When you have a cat who gets overheated, this can be a serious condition. Heat stroke is also called hyperthermia, and it results in body temperatures that are too high. It happens after a cat has been exposed to high temperatures, generally either high temperatures for a long time or very high temperatures for a shorter time. This condition in cats can be severe, and it can cause damage to the organs. It can cause the organs to shut down, cause a coma, or even be fatal. It's important to know what to look for when your cat has been exposed to high temperatures. If you suspect heatstroke, you need to take your cat to the veterinarian. Call Cats and Dogs Animal Hospital in Long Beach, CA, to get your pet seen.
Heat Stroke Symptoms to Watch for
The body temperature of a cat should be anywhere between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees in normal times. Cats are unable to produce sweat, so they can have hard time regulating the temperature of their bodies. They may lick their fur and pant when they start to get overheated. If you notice this behavior, it may be a precursor to heatstroke in cats. The cat may then start to pant rapidly and superficially, and their tongue may be red. Their gums may look discolored, and they may start to drool. If you press on a cat's gums and see the color, come back after more than a second, it may be heatstroke.
As heatstroke in cats progresses, the cat may start to have muscle tremors and may start to vomit. They may also get confused and dizzy. You may see your cat vomiting or having diarrhea that can be bloody. Cats may have nose bleeds, and they may have seizures or fall into a coma. If a cat is generally in good health will show these symptoms more subtly than a senior cat or one who has obesity or other health problems.
Heatstroke Treatments
It's important to immediately treat any of these symptoms of heatstroke. A quick way to help is to soak a towel in cold water and wrap it around the cat to bring their temperature down. Do not use ice, as this can be counterproductive and cause the cat's temperature to rise as the body compensates for the cold of the ice. In addition, you may need to get your cat to the veterinarian to determine whether there has been any internal organ damage.
See a Veterinarian at Our Animal Hospital to Learn More about Heatstroke in Cats
If your cat may have had heatstroke, call us at (562) 439-4228 for Cats and Dogs Animal Hospital in Long Beach, CA, to get your cat seen to check for serious damage to his or her body. Heatstroke in cats can be serious so visit us if you believe your cat has been hurt from it.