Heat Stroke in Cats: The Causes and Symptoms explained by your Sydney vet

It’s the summertime once again. Is your cat protected and safe against heatstroke? You may have heard of the latest unfortunate news about babies and dogs getting stuck and sadly passing away in cars in the day by their forgetful parents and owners. This malady is caused by hyperthermia or heat stroke which is a life threatening medical condition in which the internal organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and brain begin to shut down as a result of a great elevation of the body temperature caused by very high temperatures and humidity. An experienced South Sydney vet reports that cats who are really prone to overheat very easily protect themselves against high temperatures by licking their fur often and panting.

According to a reliable Sydney vet, the cat's body temperature is approximately 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.2 to 39.2 Celsius. If the temperature outside is warmer than the cat's internal temperature, heat stroke is a very real risk. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to organ dysfunction, coma and even death to cats and must be treated immediately.

What are the primary symptoms of heat stroke?

Cats may exhibit rapid panting, drooling, weakness, dizziness, lethargy, muscle tremors, and/or vomiting and diarrhea when submit to heat stroke. They will also have a bright red tongue out while panting and even have nosebleeds.

How to protect your cat/s from heat stroke?

-       In the summer, don’t ever leave your cat in a parked car alone. Even in the cooler months, always provide adequate ventilation when your cat is inside your car. But the safest way is just to put your cat in a carrier and don’t leave your cat unsupervised.

-       If your cats want to wander outdoors either free to roam or in along a cat enclosure, make sure there is an available shaded area where they can lounge around and protect themselves from the sun and heat. Read more at http://southerncrossvetlove.tumblr.com/post/146053325493/the-causes-symptoms-of-cat-diarrhea-your-sydney

-       Even if your cat just stays indoors, make sure to give him or her give an access to a cool or air-conditioned area. Never confine the cat to any room where temperatures and humidity are especially high, like the sunroom or basement.

-       An adequate supply of fresh, cool, and clean water whether it be located indoors or outdoors should be accessible to the cat.

-       Don’t let your cat exercise, play, run around or do any strenuous activity in the heat of the sun especially between 11.00am and 3.00pm.

      Name: Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic
 Website: http://southerncrossvet.com.au/