Can cats take the heat? the challenge is that they can’t tell when the heat is too much. it’s important for cat owners to know how hot is too hot for cats to avoid life-threatening conditions.
how hot is too hot for cats?
temperatures above 100 degrees fahrenheit may be too hot for most cats. Heat stroke can occur when temperatures rise to 105 degrees, especially in older cats, cats with thick coats, or cats with medical conditions.
Whether you live in a place with high humidity or like to take your cat outdoors, it’s essential that you understand what temperature is too hot for cats so you know how to keep your pet safe and healthy.
what temperature is too hot for cats?
Outside temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are considered too hot, even for a healthy cat. meanwhile, an indoor temperature above 90 degrees fahrenheit can cause heat exhaustion in the average cat.
A good rule of thumb is that if your body feels hot, chances are your cat feels hot too.
How does heat and humidity affect cats?
A cat’s natural responses to heat will only be as effective if the environment is too humid or too dry. too much moisture in the air can quickly evaporate sweat, preventing your cat from cooling down.
Wet bulb temperature refers to an index that measures heat and humidity. humans can tolerate a maximum wet bulb temperature of 95 degrees fahrenheit. once the wet bulb temperature reaches 90 degrees fahrenheit, your pet may need immediate cooling.
can cats overheat in hot weather?
A cat can overheat in high temperatures if it doesn’t regulate its body temperature immediately. a healthy cat can usually do just fine in hot weather. however, hyperthermia is heat stress that occurs when a cat exceeds its normal temperature too much.
When left unchecked, this condition could develop into heat stroke. both conditions are fatal and need immediate attention. Exposure to extreme external heat such as a fireplace and sunlight is the most likely cause of hyperthermia.
Because cats enjoy warm environments, you’ll find that they tend to stay in these areas. however, because they naturally have warmer temperatures, they also sometimes fail to self-regulate when exposed to too much heat.
what are the symptoms of hyperthermia in indoor cats?
While cats can usually handle hot weather, most don’t know how hot it is too much. When our feline friends begin to display the following symptoms, they are most likely already suffering from hyperthermia.
- restless behavior
- excessive panting
- difficulty breathing
- dark red gums
- excessive verbalizations
- unexplained aggression or irritability
- torpor
- higher heart rate
- sweaty paws
- Use a damp cloth to pet your cat.
- let it sit on a cool surface, such as a rubber mat or tile.
- let your cat drink fresh, cool water.
- set the air conditioner to a lower setting or use a fan.
- if possible, give your cat a bath to relieve the heat immediately.
- record temperature checks for veterinary reference.
- provide cool, fresh water. avoid ice water because it can constrict a cat’s blood vessels.
- use a spray bottle and spray warm water around the cat’s body.
- prepare a towel to dry our cat once the temperature reaches 103.5 degrees fahrenheit
- avoid overcooling in cats, which can lead to a different case called hypothermia.
- provide a cool surface to relax on. This could be in a dark room, in a covered cardboard box, or in a cooler room in your house with a tile floor.
- Feed your pet frozen treats, such as frozen broth.
- place a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel next to your cat’s bed or cooling mat.
- continue the cooling process while you contact and go to the vet.
- Use a blanket to wrap around your cat to discourage aggressive behavior. otherwise, you may need the help of another person.
- use a rectal thermometer to measure temperature.
- apply a generous amount of lubricant. gently insert the thermometer into your anus.
- leave it there for a couple of minutes for a more proper reading.
- Gently remove the thermometer and record the reading before cleaning.
- check the nose for moisture. dryness indicates overheating, if not dehydration. To identify if your cat is suffering from dehydration, gently press your cat’s back with the fur raised. if he returns to normal immediately, he is not dehydrated.
- check ear temperature. Normally, a cat’s ears feel warm. when they overheat, the difference in heat is very distinguishable.
- A body that is hotter than normal indicates overheating. make sure he hasn’t woken up from a nap on a warm surface.
how to care for a cat with hyperthermia
As soon as you start to see signs of hyperthermia, the first thing to do is cool your cat down. relieve the symptoms of hyperthermia immediately to avoid an increase in temperature that causes heat stroke.
When a cat’s temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit, you can perform the following procedures to begin the cooling process.
what cats do not tolerate higher temperatures well?
When the temperature rises beyond your cat’s average body temperature, your pet may have a hard time tolerating and overcoming the hot weather. these cats sometimes don’t know when they have absorbed too much heat.
Kittens
A kitten can’t regulate its body temperature until eight weeks. he needs his mother to lick and refresh his body.
long-haired breeds
Burmese and Persian cats come from places with cooler temperatures. while they have adapted to high temperatures, their average body temperature is still higher than other breeds, making them susceptible to summer heat.
senior cats
A cat sweats through its paws. since an older cat may have mobility issues, they may have a hard time licking their paws to cool off.
overweight and obese cats
Overweight cats with too much body fat may absorb more heat. this is why indoor cats can pant in hot weather due to their weight.
cats with heart problems
A cat with respiratory or heart problems would have a hard time getting enough air to regulate body temperature.
what is heat stroke in cats?
Heat stroke can occur when a cat’s body temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit. when left unchecked, high body temperature can damage multiple organs in your cat’s body.
Heat stroke, a severe case of hyperthermia, shows almost the same symptoms as hyperthermia, with the presence of vomiting, disorientation, drooling, and delirium.
how to provide first aid for heat stroke in a cat
When you are sure your cat is unwell due to heat stroke, you should start the cooling process immediately. you can use the procedures described above along with these tips when your cat is suffering from heat stroke.
how do you check a cat’s body temperature?
The easiest way to tell our cat’s temperature is by using a thermometer. however, there are also ways to tell if a cat is experiencing heat stress without a thermometer.
checking a cat’s temperature with a thermometer
As cats become uncomfortable with rising temperatures, it can be difficult to measure their temperature, but it’s a must. here are ways to make it easier.
identifying heat stress in cats with hand controls
If a thermometer isn’t available, you can tell if your cat is starting to overheat in the following ways.
how do cats cool off?
A cat can cool itself off by grooming its body. You have sweat glands on certain parts of your body. however, most sweat glands are covered with hair. the most accessible are on the legs; sometimes those glands in the paws aren’t big enough to take the heat off a cat.
You may also notice cats indoors slowing down in an attempt to reduce their body temperature.
how to keep a cat cool in hot weather?
Heat stress is common in cats and can occur at any time of the year. however, it is more frequent on summer days. Regardless, it is best to keep cats cool and comfortable at all times to avoid the risks of hyperthermia and heat stroke.
use a container that can keep drinking water cold
It is not enough to provide fresh water; You should also make sure that the water is kept cool and clean to relieve body heat faster.
ensure a cool environment
Adjust your home’s air conditioning system to a cooler environment, especially on hot and humid days. In general, the temperature in the home should be between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. set it to 78 degrees fahrenheit for a long-haired breed. You can also use a fan or vent to keep cats cool and comfortable.
don’t leave cats outside or in a car for too long
Cats like to bask in the sun, although they don’t know how hot it is too much for them, especially when they bask in the sun, they may be at risk of contracting outdoor-related pet diseases. You can bring them inside after your cats play and get enough exercise. however, they should never be left in a parked car, as the temperature inside can reach as high as 102 degrees fahrenheit.
provide a cool space to rest
Your cat’s bed should be slightly elevated to ensure air circulation. if not, air would be trapped below and only promote heat stress.
grooming your cat
Brush your cat’s coat to remove excess hair that traps body heat. you can also wash its body with a damp cloth.
frequently asked questions
how long does it take for a cat to die from extreme heat?
A cat can die from heat-related illnesses and extreme heat in 15 to 30 minutes. it may be faster if a cat is trapped indoors and hot or exposed to outside temperatures above 100 degrees fahrenheit.
what are the situations to avoid to prevent a cat from being in heat?
To prevent your cat from getting overheated, avoid direct sunlight, a humid environment with inadequate ventilation, and excessive exercise without providing cold water.
what can a vet do to treat a cat suffering from heat?
A vet can put an intravenous (IV) line into your cat. these fluids can regulate body temperature and counteract the effects of hot weather. a vet can also monitor your cat’s temperature until it stabilizes.
conclusion
On average, cats have a body temperature that ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. with too much heat, sometimes they fail to self-regulate. a temperature that exceeds the normal range is an indication of hyperthermia, and over 105 degrees fahrenheit could lead to heat stroke.
