It’s not just people who can be harmed by extreme heat. Even cats can start to feel bad and get heat stroke that can be dangerous. However, there are a few things you can do for your cat.
Unlike us humans, cats can not sweat to lower their body temperature. Dogs are more often affected by heat stroke, but it can also affect cats. Cats try to cool down by perhaps washing more or panting, but sometimes it is simply too hot for that to be enough.
Right now when it is so incredibly hot, there is a risk that your cat will get heat stroke. If the cat has any diseases, is old or overweight, the risk is greater. A healthy cat should do better.
If you suspect that the cat has been affected by a heat stroke, you should go to the vet at once, but to prevent the cat from being affected, you can try this:
1. Make sure your cat stays cool
It may not be entirely justified to get AC in the apartment for the cat’s sake, but at least make sure that the cat has a lot to drink and that there are cross strokes in the apartment so that fresh air circulates. Never leave the cat in a car. It is very fast for a cat to develop heat stroke because they can not automatically cool down.
2. Get to know the symptoms of heat stroke in cats
If your cat is lethargic, vomits or has difficulty standing and feels shaky then you need to cool down the cat at once and seek care.
One tip is to iron ice cubes over the coat.
Symptoms of heat stroke in cats:
- Drowsiness
- Strong red tongue
- Bright red or pale gums
- Sticky saliva
- Lethargy
- Wobility
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Shock
- Coma
3. Give your cat plenty of water
Make sure there are several places in the apartment where the cat can get water. Place water bowls throughout the apartment, even in the favorite places where the cat is hiding. Feel free to have ice in the water.
4. Playtime in the evening
Let the cat rest during the day and have its daily playtime in the evenings or early mornings.
It is unnecessary for them to move during the day when it is warmest.
5. Brush the cat lots
If you groom your cat and brush often, it helps in this heat. If the coat is allowed to be free of dirt and other things, it is easier for the cats to cool down on their own. The only way they cool down is by licking the fur.