26/05/2026
A lot of focus is on our canine companions, but it's not just dogs which are vulnerable to heatstroke.
Although cats are naturally better at tolerating higher temps, sadly in extreme heat if they’re unable to retreat from the direct sun they can get heat stress, which can cause distress and if left untreated this can become heat stroke, which is unfortunately in a lot of cases FATAL! 🐱
So, what are the signs of heat stroke?
❌Faster, heavier panting, open mouth breathing is not normal for cats 🐱
❌Whining or signs of agitation
❌Excessive thirst and excessive drooling
❌Increased pulse and heart rate
❌Dark-coloured (red or purple) gums or tongue
❌Glassy eyes
❌Elevated body temperature
❌Staggering, weakness or collapse
❌Seizures
❌Unconsciousness
If you suspect your cat or kitten is suffering with heat stroke what can you do?
First of all, contact a vet immediately!📞
It's highly likely you will need to go to the vets straight away, but there are some things you can do to help in the meantime. For the best chance of survival, pets suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered.
◾️Move him/her to a shaded/cool area
◾️Splash them with cool/cold water if they will tolerate it
◾️DO NOT wrap them in wet towels, this can trap heat
◾️If possible, place him/her in the breeze of a fan
◾️Allow the pet to drink small amounts of cool water only if conscious/safe to do so
Prevention is crucial!
Things to remember to help reduce the risk of heat stroke:
❌NEVER leave your pet in your car. Not even for a minute!
🐾Cats with white and light-coloured fur are vulnerable to sunburn, particularly on the tips of their ears, their nose and areas where their hair may be sparse. Sun damage can lead to skin cancer, so prevention is better than cure. We advise a cat friendly sun cream on these areas (check that the sun cream is non-toxic as human products can cause harm)
🐾If your cat is an indoor cat and they are lead trained and receive regular walks, avoid walking them in the hot weather. Missing a walk won’t be the end of the world.
🐾 Know when to keep your cat indoors, while cats often seek the shade to keep themselves cool, it may be best to encourage them to not go outside at the hottest points of the day. Keep them indoors until the midday heat passes, chose cooler times of the day to let outdoor cats explore.
🐾 Definitely do NOT play with your cats or make them run around during the hottest points of the day, it will cause their body temperature to rise too much.
🐾Ensure your pet has access to shade all of the time.
🐾Use a brush to get rid of any excess fur which will make them feel hotter and more uncomfortable in the heat - if they will tolerate it, have your longer coated breeds of cats groomed for summer months.
🐾Offer cool mats to lay on, provide cooling ice bottles wrapped in tea towels and fans to regulate temperatures.
🐾You can prepare frozen or cooled snacks such as Licki matts to preoccupy you cat in the shade whilst cooling them down https://lickimat.com/pages/tips-and-tricks-for-cats
🐾Offer cold water at all times/add ice cubes to water.
🐾Have fans around the home and place their favourite beds in shaded areas to encourage them to stay out of the sun and cool off.
🐾Provide a running water source – some cats prefer to drink from running water. Try offering them a drink from your tap, or consider investing in a water fountain for your cat.
🐾Does your cat like licki lix? Did you know if you pop them in the freezer they make a great frozen treat!
🐾Delay unnecessary trips - routine vet visits, rebook for a cooler day to avoid taking them out in the heat.
Cats at greater risk:
🐱Breeds with a thick coat of fur (Ragdolls, Himalayans, Maine c***s)
🐱Brachycephalic breeds (flat faced) for example Persians and British shorthairs
🐱Elderly cats
🐱Kittens
🐱Cats with underlying health conditions such as heart conditions
