KEEPING CATS COOL

When the summer temperatures begin to climb cats experience dangerous heat strokes much more easily than humans.

Cats cool themselves by rapid breathing and by licking their coats. This is why they groom more in warmer weather. As the saliva evaporates from their fur it cools them in a fashion similar to sweat evaporating off of our skin. But once the air temperature is close to, or exceeds, body temperature then the cooling by licking method begins to fail and cats are left with only their tongue 's rapid breathing as a cooling mechanism. Cats also have sweat glands in their tongues and the pads of their feet, not all over their bodies like humans do.
 

As you can imagine this is not sufficient and the possibility of cat heat stroke rises with increasing temperatures. Persians and other short nosed breeds are especially susceptible to heat stroke. Cats should never be left in a hot car or crate. Heat stroke requires immediate attention or it can be fatal.

Warning Signs of Feline Heat Stroke in increasing order of severity:

• Fast and frantic noisy breathing
• A bright red tongue 
• Vomiting
• Unsteady walking/ staggering
• Diarrhea, possibly with blood
• Pale blue or gray lips
• Coma
• Death

Feline Heat Stroke Treatment

• Move the cat to a cooler temperature and call the vet at once!
• Wrap in cold wet towels, immerse in water or find some way to get the cat wet.
• Stop the cooling treatment when the rectal temperature drops down to 103 F and let their body finish the cool down process. 
• If you continue with the cool down past 103 F you could produce hypothermia. Of course even in this weakened state some cats will never allow you to get in a rectal thermometer. 

SO, PLEASE CALL THE VET immediately if you suspect heat stroke and remember to keep our beloved felines in as cool as possible location in the summer accompanied by plenty of fresh drinking water.