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Now that summer is here, pretty much anyone and everyone has the same idea in mind: stay cool. With temperatures jumping up to the 90's in most parts of the country, sometimes you need to take a proactive approach on staying cool. And if we think it's hot out, imagine how our cats must feel! Cats feel the heat just as much if not more than we do, centered so low to the ground and covered in all that fluffy fur. While it's obviously the safest thing possible to keep your cat indoors, some cats like to venture outside of the home when their curiosities get the best of them. Here are some helpful tips to watch out for that could signal a sign of heat stroke in your cat:

1. Panting

This is not a normal response to heat for your cat, so if you find that your cat is panting this is a clear indication that they have become overheated. Bring them indoors at the sight of this.

2. Inability to Move

If your cat is in a collapsed state, and very unresponsive rush them to a vet immediately—heat stroke is likely a factor.

3. Vomiting

Just as a human would, a cat can easily vomit if they become too hot. Watch carefully when letting your cat out on days that are super hot.

4. Lethargy

This one might be hard to spot for an animal that sleeps almost 16 hours in any given day, but it's important to note changes to their disposition if they've traveled outdoors in those summer months. If your cat is awake but not alert whatsoever this can certainly be a sign of heat stroke.

5. Fever

Did you know that a cat's average temperature is anywhere from 100-103 degrees? If you find that your cat's is higher than that please take them to the vet immediately. At local pet stores you can find pet thermometers for purchase that can help you read your pet's temperature at home. And did you know that in Japan, many pet owners feel their cat's paw as a way to check their temperature? A cat's paw should mostly be cool or average to the touch, and if the paw is hot then this could signal a temperature. Interesting, right?