Texas is hot – even when it’s fall outside. A minute-long wait outside feels like an hour when the sweltering sun is beaming directly on your bare forehead. A simple walk to work on a humid day could probably trigger the same amount of rage needed to win a professional wrestling match. The heat is real, and it’s not fun.
We can simply turn a knob to deal with heat safety, but what about our feline friends? Cats deal with most of the same issues humans do when it comes to heat and humidity. The only difference is they can’t always adjust their circumstances.
Cat owners need to be aware of pet safety, and it starts with leaving the AC on for your furry friend, even when you’re gone. Here are some reasons why this is important.
Like humans, cats experience heat cramps, stress and exhaustion. Unlike humans, they can only sweat and release excessive heat through their footpads. If a cat is stuck in a hot room for too long with no relief, the body temperature will not lower quickly enough and serious problems will occur.
Indications of heat stress include:
- Panting, coughing, drooling
- Excessive grooming and restlessness
- Elevated rectal temperature
Bring the cat to a cool place, and provide lots of water to release heat stress.
If the stress is not cared for, the body temperature will continue to rise and the cat will experience heat exhaustion.
Indications include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Increased pulse and breathing
If you find a cat in this state, immediately bring it to a cool place and let it drink lots of water. Then, take it to a veterinarian.
If the heat exhaustion is not cared for and the body temperature continues to rise, the cat will eventually collapse, slip into a coma or possibly die.
Yes, that was the dark and tortured short story of an overheated cat. Sadly enough, it is a reality, but it doesn’t have to be! Always leave the AC on for your furry friend, even when you’re not there, to keep your pet safe. Value cat safety like you would your own. Your cat would do it for you.
