Heatstroke in cats
Also known as Hyperthermia.
Body temperature rises above 40–41 °C (104–106 °F) and starts to damage the organs. It is less common in cats than in dogs, but flat-faced and obese cats are at greater risk.
A cat panting with its mouth open is an emergency.
- System
- Poisoning and accidents
- Is it urgent?
- Usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Emergency care, €200–1,500 depending on severity.
Symptoms
- Pants with its mouth open
- Very red gums
- Drooling
- Wobbling
- Vomiting
- Seizures
Causes
Cars, carriers left in the sun, closed rooms without ventilation, tumble dryers and exercise in the heat.
How it is diagnosed
Temperature and blood tests to assess the damage.
Treatment
Cool the cat with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water on the way to the vet, then intravenous fluids and oxygen.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good if action is taken quickly; guarded if there have been seizures or organ damage.
Prevention
Never leave a cat in the car, always provide shade and water, and take care with Persians and Exotics in summer.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I suspect heatstroke?
A cat panting with its mouth open is an emergency. At the vet: cool the cat with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water on the way to the vet, then intravenous fluids and oxygen.
Can a cat recover from heatstroke?
Good if action is taken quickly; guarded if there have been seizures or organ damage. Cool the cat with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water on the way to the vet, then intravenous fluids and oxygen.
How much does it cost to treat heatstroke?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Emergency care, €200–1,500 depending on severity. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Persian, Exotic Shorthair and Himalayan. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in poisoning and accidents
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.