A/C is being worked on, extremely hot, cats are panting

My A/C (window) unit is currently uninstalled and being cleaned by my landlord. I am hoping this is fixed by sundown.  I have fans going and cool water available for the cats, but it is HOT. The kitties are starting to pant every few minutes to help keep themselves cool.  What warning signs should I look for that they could be overheated and what action should I take to help them if so?

I would leave a cold damp towel down for them to sit on - help cool them off. As for warning signs, I'm not sure of any other then the obvious. Not moving, very hot to the touch, etc. Good luck!
 

To force cool your room, have the fans blow air downward.

Find a way to tilt or jerry-rig the fans from a high position and blow air downward.  You may not get the entire room cooled, but it should at least cool the air near the floors.

We are in a severe heat wave as well... 118 on the shaded patio right now.  Our A/C is running overtime, and it doesn't help that the unit is sitting in an area that gets all day sun.  Just praying the thing holds up.

If they eat canned food, I'd add some water to it to make sure they stay hydrated.

Warning signs include red gums and a very red tongue.  Cat is breathing with mouth open, so these signs  are very easy to see.  Cold wet paper towels covering the cat and changed every few minutes at first to lower the body temperature bring quick relief. 

(Happened to one of mine many years ago when A/C was not working.)

http://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/common-emergencies/e_ct_heat_stroke#.UdCvZIjD_hl

Awesome, thank you guys so much. The A/C was fixed but now is broken again which means tomorrow will be another hot day for my kitties My friend told me to place a bucket of ice in front of the fan so I will try that as well as providing the cool towels and pointing fans at the floor. Hopefully it does not get too hot like today

If you can run to the dollar store and get some sun shades and put them over windows in one room they prefer to hang in(or have heard foil but I prefer the sun shades as you can move them out of way)  It will help keep it cooler.  If bathroom is tile take a fast shower and then leave door open for them lights off.  I would consider foiling that window just for the day if window is small. 

Good luck!

I also suggest using ice packs to rub the cats with. When I lived in an apartment with Frank sometimes it would be hot even with the AC so I used to pet him with an ice pack and he loved it. 

I am extremely worried about my cat! I left him outside in over 100 degree weather without water thinking he'd be ok. I can't believe I was so foolish. Nevertheless he's no where to be found. He's been gone for two days now. If anyone has some advise for me I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm so upset with myself!

rebeccak170 said:

I am extremely worried about my cat! I left him outside in over 100 degree weather without water thinking he'd be ok. I can't believe I was so foolish. Nevertheless he's no where to be found. He's been gone for two days now. If anyone has some advise for me I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm so upset with myself!

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Hi Rebecca, your cat may have wandered away from your property in seek of water, food, or shade.  Put up posters and a Craigslist ad with his photo, and keep looking for him.  Good luck!