Do Cats Sweat?

Cats can sweat, but not in the same way as humans.

Domestic cats are often known for being cool, aloof little creatures that are heavy sunbathers. But do cats sweat? Yes, but not like humans do. Here, our experts describe how cats sweat, where it comes from, why they pant, and how to reduce cat sweat and overheating.  

Can Cats Sweat?

Yes, cats do sweat, but only through their paw pads. Since their bodies are covered in fur, sweating doesn’t cool them down the way it does for humans. Instead, cats rely on a few different tricks to stay comfortable when they get too warm:

• Grooming: When cats lick their fur, the saliva evaporates and helps cool their skin. Grooming is like running through a sprinkler on a hot day.  
• Stretching out on cool surfaces: Many cats love lying on tile floors, sinks, or even empty bathtubs because those surfaces feel cooler against their bodies.  
• Shedding extra fur: Cats often shed more during warmer months. Regular brushing can help remove loose fur and keep them more comfortable.  
• Panting: Cats don’t pant often, but an overheated cat may start panting to release heat through the evaporation of saliva.

How Cats Sweat and Where Cat Sweat Comes From

You might be wondering how cats sweat. Cats have special sweat glands called eccrine glands. These glands are found in hairless areas of the body, including the paw pads, between the toes, and around the lips and nose. Because most of a cat’s body is covered in fur, sweating alone is not a very effective way for them to cool down. If you notice tiny wet footprints on the floor, it could mean that your cat may be feeling hot, nervous, or stressed and is sweating. Sweaty paws can also happen when a cat is anxious. Some cats leave damp paw prints at the veterinarian’s office or during stressful situations like travel or thunderstorms.

Cats rely on other cooling behaviors, like grooming themselves, resting in shady spots, and stretching out on cool surfaces like tile floors or sinks. When cats lick their fur, the saliva evaporates and helps lower their body temperature, similar to how sweat cools humans.  

The following cats are more likely to experience overheating or heatstroke compared to other cats:

• Outdoor cats
• Nursing and pregnant cats
• Senior or young cats
• Cats suffering from preexisting conditions such as heart or lung disease
• Obese cats
• Brachycephalic cat breeds, such as Burmese, Persian, and Himalayan.

Why Do Cats Sweat and Pant?

While it can be normal for a cat to pant while hot or anxious, if they are showing other concerning signs or do not stop panting for long periods, it could be heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Cat Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Cats naturally run warmer than humans, with a normal body temperature between about 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. While many cats can tolerate warm weather, especially if they have access to shade and water, they can still overheat in extreme temperatures. Once a cat’s body temperature rises above 104 degrees, they may be at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can quickly become dangerous without veterinary care.

Signs of cat overheating may include:

• A cat sweating excessively
• Panting
• Disorientation
• Seizures
• Shaking
• Excessive drooling
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Bright red tongue, gums, or other parts of the mouth

If you notice your cat showing any of these signs, immediately move them to a cooler environment and call your veterinarian.

Anxious Sweating for Cats

Cats sweat when stressed, not just when they are too warm. Various stressors, such as a new environment or a trip to the vet, may cause cats to sweat. Panting that does not stop upon removing the stressor could necessitate an emergency veterinary visit. 

How to Reduce Cat Sweating and Prevent Overheating

The good news is, as long as cats have access to cool shaded areas, they will often prefer to rest in those areas versus intense play in the hot sun like dogs might. They still can sweat in a variety of stressful situations, such as being accidentally trapped somewhere or if there is no shade available for an outdoor cat.  

If you’re concerned your pet is on the verge of overheating, and you notice their paws are already sweating, the following steps are helpful:  

• Get them out of the heat and into a well-ventilated, climate-controlled area
• Wet their fur with a cold, damp cloth
• Give them cool water to drink

Call your vet if your cat is still showing signs of distress after completing these steps.  

Cat Hydration

Keeping your cat hydrated is essential to keeping them cool. Offer your cat fresh water to drink and try wet cat food for extra hydration. If your cat is being picky about drinking the water it needs to avoid overheating, try giving them the easy-to-feed Hydra Care supplement by Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements, which has been shown to promote hydration in cats.

Dehydration signs in cats include:  

• Elevated heart rate
• Dry gums
• Lethargy
• Slower to respond
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased skin elasticity, called “skin tenting.” To test it, gently pinch your cat’s skin over its shoulders. If it stays in place after you release it, your cat is dehydrated.  

Any of the above signs warrant an immediate call to your veterinarian.  

How to Keep Outdoor Cats Cool in the Summer

Cooling cats in summer depends on their lifestyle. Indoor cats may seek cool tiles to lay on, but keeping outdoor cats cool in summer could involve more creativity.

Some easy ways to keep an outdoor cat from sweating in the summer include:

• Keeping fresh water easily accessible. Some cats may even show interest in ice cubes, so put a few in a bowl for them to play with.
• Cat-proofing sheds and garages where they could get trapped, as those environments may have poor air circulation.
• Providing plenty of shade.  

For more expert tips on cat skin, explore our other cat skin and ear health articles.