Did you know that cats, much like dogs, have sweat glands under their feet? Yes, you heard that right – cats sweat – your feline friend does sweat, but before you start picturing your cat coolly strutting around like a professional athlete after a workout, hold that thought.
The truth is, despite having sweat glands, cats aren’t exactly adept at using them to cool down. So, while your cat might sweat a little – especially when they’re anxiously heading to the vet or after an overly dramatic catnip session – it’s nowhere near enough to keep them cool when the heatwave hits. So, no, your cat isn’t the Zen-like, sweat-free creature you may have imagined. They’re just as prone to sweat as you are when you’re stuck in traffic on a hot day. Let’s take a deeper dive into how cats handle heat and what you can do to make their summer days a little more bearable.
Cats Sweat In Totally Ineffective Way
Let’s be real: cats aren’t exactly “cool” when it comes to regulating body temperature. While it’s true that cats sweat (primarily through the pads of their feet), this sweat doesn’t do much in the grand scheme of things. It’s kind of like that tiny fan you use on a hot day that just blows warm air in your face—totally ineffective for actually cooling you down. When your cat feels the heat, you’re probably not going to see them sweat buckets. Instead, they’ll use a variety of other tactics to cope with the rising temperatures, but don’t expect them to break a sweat and then throw on some sunglasses like they’re living in a heat-adapted utopia.
You see, cats don’t have the same cooling mechanisms as humans or even dogs. While we sweat all over our bodies, cats’ sweat glands are concentrated on their paws, which means that sweating doesn’t do much for the rest of their bodies. So, the next time your cat’s little paws leave a trail of dampness on your pillow, don’t be too quick to assume they’ve had a stress-free trip to the vet. That sweat is just a sign that your kitty’s body is trying to cope with stress – and it’s not even close to cooling them down!
My Cat Can Handle the Heat – Who Needs A/C Anyway? Wrong!
You may think your cat is like a majestic sun goddess, gracefully handling the heat without a care in the world, but let’s face it – that’s far from the truth. While your cat may look relaxed while stretching out in a sunbeam or lounging on the back of the couch, they’re not immune to the dangers of heat. Unlike humans who sweat, take a quick dip in the pool or cool off with an ice-cold drink, cats don’t have it so easy – while cats sweat, it is not enough to keep them cool.
When the temperature rises, your cat is more likely to take refuge in some good old-fashioned shade, as any self-respecting creature would. But it’s not all about finding a shady spot – cats are highly skilled in the art of keeping cool in ways that are as adorable as they are strategic. One of their favorite moves? Licking their fur. They do this to cool themselves down, but it’s not exactly the most effective method. Still, they’ll do it with all the grace and elegance of a ballet dancer performing on a hot stage.
In addition to licking, you’ll likely find your kitty drinking more water than usual and stretching out in cool spots around the house. Of course, this is the point where their innate grace really comes into play – they’ll always manage to look like royalty, even when they’re just sprawled out like a puddle of fur on the tile floor. But as much as your cat might seem fine, it’s your job to ensure they stay that way during sweltering heatwaves.
Helping Your Cat Beat the Heat: Brushing, Water, and Comfy Spots
Now that you know that cats sweat, but it’s not nearly enough to keep them cool. How can you help them stay cool? One of the most important things you can do to help your cat stay cool in the heat is brushing. Yes, you read that right – brushing. We all know cats love to keep their fur looking sleek and pristine, but during those hot months, a regular brushing session will help prevent their thick coat from turning into a personal sauna. Cats have fur that’s like a built-in winter coat, and when it’s sweltering outside, they need a little assistance in shedding that excess fluff. Brushing also helps to prevent matting, which can trap heat and make your cat feel even more uncomfortable.
But while brushing is helpful, there’s an even better move: keep your cat indoors when it’s blistering hot outside. Sure, you might want them to frolic in the garden, but heatstroke is no joke. Instead of letting your feline companion become a heat casualty, ensure they’ve got a shady spot inside, fresh water at their disposal, and a comfy place to rest. Remember, your cat’s dignity is at stake here – you don’t want them to have heatstroke because you couldn’t resist letting them roam outside for five minutes.
If you happen to have a white or light-colored cat, you’ll need to take extra precautions when it comes to sun exposure. Cats may sunburn and White cats are at a higher risk of sunburn due to their lighter coats, which offer little to no protection against harmful UV rays. As much as your cat might enjoy basking in the sun, those delightful sunbeams can turn into a potential hazard. Instead of letting your cat sunbathe like they’re at a luxury spa, try to limit their sun exposure during peak hours. If they insist on sunbathing, consider using sunshades or making sure they stay in the shade. After all, no one wants their cat to have to sport a red nose and ears like some bizarre fashion trend.
Heatstroke: Watch Out for the Warning Signs
Heatstroke is a real danger for cats, just like it is for humans. When the temperature rises and your cat’s body struggles to cool off, they can suffer from overheating. Cats, especially those with flat faces like Persians, Himalayans, and Burmese cats, are more prone to heatstroke, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant.
While we humans sweat it out to beat the heat, cats sweat too—but not nearly enough to keep their cool in a heatwave! Therefore, It is important to watch out for the warning signs. Signs of heatstroke in cats include panting (which, let’s be honest, is not a normal look for most cats), a red tongue, excessive drooling, or changes in their gums (they might look pale or dark brown – neither of which is cute). If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait around to see if your cat will “just get over it.” Call your vet immediately and get your cat the help they need.
Another group at higher risk for heatstroke includes overweight cats. The extra layers of fat can make it harder for their bodies to regulate temperature, making them more vulnerable during hot weather. If your cat has a bit of a belly, it’s especially important to keep them cool, hydrated, and inside.
Keeping Your Cat Cool: The Ultimate Summer Strategy
Remember, while cats sweat, they need our help to handle the heat. When in doubt, just keep your cat inside, hydrated, and cool. Your furry friend might give you the silent treatment for a while, but they’ll thank you with extra snuggles (assuming the air conditioning is on, of course). Cats are creatures of comfort, and there’s nothing more comfortable than being kept cool and safe from the dangers of overheating. So, remember to brush, hydrate, and keep them cool. And in return? You’ll have a cat that doesn’t just survive summer – they’ll thrive in it, all while looking ridiculously graceful, as always.