Originally published on ParadePets. yanguolin / Getty Images
The best solution is typically to keep the family together.
Understanding your fur baby’s bodily functions is an essential part of being a responsible pet parent. Since our pets can’t speak, looking for signals of distress or discomfort is imperative for getting them help if they need it. This is especially important during the summertime when overheating is a risk. Animals are more prone to overheating than humans are, and this is also true for cats. Knowing the signs of an overheating cat or one that’s getting too hot can help prevent serious, life-threatening consequences.
In addition to knowing the signs of overheating, it is also important to understand how your cat regulates their body temperature. We know we humans sweat to help cool down, but is this true for cats? How do they keep themselves cool in the summer?
To find out more about feline heat regulation, Parade Pets spoke with Dr. Geri Katz, a veterinarian specializing in feline health and medicine. Read on below to learn more about the way cats sweat, other ways they keep themselves cool when warm, overheating signs and strategies for helping your kitty stay cool in hot settings. Keeping this information in mind can help keep your cat safe, happy and healthy.
Do Cats Actually Sweat?
As it turns out, yes, cats do indeed sweat. However, it’s not in the way you might think. “Cats sweat, but it’s not a very efficient way of cooling because they only sweat through hairless areas like their paw pads, chin and lips. Cats don’t like to breathe through their mouths, so they have to be quite uncomfortable to pant,” Dr. Katz explains.
Why Your Cat Is Grooming More in the Summer Heat
The reason your cat grooms themselves more in the summertime is to cool themselves down, as the way cats sweat isn’t the most efficient, Dr. Katz explains.
“Cats groom themselves more during hot weather because they need a more efficient way of cooling themselves than sweating, so by grooming themselves they are adding moisture to their skin. As this moisture evaporates, it provides the cooling that they need,” Dr. Katz says.
Why a Panting Cat Is a Medical Emergency
If your cat is panting and it’s hot outside, this could be the sign of a medical emergency. Since cats do not like breathing out of their mouths, panting is a signal of distress.
“A panting cat in the heat can be a medical emergency because they may not be getting enough oxygen to their tissues,” Dr. Katz warns. “Since cats do not like to breathe through their mouths, a panting cat is a cat in distress!”
This distress could also be a sign of overheating. Taking your cat’s temperature is the best way to confirm. According to Dr. Katz, a normal temperature in cats is between 99.5 and 102.5. However, an overheating cat can rise upwards of 104 degrees or higher. The danger of overheating is, again, a lack of oxygen.
“Overheating can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain, lungs and other organs. If these systems fail, this can result in tragic and even fatal consequences. It is crucial if you think a cat is overheating to bring them right away to a veterinarian or your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.”
Subtle Signs Your Cat Is Struggling With the Heat
In addition to panting, your cat may exhibit some other signs that show they are struggling with the heat.
“Besides panting, an overheated cat can be lethargic, may drool, seem restless or find cool surfaces to lie on,” says Dr. Katz. “They can vomit or have diarrhea, and even become wobbly and unsteady. If you are able to look at their gums, an overheated cat can have especially bright red or pale bluish gums. Any of these signs warrant urgent and immediate medical attention. Their owners should go to the nearest veterinary emergency room if they observe any of these signs.”
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How to Sneak More Water Into Your Cat’s Diet
Encouraging your cat to drink more water is essential during warm weather, and there are a number of ways you can make it more enticing to them. “First, remember that they will drink more water if it is away from their food bowl. This is because their ancestral wild cats didn’t wish to soil their drinking water with their killed prey,” Dr. Katz says. “Another good thing to know is that cats don’t have great depth perception, so a stagnant bowl of water isn’t always appealing to them.”
Keeping this in mind, you can adjust the way you provide water for your kitty to help them want to drink more. Dr. Katz recommends a water fountain, dripping water from the faucet or using a glass bowl, as this makes it easier for them to realize there is water available. Some other clever ways you can make your cat drink more are to add some flavor!
“To entice them to drink more, you can add things to their water such as clam juice, chicken broth (make sure it does not contain onion or garlic!) or liquid from a can of tuna or salmon,” Dr. Katz says. “This is also a great reason to have your cat eating a wet food diet, since wet food contains a lot of water! A fun tip is to make chicken broth ice cubes or lollipops ahead of time! Licking them will provide moisture and will also be cooling!”
Best Ways to Keep an Indoor Cat Cool Without AC
Whether your air conditioner is down or you simply don’t have it, there are some ways you can keep your cat comfortable during the summer without AC.
“Some good ways to keep your cats cool without air conditioning are to encourage more water drinking, keep them in a dark, cool area of the house and periodically wipe them down with unscented baby wipes or a wet, cool washcloth,” Dr. Katz recommends. “Be sure to lower your blinds to let the least amount of heat in and make sure to not engage them to run around or play.”
As a cat parent, understanding your kitty’s heat regulation is imperative for making sure they are happy and healthy, especially during the warmer summer months. By keeping this important information in mind, you can recognize when they might be a little uncomfortable and need to cool down (or may be overheating and need immediate medical attention). Stay cool out there!
Source
Dr. Geri Katz is a veterinarian specializing in feline health and medicine. She is a member of the Pet Honesty Health and Science Advisory Board. Dr. Katz is also the owner of Aristokatz, a feline-exclusive veterinary clinic based in Fairfield, Conn.