A cat rescue centre in Bradford has highlighted how a horrendous case of heatstroke had “devastating consequences” for an abandoned cat.
Katie Lloyd, a former paediatric nurse who founded Bradford Cat Watch Rescue and Sanctuary, described feeling “angry” as she shared a photo of an empty pet cage.
Sahara, who already had multiple litters of kittens, was left on the streets by her owners.
Concerned residents had been leaving out bowls of water for Sahara without success, but it wasn’t until the cat collapsed days later that the rescue was called out.
“Sahara is the most dehydrated cat I have ever seen,” Katie said.
“Unfortunately, nobody was able to help her during this unprecedented heatwave.
“She had a temperature of over 41 degrees Celsius, a death sentence in itself.
If you see these signs of heatstroke in your cat please remove them from heat, douse them with cool (not ice) water, fan them and take them to a vet IMMEDIATELY! Please keep your cats cool in this #heatwave and give them plenty of fresh water #CatsOfTwitter pic.twitter.com/YFL62IKvlC
— SheffieldCatsShelter (@CatsShelter) July 18, 2022
“She was in multiple organ failure, no thermoregulation, so jaundiced, turning more yellow by the hour, and all her vital organs shut down.
“I have never dealt with such a horrendous case of heatstroke with such devastating consequences.
“I cannot tell you how sad, angry and upset I am for the suffering Sahara sustained.”
Despite intensive care from rescue volunteers and Northcote Veterinary Surgery, Sahara died early on Wednesday morning.
Katie added: “This death could have been avoided.
“If you see an animal looking as ill as she did, don’t wait days - get help fast.”
Signs of heatstroke in cats - what you need to look for
According to the RSPCA, signs of heatstroke in cats include:
- Panting
- Drooling or salivating
- Agitation or restlessness (cats may pace)
- Bright red tongue
- Very red or pale gums
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing distress
- Vomiting or diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
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