Feline heatstroke is an increasingly relevant welfare concern as climate change brings more frequent hot weather, particularly affecting brachycephalic breeds and indoor cats.
Feline heatstroke is a welfare emergency causing rapidly escalating physiological distress. Cats cannot sweat effectively and rely on panting and seeking cool locations. Brachycephalic cats with restricted airways have severely impaired cooling capacity. Cats left in hot cars or rooms without ventilation can develop heatstroke in minutes. Climate change is increasing the frequency of dangerous heat events relevant to cat welfare.