Protecting Kitties from heat stroke..this Summer

By dnp-team On May 19, 2008

Summer heat is on…it is the time to protect our furry felines from getting a heat stroke. It could be life threatening and require prompt treatment. Here’s how to protect our kitties from scorching heat.
Cats generally do not cope well with high temperatures and try to cool off themselves by licking. Some cats
Sudhersena
are more susceptible than others; these include short nosed breeds such as Persians, exotics, young & old cats, obese cats and cats with airway disease. A cat’s body temperature is approximately 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.2 to 39.2 degrees Celsius. If the outside temperature is higher than your cat’s body temperature, heat stroke becomes a possibility.
Watch out…for symptoms
Heat stroke begins with noisy breathing. The other symptoms of heat stroke are bright red tongue, dark red gums or pale gums, salivating (thick), weakness, anxiety, dizziness, muscle tremors, lethargy, vomiting (possibly with blood), diarrhoea (possibly with blood), bleeding from nose and coma.
Treating heat-struck kitty
If the temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius, it is a case of mild heatstroke. If the temperature is 105 degree Fahrenheit or 40.5 degrees Celsius, it is a severe case. When this happens, wrap the cat in a wet blanket or immerse her in cold water. You can apply ice packs on her head. Keep taking her rectal temperature every 5 minutes. If her body temperature reaches 103 degree Fahrenheit, stop the cooling process and take her to the veterinarian immediately.
Just a little care can easily protect our kitties…here’s wishing safe and healthy summers to all our feline friends.
Quick tips

Never leave your cat in a parked car even if it is parked in shade.
While travelling, always carry your cat in a well-ventilated cat carrier.
Avoid strenuous activities in high temperatures.
Let your cat have access to clean and cool water at all times.
Keep your cat in indoors when the weather is hot.
Let your cat access cooler areas within the house.
If yours is an outdoor cat, provide plenty of shade.