Cats can often be found seeking out warm spots: a snooze in the sun, stretched out by the fire, or curled upon a warm lap. Whilst stroking your cat, you may find that they often feel very warm to the touch, especially if they’ve been basking in the sun or by a radiator. But how hot is too hot? And is it normal for cats? 

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How hot is too hot?

The normal temperature range for a cat is 38-39oC (which is 100.4-102.5oF). This means that they will feel warm to the touch to us, even when perfectly well. 

If their body temperature rises above this, they will start to feel uncomfortable at first, and then the situation can quickly become dangerous. A very high body temperature can lead to a health emergency very quickly, as it can cause damage to the cells and organs inside the body. 

What causes a cat to get too hot?

Cats can become overheated in a variety of ways. They can become hyperthermic (high body temperature), where their external environment becomes too hot and they cannot cool down. Or they can suffer from pyrexia (fever), where the body raises its own body temperature to fight off a perceived threat such as infection.

Heat stroke

Although the ancestors of our domestic cats lived in desert areas, our furry friends can still suffer from heatstroke; which can rapidly become fatal. Cats do not sweat as we do to cool down. Although they do groom themselves when hot to help cool themselves. They also do not tend to pant, as dogs do, until they are already in significant distress.

Cats are good at regulating their body temperature, so will usually move themselves to a cooler area. Or find some water to drink, if they find themselves getting hot. Heatstroke usually occurs when cats get trapped somewhere too hot for them, such as a greenhouse, garage or shed. Young kittens, older cats, and flatter-faced breeds such as Persians are more susceptible.

Symptoms of heatstroke, apart from a high body temperature, include rapid breathing or panting, lethargy and weakness or dizziness, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, dark red gums, and seizures. If your cat has been somewhere hot, they feel hot to the touch (the ears, face and feet are the easiest to check) and are displaying any of these symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately. Heatstroke is a very serious condition and should be treated urgently. 

Fever 

A fever occurs when the cat’s body deliberately raises its internal body temperature by adjusting the internal thermostat found in the part of the cat’s brain called the hypothalamus. A fever can indicate that something is wrong with your cat. The causes range from minor to more severe, and include infections and abscesses, pain, some poisons, trauma, or a bad reaction to a medication. 

If your cat has a fever, they may feel hot to touch, especially their ears, face and feet. They will also likely be feeling unwell, and may hide away, be very quiet or depressed, stop eating or drinking and may breathe more rapidly. 

If you suspect your cat has a fever, feels hot to the touch, or has any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinary surgeon as they may need treatment. 

What do I do if my cat is too hot?

If you suspect your cat is too hot, seek veterinary advice immediately; especially if they are showing other symptoms that they are unwell. Heatstroke is a potentially fatal condition. You can provide initial emergency treatment at home by removing them from the hot environment, applying cool water to your cat (either directly as water or by wet towels) and by putting them by a fan to maximise heat evaporation. 

Can I prevent overheating?

Pyrexia (fever) is difficult to prevent, as it is usually caused by illness. Regular vet checks and up to date vaccinations are recommended. 

There are various tips to prevent heatstroke in cats.

  • Keep cats out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. This may mean keeping them indoors, or providing them with a shaded area.
  • Make sure there are plenty of areas your cat can access fresh water. It is important especially in a household with multiple cats that there are a few bowls in different areas, so that there isn’t competition for water.
  • If your cat is long-haired, consider a summer haircut!

Summing up: hot or too hot?

Cats are generally warm to the touch, with a higher normal body temperature than ours. However, they can suffer from conditions that make them overheat. Feeling your cat’s ears, paws and face can help your judge if they are too hot, and assess if they feel unwell. Make sure your cat has plenty of access to cool areas and fresh water in summer, and seek veterinary attention immediately if they seem hot and unwell.

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