Hypothermia in Cats

Low Body Temperature

Much like in humans, prolonged exposure to cold results in a lowering of the cat's body temperature and eventually hypothermia. This most likely occurs when the cat is wet, but it can also be due to malnutrition, shock, extreme cold environmental temperatures, or after prolonged doses of anesthesia.

If hypothermia persists for a long time, the animal tries to burn up the body reserves to increase heat production, which, in turn, leads to low blood glucose levels (or hypoglycemia).

Symptoms and Types

Hypothermia symptoms vary according to the its severity. Some common signs of hypothermia include:

Lethargy
Shivering
Listlessness
Slow breathing
Muscle stiffness
Low blood pressure
Collapse
Coma

Causes

Exposure to a very cold environment can lead to hypothermia, especially if the cat was already wet. Other common causes include:

Shock
Malnutrition
Anesthesia
Hypothyroidism
Disease of the hypothalamus
Blood poisoning (due to infections)
Surgical procedure with prolonged doses of anesthesia

In addition, old and newborn cats and smaller breeds are more prone to rapid surface loss of body heat.

Diagnosis

The medical definition for hypothermia in cats refers to a rectal temperature below 97 degrees Fahrenheit. (A cat's normal body temperature in cats is 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit.) If you suspect your cat is suffering from hypothermia, you must warm it up immediately and take it to a veterinarian for medical assistance.

To diagnose alternative causes, a veterinarian may conduct a urine analysis and blood tests. These tests may reveal low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), metabolic disorders, primary heart (cardiac) disease, or anesthetics or sedatives in the cat’s system.

Treatment

Wrap your cat in a blanket or coat and carry it into the house. If the cat is wet (having fallen into icy water or been out in cold rain), give him a warm bath. Also, applying warm water packs, wrapping its body (especially its armpits, chest and abdomen) in towels and rubbing vigorously will help raise the cat's body temperature. For severe hypothermia, the administration of warm water enemas and warm intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.

When an infection is the reason for hypothermia, the veterinarian will also treat the cat with antibiotics. Conversely, if the condition is due malnutrition, the veterinarian will recommend vitamin or mineral supplements, and lay out a new diet plan for the cat.

Living and Management

Because hypothermia can lead to low blood glucose levels, giving the cat some honey or a few spoonfuls of a glucose solution -- made by adding four teaspoons of sugar to a pint of warm water -- will help stabilize its blood glucose levels. If the cat refuses to drink or lick the solution, dab a bit of honey or corn syrup on its gums. Otherwise, follow the advice given by your veterinarian to manage this condition effectively.

Prevention

Hypothermia can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. This is especially important for at-risk cats, such as those with low blood sugar, hypothyroidism and/or hypothalamic disease. Sick or newborn cats are also at risk for hypothermia. To prevent hypothermia in anesthetized cats, keep it warm and monitor its temperature post-surgery.