Our house cats are the descendants of steppe inhabitants; However, they do not tolerate such heat as well as their ancestors. The often extreme weather conditions of the recent past with periods of sudden, high temperatures are also causing problems for cats. Read here how you can make life more pleasant for your cat on particularly hot days.
Table of Contents
What Temperature Is Too Hot for Cats?
Any temperature over 100 F or 38 C is too hot for cats. Despite their fondness for all things warm, it’s possible for cats to become overheated. To cool off, they may seek out cool places like a bathtub or sink, and some cats may stick their faces in front of an air conditioning vent to catch the cold breeze.
Cats don’t often suffer from heatstroke, but it can happen. If your cat shows signs of being overheated, including sweating, take steps to cool them off, including offering them plenty of cool, fresh water. If your cat’s body temperature is higher than 104 F, it can be a sign of heatstroke or illness, so contact your veterinarian right away.
How do cats cope with high temperatures?
Every cat lover knows the picture when the velvet paw lounges in the sun. Cats love sunshine and take the opportunity to let their fur warm. However, excessive heat is unpleasant for the cats because the animals can only sweat to a very limited extent.
They only have a few sweat glands, which primarily serve to send scent signals and not to regulate body temperature. To protect themselves from overheating, cats try to cool themselves by panting. In addition, they exploit the effect of evaporation cooling: By grooming themselves particularly intensively in summer, the animals moisten their fur with saliva. They also try to avoid any unnecessary movement. If it’s really hot outside, the animals become lethargic and move noticeably less.
How can I help in extreme heat?
When the outside temperatures are very high, cats with lush fur in particular suffer from the heat. Long-haired cats therefore shed more hair in summer. Daily brushing will help your cat get rid of excess fur. You can also ensure cooling through the skin: rub the velvet paw with a slightly damp cloth. Outdoor cats independently seek out places in the shade on hot days. An indoor cat has it a little more difficult. It is ideal if you can offer your cat a secure balcony that also has shady places. The animal feels particularly comfortable between tempting catnip or cat grass. Be careful with other plants: many common ornamental plants are poisonous to cats and other pets.
Many indoor cats also like to retreat to the bathroom or other rooms with cool floor tiles on hot days. Some cats enjoy settling into sinks or shower trays. Do not close the doors so that the animal always has free access to such a place.
If possible, you should try not to let the living space overheat in the first place. Ventilate well in the morning and evening and provide shade during the day with blinds or curtains. You can secure windows and balconies with cat protection nets. Such a cat net should have a mesh diameter of a maximum of three centimeters. If you add more stitches there is a risk of tangling.
Caution is also advised when using fans. Aside from the risk of injury to curious cats, the constant cold draft can cause conjunctivitis and colds. Sunlight itself is also not without risk: light-colored and short-haired cats are at risk of sunburn, just like humans. Unscented baby sunscreen applied to the bridge of the nose and ears helps prevent this.
Despite all these precautions, heat stroke is still the biggest danger a cat faces in the summer heat. Symptoms that indicate heat stroke include restless behavior, a body temperature of over 39°C, dark red gums, apathetic lying on your stomach and heavy panting. In such cases, the cat must be taken to the vet immediately!
Which food is best for summer?
On hot days, it is advisable to offer the cat more wet food to support its fluid intake. However, cats need less food overall than usual during a heat wave because their calorie expenditure is lower given the reduced physical activity. Our veterinarians from Dr. will be happy to help you with your cat’s individual diet. In an online consultation via video chat, the doctors will give you well-founded recommendations for suitable cat food and useful tips on feeding.
You should offer the cat food in several small portions throughout the day and put away any leftovers immediately. Leftover food spoils quickly and attracts flies. When it’s hot, you shouldn’t offer food and water cold in the refrigerator: this can lead to stomach irritation.
Almost more important than a filled food bowl is that the cat takes in enough fluids. Distribute several keys around the house or apartment so that the cat has enough water. Some cats are reluctant to drink and you have to use tricks to encourage them to drink regularly. A sip of tuna infusion or unseasoned chicken broth in drinking water flavors the drink.
Some cats prefer to drink from a drinking fountain or dripping faucet. But you can also take advantage of the cat’s play instinct. An ice cube in the water bowl or a fishing game in which you throw treats into a shallow bowl filled with water ensures splashing fun and cooling down.
Help your cat drink more – drinking fountains
Does your cat hardly ever get excited about water? Does just a few drops from the garden hose make her grimace? With a few tricks and drinking fountains you can still encourage them to drink more. Because just like us humans, cats can’t drink enough – especially in summer!
Are parasites and insects more dangerous in summer?
Insects and arachnids such as ticks, fleas and mites also become active in the summer months. Check your outdoor animal regularly, remove parasites and apply spot-on repellents . Apart from that, common insects are also unpleasant in summer.
However, do not use insecticides against ants etc. and use natural alternatives, as cats are very sensitive to insecticides. Fly screens help against insects in the apartment. This is also important because an insect bite can also be dangerous for the house cat – for example if it hunts a wasp and is stung in a sensitive area.
Summer heat cats
The best tips against the heat in summer and how you can cool down your cat. For example, offering cool places to retreat, feeding in small portions, encouraging them to drink – this is how cats feel comfortable even in summer.
FAQs
Q: What temperature do cats like?
A: Cats are most comfortable in a temperature range of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: What kind of hot weather safety measures should I take for my cat?
A: To ensure your cat stays cool in hot weather, provide access to shade, fresh water, and a cool, well-ventilated space. Avoid exercising your cat in hot weather and ensure they don’t overexert themselves.
Q: How do I prevent my cat from overheating in hot weather?
A: Keep your cat in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated indoor environment. Offer them cool water, and place ice packs or cooling mats for them to rest on.
Q: What is the ideal indoor temperature for cats during hot weather?
A: It’s best to maintain an indoor temperature of around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your cat cool and comfortable during hot weather.
Q: What are the signs of overheating in cats?
A: Signs of overheating in cats include excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, and high body temperature (above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit). If you notice these signs, take immediate steps to cool your cat down.
Q: Can cats get heat stroke?
A: Yes, cats are susceptible to heat stroke if they are exposed to high temperatures for an extended period. Take precautions to prevent your cat from getting too hot.
Q: How can I ensure my cat stays cool in hot weather?
A: Keep your cat hydrated by providing access to fresh, cool water. You can also use fans or air conditioning to help regulate the indoor temperature and make sure your cat always has access to a comfortable, cool place.
Q: What temperature is too hot for cats?
A: Cats can overheat if the temperature rises above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep your cat cool and comfortable, especially in hot weather.
Q: Do cats sweat in hot weather?
A: Cats do not sweat as effectively as humans do, so it’s important to take proactive measures to prevent them from overheating in hot weather.
Q: How can pet parents help their cats stay comfortable during hot weather?
A: Pet parents can ensure their cats are safe and comfortable during hot weather by monitoring the indoor temperature, providing access to shade and cool water, and being mindful of signs that their cat may be overheating.
Hamna Nasir is a dedicated cat lover, avid traveler, and accomplished author. Born and raised in the bustling city of San Francisco, Hamna's education journey led her to Boston where her interests expanded and intersected in unexpected ways. Hamna's ontent explores a multitude of topics, from preparing your cat for its first trip and choosing pet-friendly accommodations to understanding feline behavior in different environments. Her first-hand experiences, love for storytelling, and unwavering commitment to enhancing the bond between cats and their owners have earned her a devoted following. Her insights have been celebrated by pet lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and travel bloggers alike.
