So, don’t hesitate to get your pet help. Contact a veterinarian for guidance on steps to take right away, and make your way to an emergency vet so they can provide professional treatments as soon as possible.

Note: If you aren’t sure if your cat is experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke (e.g., if the symptoms seem minor), avoid delays and get the answers you need by contacting your veterinarian to let them know what’s happening.

What Are the Treatments for Heat Stroke in Cats?

You can take action right away at home if you notice even subtle signs that your cat might be overheating. The sooner you can help your pet’s body temperature gradually decrease, the better the odds that they’ll be able to recover.

Start by moving your cat to an area of your home that’s in the shade, with good ventilation and a lower temperature. Turn on air conditioners and fans, and gently wet your pet’s body with lukewarm or cool (not ice-cold) water. Give them a bowl of fresh water to see if they’ll drink (don’t force them to drink). You can also place them on a wet towel or other cool surface, such as tiles.

These steps may help your pet start to cool down, but you should still head to the veterinarian as soon as possible. They’ll carefully examine your cat and provide necessary treatments that might include IV fluids, medications, and oxygen while they continue to work on bringing down the high body temperature.

Your vet may run blood and urine tests to look for effects on organs like the liver and kidneys, and might advise that your cat stay in the hospital for continuous care until they recover. Also, they might want you to bring your pet in for follow-up visits to check on them after they’re sent home.   

Note: Heat stroke can cause organ damage, and cats with severe heat stroke might experience long-term effects.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Cats

Because heat stroke is serious, happens fast, and can cause long-term health problems or death, one of the best things you can do is take daily steps to prevent it in the first place.

Here are some ways to keep your cats safe and comfortable:

• On hot and humid days, don’t let your cat go outside. Keep them indoors with your air conditioner or fans running. Products like the Dyson Hot+Cool™ HF1 Rapid React will quietly and efficiently cool your space and keep it at the optimal temperature, and because it doesn’t have any blades, it’s safe for curious cats—plus, you can control it from an app on your phone.

• Give your kitty cool places to relax and nap with products like the Supet Cat Cooling Mat, which features a supportive bolster and memory foam, along with ice silk fabric that works without electricity or ice.

• Supervise your cat if they spend time outside, even if it’s in a catio, and bring them inside if it’s too hot out.

• Whether they’re inside or outside, make sure your cat always has access to shade and a bowl or fountain filled with clean water.

• Always know where your cat is. Sometimes, kitties experience heat stroke when they’re accidentally locked in an area with poor ventilation, such as a shed.   

Now that you know more about heat stroke, its causes and symptoms, and what you can do to treat and prevent it, you can help keep your cat cool, comfortable, and healthy all year long.  

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