You can help prevent heatstroke (Image: jj8zpchue7 \/ Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n Cat<\/a> owners are being urged to act quickly as a heatwave tightens its grip across the UK. Soaring temperatures pose a serious threat to thousands of pets, particularly those at risk of developing heatstroke.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The condition is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe dehydration, organ failure and even death. In most cases, heatstroke in cats occurs when they become accidentally trapped in a hot, poorly ventilated space, such as a shed or garage. Certain breeds are also particularly vulnerable, as they struggle more than others to regulate their body temperature.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Should your cat display any symptoms of heatstroke,<\/a> begin cooling them down straight away and seek veterinary advice immediately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Swift action could prove vital, as the earlier your cat is cooled, the greater their chances of making a full recovery. The PDSA said: “Normal body temperature for a cat ranges between 38.1-39.2\u00b0C (100.5-102.5\u00b0F), this can get a bit higher if they have a fever from being unwell.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “However, if your cat’s body temperature goes above 40\u00b0C\/104\u00b0F they are at risk of heatstroke, which can cause severe dehydration, seizures, blood clotting problems, organ damage, coma and death.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Persians<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n These cats are particularly prone to heatstroke<\/a> owing to their flat faces and thick, dense coats. The PDSA noted: “Cats get rid of significant amounts of body heat through their nose as they breathe out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “Brachycephalic (flat-faced) cats such as Persians, struggle to release heat this way because they have much less space inside their nose. This puts them at a much higher risk of heatstroke, even on seemingly cool days.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Much like Persian cats, this breed is particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke due to their flat faces and thick, heavy fur.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Despite having a shorter coat, these flat-faced cats can also struggle to regulate their body temperature even outside of a heatwave.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This breed also features a shortened nose,<\/a> which can place them at a greater risk of heatstroke.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Characterised by a shortened nose and narrow nostrils, these cats can experience breathing difficulties, making heat management particularly challenging for the breed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Their long, dense coats and thick undercoat can make this breed vulnerable in warm weather.<\/a> Their fur traps heat readily, and the risk of heatstroke is heightened further if the cat is overweight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Their substantial double coats and large build can cause body heat to become trapped. Since cats perspire through their paws and cool themselves through grooming, extreme heat can prove particularly demanding for this breed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Maine Coon and Persian cats are at risk due to their thick coats (Image: Peter K\u00f6nig \/ Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n The common signs of heatstroke in cats include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Portrait](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/130\/590x\/secondary\/Portrait-of-cat-relaxing-on-chair-at-home-7005531.jpg?r=1782469868688\" "\\"Portrait")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\nCat breeds most at risk of heatstroke<\/h3>\n
![\"Maine](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/130\/590x\/secondary\/Maine-Coon-cat-sat-in-grass-7005535.jpg?r=1782469868700\" "\\"Maine")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\nSigns of heatstroke in cats<\/h3>\n
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How to prevent heatstroke in cats<\/h3>\n