How hot is too hot for cats, according to a vet

Temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (and higher) Trusted Source American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Nonprofit organization for small animal hospitals. Go to source are too hot for cats. That’s right, despite being descendants of wild cats that roamed the desert, cats can overheat. Because they can’t sweat and regulate their body temperature like humans can, they’re at risk of heat-related health issues.

Many pet parents will likely find that cats generally enjoy the same temperatures that humans do. This means that your furry feline will like temperatures between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is due to the fact that cats have a higher body temperature than we do. While humans average about 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit, cats average out to 101—102.5 degrees Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source , meaning they can stand slightly warmer temperatures than we can while still being comfortable.

If you find that your cat is in a warmer environment that exceeds 80 degrees, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion or other forms of heat injury.

There are many different factors that can influence a cat’s heat tolerance. Generally speaking, animals with flat faces, like Persian cats or pugs, are more susceptible to heatstroke in warm weather because they can’t pant as effectively as other types of cats. Senior kitties, obese cats, and cats with heart disease or lung conditions should also be kept cool indoors.

Other factors that can possibly affect heat tolerance include:

Breed and coat length

Cats with long fur can overheat more easily than those with short or thinned fur, as they won’t be able to release heat easily. If you have a long-haired cat and you’re facing the heat, you might consider setting them in front of a fan, cooling their water before serving it to them, using ice packs, or using slightly damp towels on your cat’s coat to cool their skin.

Age

Older cats can be prone to poor circulation Trusted Source Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary school. Go to source , which can contribute to problems releasing heat from the body. If you have a senior kitty, keep a close eye on their temperature and work to control the temperature of their environment.

Health

Certain conditions can make cats more prone to heat injuries. Examples of these conditions include breathing conditions or heart conditions that can affect the cat’s circulation. Asthma, chronic sinus infections, and an enlarged heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can all make cats more prone to heat injuries.

Head to your local vet’s office right away if you notice any of the following signs in your cat:

• Excessive panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• A temperature of 104°F or above

👉 If possible, take your cat’s temperature with a pet-safe thermometer. This will give you the most accurate information that your vet can use as they start their care. They also might take the cat’s temperature in-office to verify just how hot your pet is. 

If you think your cat has heatstroke or another heat-related illness, here’s what to do:

• Get help. Take your cat to the vet to get them help ASAP.
• Keep cool. Try to cool them down by wetting their fur at home, or on the way to the vet. You can do this at the first sign of heat injury.
  • Make sure the water isn’t too cold. Ice cold water can cause your cat’s blood vessels to narrow, which can further inhibit their ability to cool off. Tepid, room temp, or cool water works just fine.
• Let air work its magic. It’s a good idea to turn a fan on high (or your air conditioning unit) and put them in a shaded, air-conditioned environment that is far away from direct sunlight. Do this at the first sign of heat injury. Remove them from any warm, fuzzy blankets or heat-trapping beds as well.
• Hydrate (on their terms). Don’t force them to drink, but make sure they have access to fresh, cold water (perhaps with a couple of ice cubes tossed in).

This varies depending on the local climate and whether a cat is an indoor or outdoor pet. But even then, heat injuries in cats aren’t all that common, mostly because they don’t tend to partake in extended outdoor recreation and aren’t left in hot cars nearly as often as dogs. When cats do get heat injuries, they’re often burn-related and the result of a household accident.

Although it may not be your first concern when it comes to having a cat, overheating is a real risk for felines, especially in the summer months. These are some of the most common things that can happen when your feline gets too hot:

• Heat exhaustion. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cat nap fatigue. Heat exhaustion causes extreme lethargy, weakness, and discomfort. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur as a result of this condition.
• Heatstroke. This illness can happen when a cat’s temperature rises above their standard body temp. Signs of heatstroke are very similar to heat exhaustion. Some potential symptoms can include red gums and blood clotting that may cause red bruises to form in the mouth, the whites of the eyes, or the abdomen.
• Sunburn. Your cat’s fur can somewhat protect them from UV rays. But it’s still possible for pets to get sunburnt. In severe cases, this can lead to skin cancer.

Here are our favorite tips to make sure your cat is as healthy as possible when enjoying the summer sun:

Get a summer checkup — Make sure your cat doesn’t have any preexisting health conditions that may increase their sensitivity to heat, like heart disease or obesity. Your vet can give you specialized care to help keep your pet cool in high temperatures.

Be aware of humidity — Humidity can affect your cat just as much as dry heat. Cats pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs. If the humidity is too high, they’re unable to do so, which can cause them to overheat.

Stay inside on hot days — If you’re concerned about your kitty overheating on a particularly warm day, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep them inside in a well-ventilated, air-conditioned environment. This can help you avoid heat stress altogether, especially if you have a cooling system in the living space.

Monitor your cat closely — Heat exhaustion and related illnesses can overtake an animal quickly, especially if they are in a hot area over an extended period of time. If your cat is exposed to extreme heat, keep your eye on them at all times and watch out for any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Stay shaded and hydrated — Make sure your cat always has access to clean, cool water in the form they prefer. Cats are picky about how they drink — and the more you can encourage them to lap up, the better. If your cat’s going to be outside in the heat, make sure they also have shade to cool down in so they can regulate their body temperature when outside.