How fun! Mufasa is a silver Maine Coon who is loved by 16 year old Chloe Bellerive. And even though it was in the mid-90's in on Sunday that didn't stop Chloe and Mufasa from showing up at the Washington County Ag Expo and Fair in Maryland and defending his title!
According to Chloe, Mufasa is a pretty cool cat: "he's a pretty playful cat. ... And sometimes, he can, like, get aggressive after ... you ... are playing with him. ... But he's pretty cool... He likes to just play around with the cats and the other dogs, and other humans."
Heat stroke in cats is a very real and serious concern on hot days. When there is a heat wave, everyone is looking for ways to cool off and stay healthy.
Here are a few tips for avoiding cat heat stroke (also known as hyperthermia) when the temperature is unforgiving. Also, we've included signs, symptoms, and treatments for heat stroke in cats.
Why Worry About Cat Heat Stroke?
Many of us usually think about dogs when it comes to heat stroke in the summer. But cats can be afflicted, too. Their means of cooling down are limited to panting, or sweating from the pads of their feet.
Seeing a cat panting is troubling. If you are concerned, Cat Health Guide provides an article explaining the causes and reasons for cat panting, beyond heat stroke in cats.
Heat stroke in cats is an emergency situation and needs urgent care. If you suspect heat stroke based on the following signs and symptoms, get him to a veterinarian immediately.
Who's At Risk:
Any cat can succumb to heat stroke, but some are at a higher risk. These include:
- Breeds with shortened faces, like the Persian
- Cats with airway diseases
- Elderly or ill cats, young kittens
- Overweight cats
Signs of Cat Heat Stroke:
- Rapid breathing/panting - one of the first signs is fast, noisy, frantic panting
- Vomiting (perhaps with blood)
- Diarrhea (perhaps with blood)
- Restlessness and/or lethargy
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety
- Salivation - thick, sticky saliva
- Compulsively grooming (trying to cool down - by licking themselves they dampen their fur, which provides a cooling effect as it evaporates)
- Redness in the tongue and mouth, pale gums
- Stumbling or falling down
A cats regular body temperature is 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit. The definition of heat stroke in cats is a rectal body temperature of 103 degrees. As heat stroke progresses, the saliva will become thick and sticky, and at 108.5 degrees the body functions start to shut down.
Things To Do For Heat Stroke In Cats:
If you suspect it's cat heat stroke, you need to cool him down quick and go straight to the vet. Here are some things you can do:
Dip him in water - not cold, more like lukewarm to slightly cool. Test the temperature inside your wrist. Use the bathtub and keep his head above. Or put him in the kitchen sink and use the spray nozzle with cool water on him. Or put just his paws in cool water.
Put him in front of a fan or in an air-conditioned room to dry. The evaporation is cooling.
Give him cold water with some salt in it to help rehydrate him. If he refuses to drink, try using a syringe or spoon to put some in the side of his mouth. (Careful not to squirt it down his throat.)
Apply a bag of frozen peas, ice packs, or cold washcloths around his head and body.
If possible, take the cats temperature (rectally).
When his temperature is in normal range again, stop the cooling measures or he could get hypothermia.
How Do Vets Treat Heat Stroke In Cats?
- The vet will monitor his temperature and bring it down carefully if needed
- Your cat may be given fluids
- Your cat may be given oxygen
- Your cat will be monitored for signs of organ damage
Down The Road:
- There are possible long-term organ complications from heat stroke.
- Cats who have succumbed to heat stroke are more susceptible to getting it again.
Cool as a Cucumber on a Hot Summer Day
Measures to Avoid Heat Stroke In Cats
The Lion Cut
Who wants to wear a winter coat all summer? Depending on the climate where you live, some folks go the route of giving their cat a lion cut in the summer. Cats don't mind, and if you know you are in for a long, hot summer this may be the way to go.
Limit Time Outside
If your cat goes outside, try to keep him in during the hours of 11:00am - 3:00pm.
Car Smarts
Of course, never leave a cat in a parked car, even in cooler months. The interior heats up to dangerous and deadly temperatures fast.
For many of us, summer is the season of family fun, vacations and lazy days. Avoiding heat stroke in cats is totally worth the effort. With a few precautions, your cat will also enjoy the "dog days of summer!"
Reader Tips, Tricks, and Advice:
Over time, Coonie lovers have sent in lots of tips and advice! Here are some words of advice following our summer theme for today:
Common Sense In Warm Weather:
Jessy shares: "I have a Samoyed dog, a breed that herds reindeer in its native Siberia and has a lot more hair than a Maine Coon. I just never take him out during the hotter hours of the day in summer. My longest-haired cat has access through a cat door to an enclosed patio, but she is too sensible to go out in the hottest hours of the day."
If Dealing With Fleas:
Leslee writes: "I agree that Frontline, Advantage or Revolution are all excellent products for flea control. Has your kitten already been spayed? This might be a good time to see a vet or local clinic for a full health check. Most all kittens need worming; also testing for feline leukemia (etc) along with her first round of immunizations. I don't mean to scare you, but having a clean bill of health will get your kitten off to a good start...and a long and happy life with you!"
Going Away On Vacation This Summer?
Sharon tells us: "My rule of thumb used to be 24 hours alone. Not any more. A lot can happen in 24 hours as I found out when my husband and I did an overnight for my 50th birthday.
My then 18 month old Coon came down with some mysterious issue whereby he was extremely dehydrated when we came home, listless and had been throwing up what looked and smelled like stool. He was rushed to the vet who did radiograph which showed he was totally constipated.
Albeit this condition must have started before we left, but went unnoticed. Several vet visits later he was on the mend, but we nearly lost him. Never found out what happened or why. I have three cat sitters and when we are gone one of them comes in twice a day for 1/2 hour to scoop boxes, fill food and water bowls and play with them."
Get Everything Maine Coon at Your Fingertips - Now:
PS:
Be Friendly:
If you have friends or family who love cats, feel free to forward this newsletter to them! It's fun and free :) The more, the merrier!
PPS:
If you have enjoyed this issue, or any other page on the site, please help us grow by sharing it through FaceBook, Twitter, or other social networks. We
really appreciate it!
If you have a blog or website, would you consider linking to us? Thank you so much!
I'd Love To Hear Your Thoughts:
Have you enjoyed your copy of The Care & Keeping Of Your Maine Coon? I love feedback!
I'm interested to hear which parts you related to or found useful, and what you might like to see in a future health-focused Ebook.
If you have a moment, please share your thoughts below! Thanks!
I look forward to reading your response on the Ebooks! Our mutual love of Maine Coons has blossomed into a lovely community. Together, we have created a very special place!
Care & Keeping Feedback
Please share your thoughts on the Care & Keeping of Your Maine Coon (& Top 10 Q&A's)!