Do cats sweat?

While humans have 2 to 5 million sweat glands spread throughout their bodies, cats have an extremely low number. Cats can cool themselves down successfully, but when it comes to sweating, they sweat much less than humans, and this sweating process is almost imperceptible from the outside.

The fact that a large part of cats' bodies are covered with fur and it is not possible to observe them sweating is the main reason why people wonder about the answers to the question "Do cats sweat?". However, the answer to this question is "Yes": Cats sweat. Although cats have sweat glands in their skin, called apocrine sweat glands, they sweat from their paw pads (which lack fur) and the nasal area where eccrine sweat glands are located. These glands randomly secrete an oily substance with pheromone functions. In cats, apocrine glands essentially function as scent glands. In this article, you can find detailed information about the sweating mechanism in cats. As mentioned earlier, cats do not have millions of actively working sweat glands spread throughout their bodies. In the sense we experience it, they are only known to sweat from their noses, lips, chins, anal areas, paw pads, and between their toes. In excessively hot weather, their bodies send a signal to their brains, and in response to this signal, their brains activate the sweat glands.

Cat Sweating Mechanism

As mentioned earlier, cats do not have millions of actively working sweat glands spread throughout their bodies. In the sense we experience it, they are known to sweat only from their noses, lips, chins, anal areas, paw pads, and between their toes. In excessively hot weather, their bodies send a signal to their brains, and in response to this signal, their brains activate the sweat glands.

Sweating in cats due to exposure to hot weather and/or stress can be detected by observing the paw prints left when the cat walks on a dry surface.

The sweating mechanism of Sphynx cats, which have very little or no fur compared to other cats, is the same. Although they have very little fur, the distribution of sweat glands in their bodies is no different from other cats.

What are the Methods Cats Use to Cool Their Bodies?

Sweating in cats is just one of the mechanisms that help regulate body temperature. It is known that cats use many different and equally effective methods to cool themselves down.

Grooming: It's easily observed that cats lick their fur more than usual in excessively hot weather. When they lick their fur, their saliva moistens the fur, and as the fur dries, their bodies cool down. If you notice excessive licking in your cat, you should be careful. Frequent and excessive grooming behavior may be indicative of various health problems. Brushing your cat in hot weather is an effective solution to help them cool down. Shaving the fur of long-haired cats to keep them cool is a common but incorrect choice. Fur acts as a thermal regulator, protecting cats from excessive heat. Therefore, shaving cats in the summer months is considered wrong unless there is a specific need.

Drinking Water: Cats may feel the need to drink water when they want to cool down. To ensure a cool and healthy summer, cats should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. For cats who don't drink enough water, automatic water dispensers can make it easier to encourage them to drink.

Sleeping in Cool Places: In hot weather, cats spend time in cooler places. While they try to maintain their body temperature by curling up in winter, in summer they sleep in cooler places by expanding their body surface area. Another strategy they adopt to cool themselves down is to move as little as possible.

Rapid Breathing: It is known that cats can breathe rapidly in very hot weather to reduce excessive heat. However, it is not normal for them to prefer rapid breathing to cool themselves down. If cats exhibit this behavior, it is extremely important to consider the risk of heatstroke. When cats start breathing rapidly, they should be taken to a cooler place, and elements that may increase their stress should be minimized in that place. Access to clean water is also extremely important. If your cat continues to breathe rapidly, has significantly increased saliva production, and is lethargic, it should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. For detailed information, you can read our article on Summer Heat and its Effects on Cats. Although cats have various methods to keep themselves cool, humans also need to take precautions for their health. Keeping their water fresh on hot days, ensuring the air conditioner doesn't blow directly on them, and preventing them from spending time by the window or on the balcony during the hottest hours of the day are some of the main precautions that can be taken.

Although cats have various methods to keep themselves cool, humans should also take precautions for their health. Keeping their water fresh on hot days, ensuring the air conditioner doesn't blow directly on them, and preventing them from spending time by the window or on the balcony during the hottest hours of the day are some of the main precautions that can be taken.