The Way of Cats

Since they were originally a desert animal, cats have a number of strategies they use to keep cool when the temperature rises. And they need them. A cat’s internal temperature fluctuates between 101 and 102.2. Compared with a human’s normal 98.6, that’s quite a difference.

Cats do sweat, but only through their paws. Cats do pant to cool off, but only if they are dangerously overheated. A cat’s favorite method of cooling themselves off is to stretch out on their back, creating opportunities to radiate heat from their bellies, and then stay very still so they do not generate more heat internally.

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I find it incredibly funny on hot days to come into a room and find cats scattered around like in the opening scenes of the old science fiction movie, Village of the Damned. (See the one with George Sanders, not the remake.) Fur’s insulating qualities work to keep heat out, as well as keeping it in. Cats might wash more often to keep cool, since liquid evaporating from their fur is a good cooling method.

Without their fur, cats would be prone to being sunburned, just like people. Cats are especially vulnerable to sunburn if they have light colored ears or nose, or if their fur is thin. Orange cats lack melanin, and can be prone to sunburn even if their fur looks dark to us. If you have a long haired cat and want to clip them for the summer, don’t have the cat shaved for this reason. Ask for a lion-cut so they won’t be trapped under too much fur, but also have enough to act as sunscreen.

It’s important to keep plenty of fresh water available for the cat. The extra grooming they might be doing to keep cool will make them thirsty. Put some ice cubes in the water; some cats really like that. Drinking colder water works for them as it works for us.

We might find the cat more interested in water play on hot days. They can be drawn to the tub or shower after we’ve finished because the cool water feels good on their paws. See if they like being petted with a wet washcloth. Once they realize it makes them feel better, they might come and ask for it.

The tub doesn’t have to be wet to draw cats. The cool enamel of the tub or sink, a marble door sill, or the glass top of the coffee table have the ability to draw heat from the cat’s body, and they might find these surfaces irresistible. Even cats who normally stay off the kitchen counters can find themselves caught between impulses of being good, and being comfortable. If the cat chooses a poor place for their cooling, don’t just chase them away. Find an equally good place and take them there.

If we are comfortable, the cat should be comfortable. Don’t be surprised to find them under the air conditioner vent or in front of our fan. They use some of the same strategies as we do.

A note of caution: In my experience, cats only pant when they are really overheated, or they have a medical condition that needs quick attention. Such a signal should be addressed by getting them cooled down, either by moving them into a cool room, wiping them down with a wet wash cloth, or getting their feet into some cold, but not freezing, water. If the cat is panting and the temperature is not uncomfortable for us, have the vet give them a checkup.

If this is our cat’s first summer, they might, like RJ, be puzzled about why they feel so lethargic. When the weather cooled down recently after a few days of unseasonably high temperatures, RJ became quite clingy, as though making up for lost time. It’s not unusual for cats to not be as cuddly at these times, and anyone who has had a cat on their lap on a hot day knows neither of us can handle it for long. Mr. Bond still cuddles with me on the bed at night, but if it’s hot, he maintains a continuous inch-wide comfort zone between us.

With a little understanding, and a lot of ice cubes, we can both enjoy the summer weather.

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There’s more ways to care for our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on CAT CARE.