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

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. This is especially true when temperatures reach 80°F Trusted Source American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Nonprofit organization for small animal hospitals. Go to source or above.

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.

Animals with flat faces, like Persian cats, are more susceptible to heatstroke in warm weather because they can’t pant as effectively as other types of cats. Senior kitties, overweight cats, and cats with heart disease or lung conditions should also be kept cool indoors.

Although it may not be your first concern when it comes to having a cat, overheating is a very 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 Trusted Source Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Veterinary school. Go to source 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 of 100°F. 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, whites of the eyes, or 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.

A note on hot cars

Never leave your cat in a hot car. This may seem obvious, but it happens all too often. There’s no safe amount of time to leave your cat in a hot car — not even for a minute. On hot days, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise to dangerous levels. For example, when it’s 85°F out, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can climb to 102°F in only 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature can be as high as 120°F.

If you ever see a pet trapped in a hot vehicle, there are a few steps you can take to help, including searching nearby businesses for the owner of the car.

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. Find more info on one of our favorites below:

If you think your cat has heatstroke or another heat-related illness, take your cat to the vet to get them help ASAP. You can also try to cool them down by wetting their fur. That said, 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. It’s also a good idea to turn a fan on high and put them in a shaded, air-conditioned environment. 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).

Here are our fav 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.

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.

Monitor your cat closely — Heat exhaustion and related illness can overtake an animal quickly. 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 that 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.