Hot Cats! How cats regulate their body temperature 

Andwhat to do if their body temperature is too high or too low.

What actually is body temperature? It is the internal temperature of the body that is regulated by metabolic processes and heat exchange with the environment, and plays an important role in enabling vital functions. Body temperature varies depending on the animal species; in cats, between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius is normal.

Cats have a higher "normal" body temperature compared to us humans because they have a faster metabolism and need more energy to maintain their bodily functions. Cats regulate their body temperature in various ways – with the help of their insulating fur, by panting or by moving to suitable places to warm up or cool down. 

Do cats sweat?

In contrast to humans, who carry out heat regulation via the sweat glands, cats have a more complex system. This is because cats only sweat on their paws and other smaller hairless areas of the body (around the mouth, teats or anus). Cats dissipate heat primarily by panting. 

What do cats do when their body temperature is high?

When cats are warm, they display various behaviour patterns to cool themselves down:

• Panting: Similar to dogs, cats may start panting to dissipate excess heat.
• Lying in cool places: Cats often look for cool places such as tiled floors, shady spots or under furniture to cool off.

What do cats do when their body temperature is low?

When cats are cold or chilly, they display certain behaviour patterns:

• Cuddling: Cats often seek the company of other animals or people to keep warm.
• Curling up: By curling up tightly and keeping their limbs close to their body, cats minimise heat loss.
• Sunbathing: Cats love to warm up in the sun and like to look for sunny spots indoors or outdoors.
• Finding warm spots: Cats prefer warm places such as blankets, beds or radiators to warm up.
• Eating more: By digesting food, cats can also increase their body temperature.

Our tip: Give your cat sufficient opportunities to warm up and protect itself from hypothermia in cold weather.

Signs of illness:

If your cat is behaving unusually, or you suspect they have a health problem, monitoring their body temperature can provide valuable information about their state of health. A fever can indicate an infection or inflammation. Conversely, unusually low temperatures may indicate shock or hypothermia, which require immediate veterinary treatment.

How to tell if your cat has a high temperature

It is difficult to detect a fever in cats, as they often show no obvious signs. Some possible indications of fever in cats are:

• Warm or hot fur: If you touch your cat's fur and it feels warmer than usual, this could be an indication of a fever.
• Changed behaviour: A cat with a fever may be lethargic, tired or less active than usual.
• Refusal of food: A cat with a fever may lose its appetite and eat less.
• Changed body language: A cat with a fever may behave differently than usual, for example, retreating or adopting unusual positions.
• Rapid breathing: An increased respiratory rate can also be a sign of fever.

Possible causes of fever in cats: 

Fever can have many different causes, for example an infection, inflammation, immune reaction, tumours or drug reactions. It is important to clarify the exact cause of your cat's fever with a vet in order to initiate the appropriate treatment and avoid possible complications.

Basically, cats and feline species are known for their extreme adaptability and can survive in a wide variety of environments, from the scorching desert to the icy tundra. In hot climates, your cat's body will efficiently dissipate heat to avoid overheating, while in colder regions, cats conserve heat through evolved behaviours such as curling up into a tight ball or seeking sheltered areas.