Do Cats Like Hot Weather – What Temperature Do They Like

Nothing is more frustrating to a cat than when they can’t find a temperature that suits them. Not all cats are sensitive to this, but there is such a thing as too hot when it comes to temperature. However, some are just used to dry hot temperatures. Still, some cats don’t prefer anything frigidly cold either. So this brings up a good question; do cats like hot weather?

Generally, cats are okay with hot weather. They have an average tolerance, and as a result, they cannot be out in the heat for a long time without having ways to cool down. This can be very dangerous for cats. 

Let’s dive into more to learn what kind of temperatures cats like and just how much heat they can handle.

Can Cats Handle Hot Weather

Yes, cats can handle hot weather reasonably well. However, they do still require ways to cool down and stay hydrated. As a result, providing your cat with plenty of cool, fresh drinking water and giving them a cool and shady spot to rest is recommended to prevent things like heat stroke and dehydration. It is also important to note that short-haired cats handle the heat better than long-haired cats. 

 What Temperature Can A Cat Tolerate

As a rule of thumb, if it feels hot outside for you, it is also likely hot for your cat as a rule of thumb. As a result, you should always provide your cat with safe ways to cool down when it feels particularly hot outside, especially if it is hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

You should also never leave your cat alone in a car when it is warm or hot outside. This is because temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels even if you park in a shaded area. 

At What Temperature Are Cats Most Comfortable

Most cats do best between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some cats can also tolerate temperatures into the 90s as long as they have ways to stay cool.

Considering that keeping your house heated at 80 degrees can become very expensive for those living in colder climates during the wintertime, keeping your house between 60 and 68 degrees should be fine. This is especially true if you have a long-haired cat because they tend to do better in cooler temperatures than short-haired cats do. 

How Do Cats Stay Cool In The Summer 

Cats do several different things to stay cool in the summer months, and most cats do these things on their own. Possibly the most obvious thing to cat owners that cats do as a way to keep themselves cool in the summer is that they tend to groom themselves more often.

They do this because getting rid of excess hair keeps them cooler. In addition to this, many cats also tend to rest more when it is warm, and they also tend to drink more water. Cats also tend to find cooler surfaces such as a granite countertop to rest on during the summer. 

Are Cats OK Without Air Conditioning

Yes, most cats do alright without any air conditioning, and this is true even during the summer months. As long as you have air circulating with a fan or open window, then most cats will be just fine. Of course, short-haired cats may do a little bit better without air conditioning during the summer than long-haired cats do. However, if you have a long-haired cat and set up a fan for them, they should do ok. 

The only exception to this is if your cat has a medical condition that makes them less tolerant to heat. If you suspect that your cat has a problem like this, then you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. If this is the case for your cat, then your vet will be able to provide you with some advice on what you should do for your cat to keep them cool during the summer months. 

How Do House Cats Cool Themselves 

Cats cool themselves down in several different ways. The first thing that cats tend to do when they are feeling warm is that they tend to rest more to conserve their energy. In addition to this, cats also tend to do things like grooming themselves more often and drinking more water to keep themselves cool. When it is particularly warm out, cats will often seek out cooler places to rest as well. This is why cats like to lie on cool countertops and in front of fans during hot weather. 

How Can I Tell If Its Too Hot For My Cat

As a rule of thumb, if it feels too hot for you, it is likely also too hot for your cat. However, there are some other ways to tell if your cat is starting to get too hot. One of the first signs of a cat having a difficult time with cooling down is that they start drinking more water, and they may also show some signs of dehydration. Some signs of dehydration to look out for include but may not be limited to: 

● Dry gums (may feel sticky) 

● A reduced appetite 

● Lethargy 

● Constipation and reduced urination

In addition to this, your cat may also start to pant to cool themselves down when it is too hot for them. You should always make efforts to cool your cat down yourself if they are starting to pant. This is because panting in cats can be an early sign of heatstroke, which can become life-threatening. 

Things To Consider 

There are some other things that you should consider when it comes to whether or not cats like hot weather. These include how to prevent heatstroke in cats, the signs of heatstroke in cats, and what to do if you think your cat is having a heat stroke. Here are some things to consider about whether or not cats like hot weather. 

How To Prevent Heat Stroke In Cats 

To prevent heat stroke in cats, you will need to provide them with plenty of cool drinking water and a way to keep their body cool when it is hot outside. Of course, having an air-conditioned room for your cat to go in is possibly the best choice, but having a fan on is also an alright way to cool your cat down when they are indoors. Of course, you should always provide your cat with plenty of fresh drinking water. 

Signs Of Heat Stroke In Cats

Of course, it is always best to work towards preventing heatstroke in cats. However, it is still essential to know the signs of heatstroke in cats so that you can work towards lowering their body temperature and take them to the vet. Here are some of the signs of heatstroke to look out for in your cat: 

● Panting 

● An increase in body temperature leads your cat to feel hot to the touch 

● Bright red gums (some cats exhibit grey gums instead) 

● Restless behavior 

● Lethargy 

● An increase in vocalization 

● An increased heart rate 

In extreme cases of heatstroke, cats may pass out and exhibit other signs of shock. These are indicators of a medical emergency, and you should contact your vet immediately. Although it is essential to act quickly if your cat shows any signs of heatstroke, signs of shock indicate that the situation has become life-threatening. 

What To Do If Your Cat Is Having A Heat Stroke

If your cat is exhibiting signs of heatstroke, then there are some things that you should do before making the trip to the vet. The first thing you should do if you suspect that your cat is experiencing a heat stroke is to take their temperature.

Most cats should have a temperature between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit, so if it is much higher than this, you should make efforts to cool them down. You can do this by bringing your cat to an air-conditioned room or by rubbing a damp, cool towel on them. You must continue to check your cat’s temperature to ensure that their body temperature does not get too low. Once your cat has a body temperature that is in a safe range, you should take them to the vet.