Summer is approaching, and we’re confronted by rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves. It’s important to remember that our beloved cats aren’t as well equipped to cope with the heat as we are, and are more vulnerable to heatstroke. We’ll cover the main symptoms of heatstroke in cats, and give you some useful tips on how to prevent your furry companion from suffering from it, as it can have a considerable impact on his health, enjoyment of life and overall survival.
What is heatstroke in cats?
Heatstroke in cats occurs when body temperature exceeds 40.5°C (104.9°F). As a rule of thumb, a cat’s normal body temperature is between 38°C and 39.2°C (100.4°F – 102.6°F). When a feline’s body temperature exceeds 40.5°C, its natural ability to regulate its temperature is exceeded or impaired. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, is the term used to describe this condition.
Differentiating heat stroke from fever:
It’s important to note that heatstroke and fever are distinct conditions. Heat stroke should not be confused with fever syndrome. If a cat has a fever, its internal temperature-regulating mechanisms remain functional. With fever, hyperthermia is caused by a pathogen called a “pyrogen”, generally resulting from an infection. The release of substances by the organism fighting the infection stimulates the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating internal temperature. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is specifically caused by the heat itself, which exceeds the cat’s ability to regulate its temperature.
