Do Cats Sweat? Exploring Their Unique Cooling Mechanism

Do Cats Fear Heat? How Do They Cool Off?

Many cats that people keep today, such as the folded ear, British Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian breeds, are from colder climates. These cats have denser or longer fur, making them more prone to overheating, especially if they are overweight.

Cats primarily dissipate heat through their paws, nose, and ear capillaries. Since cats have underdeveloped sweat glands, their skin is not a major means of cooling down. Heat is mostly lost through conduction or radiation, such as lying on a cool tile floor to conduct heat away.

Is It a Good Idea to Shave a Cat's Fur in the Summer?

Due to the underdeveloped sweat glands in cats, shaving fur does not significantly improve cooling. Moreover, after shaving, the cat's skin is unprotected and more susceptible to fungal infections; there have also been cases of cats catching a cold after being shaved and exposed to cold air. If you must shave, it's recommended to only remove fur from specific areas, such as the belly and paw pads, rather than shaving the entire body. Click here to learn more about why cats should not be shaved and the reasons behind it.

Can Cats Overheat? What Are the Symptoms of Heatstroke?

Cats can indeed suffer from heatstroke. A normal adult cat breathes at a rate of about 30 breaths per minute. If you notice your cat breathing over 36 times per minute, it may indicate overheating. The cat may then start to breathe through its mouth, pant, become disoriented, and experience a decrease in activity and appetite. In severe cases, this can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death.

The normal body temperature of adult cats is slightly higher than humans, around 38℃ to 39℃. If the temperature exceeds 39.5℃, it is considered abnormal, and cooling measures should be taken if necessary.

How to Handle a Cat with Heatstroke?

When a cat's body temperature is too high, you can use slightly cooler water to rinse it. Be sure to avoid the cat's mouth and nose when rinsing. Always monitor the cat's breathing rate, and you can stimulate drinking by gently applying water around the mouth. Increase ventilation in the environment to help the overheated cat cool down, and seek medical attention if necessary.

How to Avoid Cat Heatstroke at Home During Summer?

The ideal room temperature for cats is around 26℃ to 28℃. There are also petspecific cooling pads available on the market that you can choose based on your cat's personality. Pay attention to indoor air circulation and avoid high temperatures and humidity.

Cats should consume an ideal amount of water, about 40cc to 60cc per kilogram. In the summer, when cats have a faster metabolism, it's even more important to ensure they stay hydrated. Place multiple water bowls around the house so the cat can drink whenever it wants.

If your cat has peculiar drinking habits, try to accommodate them as long as it doesn't affect their health. If your cat is comfortable with it, you can add a few ice cubes to the water bowl to keep the water temperature slightly lower than the room temperature. Alternatively, you can add water to frozen canned food when serving to increase the cat's water intake, but be mindful of the freshness of the canned food and your cat's digestive adaptation.