My cat has heatstroke and diarrhea. Is this an emergency?

Hello! Cats are very stubborn nose-breathers and hate panting. This means they usually only pant if they are in severe respiratory distress. This, associated with the drooling and being outdoors makes me very concerned that she could have been suffering from severe heat distress or heat stroke. Sometimes cats can also hide signs of heart and lung disease until they are truly struggling to breathe, and this could be exacerbated by heat by as well. I would recommend taking her into a vet to be seen. They will likely recommend bloodwork and x-rays to start evaluating her major organ function, check for signs of infection, and evaluate the heart and lungs. I hope you find this helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Oh no, poor Berlioz! I would also be very concerned that he could have heatstroke, which is extremely deadly. He really does need to see a vet immediately as heatstroke causes internal damage to organs. Even though the vet is closed, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. You can also see if there is an ER vet clinic in your area. While you are trying to find a vet to see him now, keep him in front of those fans and make sure he has plenty of water to drink. Best of luck.

This sounds like an emergency. Tom needs to see the veterinarian quickly. It's possible he had heat stroke but other causes are also possible (poison, ruptured tumor...many other causes). Here is some information about heat stroke: https://www.petcoach.co/article/common-signs-of-heat-stroke-in-pets/ Tom may need some extensive veterinarian care and he needs supportive care like IV fluids. Best of luck.,

Hi, heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires a vet's intervention. he needs fluids to help cool him. If you are unable to find a vet to take him to, you can cool him down by using cool water. Get a thermometer and take his temperature by inserting it into his rectum about one inch. The normal temperature is 99.5-102.5. You don't want to cool him down too quickly or he can go into shock so it is important not to use ice or cold water. IF his temperature is still elevated, you can soak towels in cool water and drape them over him. If he can swallow, spoon or syringe cool water into his mouth. Keep him comfortable and cool and stop cooling measure when his temperature reaches 101, so you don't make him too cold. It is important to take him to a vet as soon as possible because heat stroke can have long lasting effects that can be deadly. He will need fluids and antibiotics to help his GI system recover from shock. Vets should be open first thing in the morning. Good luck!

The best thing you can do is prevention. Try to have access to cool water and shade at all times. Cats are much more resourceful at Finding cool areas and rarely have heat stroke, but they can. Unfortunately if a feral cat can not receive veterinary care then all you can do is provide a cool environment. Do not wet the cat with water especially ice water as it constricts the vessels and keeps the heat in the body. Slow cooling with fans and cool environment is the best option. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

If they are suffering from a heat stroke they would be showing signs of true distress like heavy or open mouth breathing, lethargy, vomiting, etc). If he is showing any of these signs then he needs immediate care of a veterinarian. You can put some water on him and put a fan over him but be careful because they can eventually get too cold because they have a hard time regulating their own temperature when they have a heat stroke. If he isn't having the symptoms above and just wanting to cook him off on a warm day then yes you can use a little water to mist him and also make sure he has plenty of shade and water. You can also set up a large fan for him to lay in front of. I hope this helps. If it doesn't cover your question, please feel free to write back with more details.

Diamond sounds very sick at the moment, and I recommend an immediate vet visit. It's very concerning she is extremely hot, and that could be signs she has a high fever or may be suffering from heat stroke. She is showing you she is very ill by not moving at all in six hours, and I would consider this an emergency. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.