Heat Stroke

What is moderately hot for a human being can be deadly for a cat. Unfortunately, cats are intolerant of high environmental temperatures that their owners easily withstand. Human body temperature is reduced by releasing sweat at the surface of the skin. A cat's only defenses against high temperatures are rapid breathing and licking its fur. If a cat is exposed to a situation in which the air is warmer than its internal temperature (anything over 102.2oF), heatstroke (hyperthermia) is inevitable. Feline deathtraps are poorly ventilated cars parked in the sun, restriction to concrete runs without shade, or confinement to cat carriers in hot weather. Short-nosed cats (such as Persians), asthmatic cats, and overweight cats are especially susceptible to heatstroke.

On a hot summer day, a cat may be on the verge of heatstroke if it suddenly begins rapid breathing, panting, salivating, or vomiting. These signs should be considered a serious warning.

Treatment

A mild case of heatstroke can be treated by immersing the cat in cool water or wrapping it in cool, wet towels to reduce its body temperature. However, if the cat shows signs of weakness or overheating, it should be taken to a veterinarian for treatment. it may be given

oxygen to prevent brain damage, fluid therapy to correct dehydration, various treatments to reduce the body temperature below 103*F, and other supportive care. In severe cases, blood may flow from the cat's nostrils. This may be indicative of disseminated intravascular coagulopatby (DIC), a bleeding disorder precipitated by prolonged excess body heat. if the cat reaches this stage, response to therapy is poor.

Prevention

Always provide adequate ventilation for a cat when traveling in a car. When parking a vehicle, locate it in a heavily shaded area and keep the windows open, but preferably do not leave cats, or any animal, in a parked vehicle. Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water. Long-haired cats with matted coats will dissipate body heat better if they are clipped for the summer months. Humans tolerate heat better than cats. If the weather is hot for humans, it is worse for cats.