Tips to prevent the onset of feline heat exhaustion
The spring and summer are the peak times of year when individuals choose to adopt a cat, whether they're looking for a kitten or an adult feline. While the ideal situation for these furry friends during the summer is to chill in an air-conditioned home, some may be forced to spend time outdoors or will be kept inside a sweltering house. If this is the situation that your feline will face, knowing the signs of heat stroke and how to treat it is invaluable in saving him or her from a life-threatening situation. Here are a few tips that can help you treat the problem effectively from the get-go.
1. Know the symptoms. According to Care2.com, if your cat is beginning to exhibit signs of heat stroke, he or she may begin to drool or excessively pant, experience difficulty walking, have an accelerated heartbeat and bright red gums and tongue. If your feline has started to show any of these symptoms, you have a major emergency on your hands.
2. How do you treat heat stroke? Ideally, heading to a home that's air conditioned where your feline can get his or her body temperature down is the best choice. If this isn't available, your next best option is to head to the vet's office, reports MidgiesMom.com. On the way to the vet's office, bring along a supply of wet towels that can help cool your feline down, as well as a spray bottle that you can use to give your cat a refreshing spritz. Your veterinarian will be able to handle the problem from there, and should provide the fluids your cat needs to make it through.
3. Preparing for the future. Heat stroke can be a scary episode for any cat parent, but the experience can open your eyes to a few cat wellness preparations you can make around the house. If you don't have air conditioning, there should always be a steady supply of water for your feline throughout the day, so consider placing a few ice cubes in your cat's bowl to make it more appealing. Additionally, keep your blinds or curtains lowered throughout the day to reduce your home's temperature, and let a ceiling fan or window fan run during the afternoon to circulate the air and make your home more comfortable for your furry friend.
