- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you often catch sight of your cat sunbathing by the window, snoozing on a sunny patio, or even curled up over the heating vent, you might wonder if it’s even possible for your cat to get “too hot”!
Cats love to be warm. Both indoor and outdoor cats generally prefer warmer temperatures and are most comfortable in environments between 75°F-80°F, explains veterinarian Dr. Sarah Cortright.
However, cats can still get too hot in very warm weather—and high temperatures can also pose some serious health risks for cats. Read on to find out when your cat might be too hot and how to help them beat the heat.
What Temperature Is Too Hot for Cats?
Generally speaking, temperatures over about 100°F (37.7°C) are too hot for cats to be comfortable and safe.
“Healthy cats will usually move if they are too hot and seek cooler spaces,” says Dr. Preston Turano, veterinary spokesperson at Felix Cat Insurance.“However, senior cats and cats with medical issues might need help moving to cooler spaces or indoors.”
Your cat also has plenty of ways to keep cool in hotter weather, says Dr. Cortright. One way is by grooming themselves, since evaporating saliva has a cooling effect—just like sweat does for humans.
She adds that cats also use conduction to help cool their bodies by lying on cool surfaces like tile floors or bathtubs, which absorb excess heat.
Risks of high temperatures
While 80°F-90°F may feel pretty hot to you, Dr. Turano says most healthy cats will be just fine at this temperature and not at risk of overheating.
That said, cats who like to sit in the sun could still get a sunburn. That’s why it’s so important to provide shade for your cat!
Temperatures above 100°F are too hot for cats and can be dangerous. Dr. Turano says the heat can lead to:
- Overheating
- Heatstroke
- Dehydration
What Happens When Cats Get Too Hot?
When your cat starts getting too hot, they will instinctively do their best to find a shadier spot and cool off. Here are signs that the heat is getting to them faster than they can cool themselves.
Panting
Panting is not normal behavior for cats! This is an early sign you should move your cat to a cooler area. “If your cat is panting or open-mouth breathing, regardless of what the thermometer says, they are too hot,” Dr. Turano emphasizes.
If your cat’s breathing doesn’t return to normal after you’ve moved them, get urgent medical attention from a vet.
Overheating
Dr. Turano says a cat’s normal body temperature runs between 100.5°F-102.5°F. If it rises above this, they will start to overheat.
Signs of overheating include:
- Panting
- Open-mouth breathing
- Sweaty paws
- Lethargy
“If you notice signs of overheating, bring your cat inside to an air-conditioned room, offer water, and use a wet towel on their back if they let you,” Dr. Turano recommends.
If your cat continues to show symptoms after these steps, contact your vet immediately.
Heatstroke
When a cat’s body temperature rises above 104°F and they can’t cool down, they can quickly develop symptoms of heatstroke. Dr. Turano says the main signs of this condition include:
If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to the vet right away—heatstroke is a medical emergency, Dr. Turano emphasizes.
Sunburn
Cats can get a sunburn anytime they sit too long in the sun, even if it doesn’t feel that hot outside.
Dr. Turano says sunburn most often occurs on the tips of a cat’s ears and around their eyes or nose. It’s most common in cats with white or lighter-colored coats.
Signs to look for include:
- Redness
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Blisters
- Swelling
What Makes Cats Overheat More Easily?
Certain factors can make some cats less tolerant of high temperatures and put them at higher risk of heat-related health concerns.
- Outdoor vs. indoor living: “Outdoor cats have less control over their environment and may struggle to find shade or water,” Dr. Cortright says. Indoor cats have better access to climate-controlled spaces, but it’s important to make sure they still have proper ventilation and plenty of water to drink, she adds.
- Breed and coat type: Cats with thick, dense hair are more likely to overheat, while cats with little or no hair are more likely to experience sunburn. “Regular grooming for long-haired cats and sun protection for hairless breeds can help,” Dr. Cortright says.
- Age: Unlike adult cats, kittens and older cats are less able to control their body temperature, which puts them at higher risk of overheating. Dr. Cortright says pet parents should provide younger and older cats with a consistently cool, shaded area in hot weather and monitor them closely.
- Size: Cats with more body weight can have a harder time cooling down. Dr. Cortright says helping your cat stay at their ideal body weight with the right diet and regular exercise can help with heat regulation.
- Health conditions: Dr. Cortright explains that cats with heart or kidney disease or respiratory issues tend to have a harder time in hot temperatures. She recommends keeping them in a cool environment and making sure they have access to plenty of fresh water.
When to Call a Vet
It’s important to get your cat medical attention right away if they:
- Have any symptoms of heatstroke
- Have symptoms of overheating that don’t improve once you’ve moved them to a cooler area
Dr. Turano says your vet will check your cat’s body temperature and clinical symptoms to decide on the best treatment.
A common approach includes using intravenous (IV) fluids to help hydrate your cat and lower their body temperature.
“Other treatments may be needed depending on the severity of heatstroke and how long the temperature was elevated,” he adds.
The vet may also recommend additional lab testing to check for any damage to your cat’s internal organs. Your cat may need to stay at the clinic for close monitoring until their body temperature returns to normal.
Long-term effects of heatstroke
Without timely treatment, heatstroke can lead to lasting and potentially life-threatening health concerns, including:
- Clotting: Dr. Cortright explains that heatstroke can cause a large number of blood clots to form. These clots can damage organs. Clotting can be life-threatening, and cats who survive may develop permanent health complications, she adds.
- Kidney damage: Heatstroke and dehydration can potentially cause acute kidney injury and then chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease will require lifelong management.
- Seizures: Very high temperatures can cause brain swelling or electrolyte imbalances that trigger seizures, Dr. Cortright says. “If not treated quickly, seizures may lead to long-term brain damage or chronic neurological issues.”
Tips to Keep Cats Cool
Hot temperatures can’t be avoided in some regions, but hot weather doesn’t have to put your cat’s health at risk.
Try these tips to help keep your cat cool when it heats up outside:
- Provide easy access to lots of fresh water—try a cat fountain for cats who don’t like to drink much!
- Close the curtains in your house to keep sunlight out during the hottest parts of the day.
- Use fans or air conditioning to cool rooms if necessary.
- Provide plenty of cool spots for your cat to rest on, like damp towels and cooling mats.
- Groom your cat often to remove excess fur.
- Apply a pet-friendly sunscreen to exposed areas of skin.
- Keep outdoor cats inside during the hottest hours of the day.
- Set up umbrellas outside to provide your cat with shady areas.
- Offer your cat canned food instead of dry food to help them stay hydrated.
