Cats and Summer Heat: Are They Afraid of the Heat?

Firstly, let's delve into how cats sweat.

Cats are covered in thick fur, with each hair follicle having around 10 hairs, which makes the distribution of sweat glands across their bodies seem quite inefficient. The pads of a cat's paws have the highest concentration of sweat glands, which is why you might notice their paw prints are damp when they walk on hard surfaces during the summer.

Cats also cool themselves down by licking their fur, releasing saliva that evaporates and helps to lower their body temperature, much like sweating. They tend to rest in cool, shaded areas, spreading their bodies across cool surfaces to "ward off heat" effectively.

Exhaling is another method cats use to cool down.

The process of panting works by allowing heat to escape from the hottest parts, which are the胸腔内部 (the inside of the chest), where heat is generated by the moisture released from the mucous membranes in the tongue, mouth, and throat. As cats exhale warm air, this process cools their body temperature down. Although panting is an effective way to dissipate heat, it's not as common in cats as it is in dogs. Only cats under stress will pant, so if you notice your cat panting, it might be a sign that the room is too warm.

How do cats maintain a normal body temperature?

Body temperature is regulated by the brain. When the external temperature rises or the cat becomes excited, anxious, or starts vigorous activity, the cat receives signals from the brain to dissipate excess heat. Sweating, stretching out, or drinking cool water are the main ways cats cool down.

Is it a fever or just heat?

Persistent high temperatures can lead to a fever, with signs including reluctance to move, increased breathing rate, depression, loss of appetite, drowsiness, or a lack of energy. A higher body temperature is simply an increase in temperature. This could be due to high outdoor temperatures, excitement, exercise, or other reasons and is not a true fever. If you're unsure whether your cat has a fever, give them a 20minute rest and then check their temperature again. If your cat is panting and has a higher temperature but is otherwise normal, it's likely that they are overheated rather than actually having a fever.

Does grooming a cat's fur help with the heat?

The answer is no. Cats' ancestors lived in deserts and have naturally developed the ability to regulate their body temperature through evolution. Cutting their fur would only leave them without fur to lick for cooling down, and the barbs on their tongues could even harm their skin.

Secondly, the dense fur can protect against mosquito bites, and without it, the cat's skin is exposed to the attacks of mosquitoes, which can lead to certain infectious diseases.

Thirdly, the removal of fur can disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to skin conditions and other issues.

Cats have lived on this planet for thousands of years, and humans have been caring for them for 3,500 years. Through the process of natural selection, they have developed a perfect cooling system. Don't think from a human perspective about the physical structure of cats. Most importantly, some cats may develop psychological disorders if their fur is cut, constantly seeing their unattractive reflection in the mirror can be quite distressing.