- Dr. Lindsay Kendrick
- May 11
- 5 min read
When outdoor temperatures soar high, it's important to make sure you protect your pets from heat stroke. Although heat stroke is somewhat more common in dogs than in cats, this condition can still affect cats, too. Learning how to keep your cat safe from heat stroke is crucial for your pet’s safety.
If you suspect your cat may be experiencing heat stroke, or if you know they are, take them to the emergency vet right away. This condition can become severe very quickly, causing cat to become overheated, leading to multiorgan failure. Prompt vet care will help your pet recover from heat stroke in all but the most severe of cases.
If you suspect your cat is experiencing heatstroke, call the VEG ER for Pets emergency animal hospital near you or bring your cat in immediately.
What is heat stroke in cats?
Heatstroke, also called hyperthermia, occurs when a cat's core body temperature becomes too high (>104°F). This causes a breakdown of enzymes and proteins the body needs to survive. The result can lead to organ failure and death. Learn how to protect your cat from this life-threatening condition.
Symptoms of heat stroke in cats: when to seek emergency care
Cats who develop heatstroke can show it in a number of ways. Pay close attention to your cat's behavior in hot weather. Look for:
If you notice any of these signs, take your cat directly to VEG ER for Pets. We're open 24 hours with emergency care to diagnose and treat your cat's situation.
Tips for protecting your cat from heat stroke
Below, you’ll find a list of tips to keep in mind when protecting your cat from heat stroke. You can use this guide to set up the proper space for your cat during hot weather and help keep them safe and secure during high temperatures, too.
Ways to help prevent heat stroke in cats
Keep your cat inside to avoid heatstroke
When it’s hot outside, keep your cat indoors — no matter what! Although it is always safest to keep your cat indoors all the time, some households still have cats who go outside now and then. If your cat typically goes outside when they want to, plan to keep them in when the temperatures climb too high.
Some cats may cry at the door to be let out on a hot day, but it is best to try to ignore this behavior. The longer you ignore it, the easier it will be for your cat to realize they have to stay inside.
Combat cat heat stroke by keeping cool temperatures
If possible, keep the air conditioning running in your home at a comfortable level. Don’t overdo it, as this can cause your AC unit to freeze up (and is also bad for the environment). Just keep it cool enough that you and your pets will not be at risk of heatstroke in your own home.
If you do not have an air conditioner, invest in some fans instead. A window air unit may also be a good idea, especially if you live in a climate that does not have too many hot days out of the year.
Provide plenty of water for cats
Although it may go without saying, make sure your cat has enough clean, cool water to drink throughout the day. Hydration helps protect against heat stroke on cats. Refresh the water at least a few times per day so they always have fresh drinking option.
Cats are notoriously bad at not drinking enough water, so you may need to supplement your cat’s fluid intake with some wet food during the hot months.
Cat heat stroke advisory: don’t overdo activity
Even if your cat is young and active, don’t push it when it comes to activity levels on a hot day. Encourage your cat to relax and take it easy when the weather is hot. Most cats will gladly sleep all day in high temperatures, but some may want to play and burn off energy no matter what.
If you have an overweight cat who needs a little playtime every day for exercise, provide this at night or in the early morning before it gets very hot outside. Otherwise, skip playtime for a few days until the temperatures cool down again.
Move a cat's sunny resting spot
Many cats enjoy napping in windowsills or in patches of sunlight on the floor. However, on a hot day, it is unsafe for a cat to fall asleep in a place like this. The additional heat of the sunlight may contribute a risk of heatstroke in your pet.
Try moving your cat’s favorite resting spots to another location in your home during hot weather. If your kitty-cat has a bed or blanket they like to sleep on, place it somewhere cool and away from any sunlight or windows. They may not be happy about this change at first, but will likely get used to the new napping place.
Keep cats out of the car or any vehicles during hot weather
Heat stroke advisory: Do not take your cat in a vehicle on a hot day — or even on a day that feels mild to you. Cats must be kept in carriers when they travel in vehicles, and these carriers can become very hot, very fast, even with the air conditioner on in the car.
If you must travel with your cat on a hot day, keep the air on as high as possible and try to position the carrier out of the sunlight. Never leave your cat unattended in a vehicle for any length of time.
How vets diagnose heat stroke in cats
Heatstroke in cats is a medical emergency, and diagnosis starts with vets quickly assessing how the heat is affecting the entire body.
Vet diagnosis for heat stroke includes:
Review of recent heat exposure and activity
Observation of signs like panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or collapse
Taking rectal temperature to confirm hyperthermia (often over 104°F)
Physical exam to evaluate hydration, heart rate, and breathing
Bloodwork to check organ function and electrolyte imbalances
Clotting tests to detect heat-related bleeding disorders
Monitoring for complications affecting the kidneys, brain, and other systems
Heat stroke effects can continue after cool down
Even after your cat’s temperature comes down, the effects of heat stroke may still be unfolding internally. That’s why veterinarians take a deeper, more comprehensive approach to care.
Because heat stroke can continue to impact the body even after your cat cools down, vets don’t just treat the temperature—they look deeper. Blood tests, organ monitoring, and careful observation help catch hidden complications early, which can make all the difference in recovery.
VEG animal hospitals are open 24/7 to treat your cat's emergency
Pay close attention to your cat’s health and overall condition during high temperatures to make sure she isn’t showing signs of heat stroke.
If you think your cat may be experiencing heatstroke, contact VEG by calling one of our locations. All of our pet hospitals are open 24 hours, including weekends and holidays. We understand how serious heat stroke in cats is, and we’ll provide prompt help with the best treatment options.
