Do Cats Sweat?

Every pet parent is familiar with the sensation of sweating on a hot day—it’s how humans cool themselves off. But do cats sweat to regulate their body temperature in the same way we do? 

Can Cats Sweat?

Cats can sweat to some degree. Whereas humans have sweat glands all over their bodies, cats have sweat glands in very specific locations, such as the paw pads, chin, and lips.  

Because cats have such a limited number of sweat glands, sweating isn’t the primary way cats cool themselves down. Instead, cats groom their fur to cool themselves down; the evaporation of saliva from their body is a highly efficient cooling system.  

Cats may also lie down to rest on a cool surface, like the bathroom or kitchen floor, during the hottest part of the day.  

Do All Cats Sweat?

All cats sweat to some degree, but how much can vary from cat to cat.  

• Longhaired cats may sweat more than cats with shorter fur. 

• Flat-faced cat breeds like Persians and Burmese may also overheat more easily than other breeds, making them more likely to sweat. 

• Hairless cats sweat the same amount as shorthaired cats, but it might be more noticeable because they lack fur around the mouth and paws that would usually absorb the sweat. Hairless cats also produce more oil on their skin than cats with fur, which may be mistaken for sweat.  

What Causes Sweating in Cats?

In the vast majority of cases, cats sweat when overheating. This may not happen very often to indoor cats who live in temperature-controlled environments, but if your air conditioning malfunctions on a hot summer day, you may see your cat sweat.  

Cats can also sweat from stress and anxiety, such as from veterinary visits or during storms.  

You may also see cats sweat as their body temperature rises due to fevers from infections and other causes. If your cat appears to be sweating when the temperature is mild and no apparent cause for stress or anxiety is present, take them to a veterinarian. 

Signs Your Cat Is Too Hot

Sweating cats can leave wet paw prints on the floor, furniture, or bedding.  

You might also notice behavior changes in your cat, such as decreased energy and spending more time lying on the floor. Your cat may also start grooming more than usual. Even if you don’t see sweat collected on your cat’s paws or mouth, these behavior changes can indicate that your cat is likely beginning to sweat and needs to cool down.  

Because it might be difficult to see sweat from your cat, you should be aware of other signs of overheating so you can take action and avoid heat stress or heatstroke: 

• Overheating cats can appear lethargic (having very low energy) and have a reduced appetite.  

• Cats may drink more water when they’re overheating.  

• Panting and drooling can also happen when cats are too hot.  

If a cat develops heatstroke, they may experience:  

• Labored breathing and wheezing  

• Vomiting  

• Diarrhea 

• Disorientation 

• Shaking 

• Dark red gums 

• Trouble walking 

• Collapse 

What To Do if Your Cat Is Sweating

In many cases, sweating isn’t a cause for concern. It’s a normal body response to higher temperatures in the environment, and as long as your cat can seek out cool spots (and displays normal behaviors like playing, using the litter box, and eating and drinking), you may not need to worry too much.  

You can encourage a sweating cat to drink more water by using a water fountain, putting ice cubes in their water dish to keep the water cold, or offering a hydration supplement, such as Purina Hydra Care.  

You can also provide your cat with a self-cooling bed so they have a comfortable place to rest.  

It’s also a good idea to check your thermostat settings and set the air conditioning lower if needed, or provide extra air circulation with fans to help keep your home at an acceptable temperature for your kitty.  

However, it’s always best to seek help from a veterinarian if your cat: 

• Is anxious or stressed enough to start sweating 

• Has a fever  

• Isn’t using the litter box, eating, or drinking normally 

• Is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or breathing changes 

Your primary veterinarian can address any medical issues. If your cat’s sweating has a behavioral cause, they can refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.