How Can You Tell If Your Cat is Overheated?

Our cats love the warmer weather. After all, they are the first to bask in that pool of sun that beams through your window. All sprawled out! But, when the temperatures heat up, we need to keep an eye on our felines to make sure they don’t get overheated.

Remember that especially during the hot summer months, it is really important to keep plenty of cold water out at all times. If you can leave your air conditioning on when you aren’t home, it can really help your cats stay cool. 

Below Are Some Normal Behavioral Patterns During The Hot Summer Months:

Increased Grooming:

Don’t be surprised if your kitty is grooming more than usual. This is their way of cooling themselves off by spreading moisture from their saliva onto their fur.

Sweaty Paws:

Cats have sweat glands on their paws. If your cat is leaving wet paw prints, he or she is sweating. Try cooling your cat down by dipping its paws in water or using a damp, cool towel.

Panting:

Cats, like dogs, in the warmer weather might pant more. While cats don’t pant as much as dogs, your kitty is simply trying to take in the cooler air if he or she is particularly hot. Heavy panting, however, could be cause for concern, and you should call your vet.

Elevated Heart Rate:

You can check your cat’s heart rate by placing your hand on their chest just behind the front leg. If it seems unusually fast, this could be a sign of overheating.

Stumbling or Staggering:

If your cat appears uncoordinated or is having trouble walking, this could be due to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Check To See If Your Cat Is Dehydrated

You can check to see if your cat is dehydrated. The first thing you should do is to roll your kitty’s bottom eyelid down. You should see moisture pool up in the lower lid.  If there isn’t any moisture, than call your vet immediately.

Check your cat’s mouth by pressing your finger lightly against her gums (which should be pink and happy). If they stay pale, or appear streaked or white, call your vet for an immediately.

When your cat is resting, gently pick your kitty up the scruff of her neck, without lifting her body. Pinch the scruff lightly, release. The skin should fold down within seconds. If it remains in a pinched position- call your vet!

Monitor Your Cat for Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a real medical emergency. If you think your cat has heatstroke you must act quickly. Move your cat to a cool place and immediately contact your veterinarian.

Symptoms of Heatstroke Include the Following:

· Heavy panting

· Drooling

· Red tongue and lips

· Dullness or lethargy

· Weakness

· Convulsions

· Vomiting

If any of those symptoms occur, make sure to cool off your kitty with a wet towel all over her body including the groin area and then get your kitty to your veterinarian.

If you keep in mind that our kitties are like us, humans, when it gets hot out: they need plenty of water, a cool place to hang out, and need to be watched for symptoms of anything different or unusual that might need immediate care.

What You Should Do If Your Cat is Overheated

1. Move to a Cooler Area

Immediately bring your cat into a cooler environment. If you have air conditioning, this is ideal. Otherwise, a fan or a shaded area can help.

2. Hydrate Your Kitty

Offer your cat fresh, cool water. Encourage them to drink, but don’t force it.

3. Dampen Your Cat’s Fur

Use a damp cloth to gently wet your cat’s fur, focusing on their paws, underbelly, and the back of their neck. Avoid using ice-cold water, as this can cause shock.

 4. Try Using a Cooling Mat

A pet cooling mat can come in handy during the hot summer months. You just place your cat on the cooling mat which will help lower their body temperature.

5. Avoid Direct Sunlight:

Make sure your cat stays out of direct sunlight and doesn’t return to a hot area until your kitty is fully recovered.

6. Monitor Your Cat Closely

Keep a close eye on your cat’s behavior and symptoms. If your cat doesn’t improve or if he or she gets worse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

By being aware of the signs of overheating in cats and then taking prompt action, you can help your cat to stay both safe and comfortable during the hot summer months. Always consult with your veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior in your kitty.