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Cat Hypothermia
What are symptoms of hypothermia in cats?
Signs of hypothermia include body temperature below 98.5° F, decreased heart rate, pale or blue mucous membranes, dilated pupils, shivering, wobbliness, unconsciousness or coma, and weak pulse.
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Emergency Steps
1Remove your cat from the cold.
- Check the cat’s ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), and perform CPR as needed.
2Take your cat’s temperature; below 98.5° F indicates hypothermia.
- Normal body temperature for a cat is 99.5 to 102.5° F.
3Wrap your cat in a blanket. Place warm water bottles (wrapped in towels) next to the cat.
4Take your cat to a vet.
Cat Hypothermia FAQs
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a drastic reduction of body temperature. It occurs when a cat has been exposed to frigid temperatures for too long or if their fur gets wet in a cold environment.
What are the signs of hypothermia?
Signs of hypothermia include:
- Body temperature below 98.5° F
- Decreased heart rate
- Pale or blue mucous membranes
- Dilated pupils
- Shivering
- Wobbliness, unconsciousness or coma
- Weak pulse
What are the causes of hypothermia in cats?
The most common causes of hypothermia include:
- Falling into cold water
- Not being acclimated to the cold weather
- Inability to regulate body temperature (seen in very old and very young cats)
- Shock
- Stray or outdoor cat stuck in the cold or a storm without shelter
- Underlying illness
What are some possible consequences of hypothermia?
Potential consequences of extreme hypothermia include, neurological problems, heart problems, kidney failure, slow breathing and frostbite.
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Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
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More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.