Yes, cats can throw up from the heat, which is a sign of heatstroke. Heatstroke in cats is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Symptoms of heatstroke in cats include body temperature over 105 degrees F, collapse, high heart rate and respiratory rate, diarrhea, drooling or vomiting, disorientation, and abnormal behavior.
To prevent heatstroke in cats, it’s important to keep them cool during hot weather and provide plenty of fresh water for them to drink.
Preventing Heatstroke in Cats To Prevent Vomiting
Keep your cat indoors: During hot weather, it’s best to keep your cat indoors, where the temperature is cooler and more controlled.
If your cat ventures outside, ensure they have access to shady spots and never leave them outside for extended periods.
Maintain a cool environment: Ensure your home stays cool by using air conditioning and fans or simply keeping the windows open to allow for air circulation.
Ensure your cat has a cool place to rest, such as a tile floor or a cooling mat designed for pets.
Hydration is key: Provide your cat with fresh water through a water bowl or wet food throughout the day.
Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl or offering multiple water sources to encourage them to drink more.
A water fountain can also help make it fun for your cat to stay hydrated because of the moving water.
Groom your cat regularly: Regular grooming helps remove excess fur, which can contribute to overheating.
If your cat has long hair, consider giving them a summer trim or remove loose fur to help keep them cool.
Avoid hot surfaces: Be mindful of hot surfaces like asphalt or concrete, as they can burn your cat’s paws and increase their body temperature.
Opt for grassy or shaded areas if you must take your cat outside during the heat.
Recognizing the Signs of Heatstroke in Cats
Recognizing the signs of heatstroke in cats is crucial so you can take immediate action if needed. Symptoms may include:
- Body temperature over 105 degrees F
- Rapid panting or difficulty breathing
- Drooling or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Collapse or weakness
- Disorientation or confusion
- Abnormal behavior, such as aggression or hiding
What to Do if Your Cat Has Heatstroke?
If you suspect your cat is suffering from heatstroke, acting quickly is essential. Follow these steps:
Move your cat to a cooler area: Immediately move your cat to a cooler, shaded spot or indoors with air conditioning.
Cool your cat down: Use cool (not cold) water to dampen your cat’s fur, focusing on their head, neck, and paws.
You can also drape over your cat’s body with a wet towel, but avoid using ice-cold water or ice packs, as this can cause shock.
Offer water: Offer your cat small amounts of fresh water to drink, but don’t force them to drink if they’re unwilling; just make their water bowl or source available to them.
Contact your veterinarian: Monitor your cat’s condition until they are stabilized, as well as possibly contact your veterinarian for further advice and to determine if an examination is necessary.
Not all throwing up are tied to heatstroke
Even on hot days, your cat can vomit, and it may not be heatstroke related. Cats can vomit due to a variety of reasons. Here are some common causes:
Hairballs: Cats groom themselves regularly, and in the process, they often swallow loose fur, which accumulates in their stomach, forming hairballs.
They usually regurgitate these hairballs, which can cause vomiting, which is something that has happened a lot with me and my cat.
Gastroenteritis: This is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting from an infection or allergic reaction.
Foreign Bodies or Obstructions: Cats sometimes ingest non-food items, like string, headbands, or small toys, which can cause obstructions in their digestive tract, leading to vomiting.
Food Allergies and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Some cats may be allergic to certain ingredients in their food or may suffer from IBD, both of which can trigger vomiting.
Dietary indiscretion: Eating plants, spoiled food, or foul-tasting things such as certain insects can cause minor intestinal upset and vomiting for cats.
Kidney and Liver Disease: Kidney and liver disease are chronic diseases that can also lead to vomiting in cats.
Acute Diseases: Acute kidney failure, acute liver failure, and gall bladder issues can all cause cats to vomit.
Intestinal Parasites and Infections: Parasites like roundworms or infections can irritate the cat’s digestive system, causing vomiting.
Heatstroke in cats occurs when they are exposed to high temperatures and cannot cool down effectively.
It’s a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can sometimes require immediate veterinary attention.
As responsible cat owners, we must take precautions to prevent heatstroke by providing a cool environment and ensuring proper hydration.
Recognizing the signs of heatstroke and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in keeping our feline friends safe and healthy during the hot summer months and throughout the year.