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What is a Cat’s Normal Body Temperature?

Rebecca Schmidt • Mar 28, 2013
A cat’s normal body temperature can range from 100.5 to 102.5° F

101.5° F or 38.6° C being right in the middle and often referred to as a “normal” body temperature.

Being that their body temperature is higher than ours they can also tolerate higher temperatures (provided they have access to water).

How do cats regulate their body temperature?

When the heat is on cats regulate their body temperature in different ways.

Cats are smart and unlike dogs they will not panic as they become overheated. When their body temperature rises to an uncomfortable level they will become very quiet and inactive as to not build up more heat in their body. Cats will also seek out cool places (like your basement) and spread out on the floor to reduce body heat. Drinking water is important at high temperatures and cats will look to this resource to stave off dehydration.

Do cats sweat?

If exposed to extreme heat then cats may begin to sweat from their paw pads and nose. As a last resort they may pant like a dog to expel heat from their body.

Now you know what happens to kitties as they get hot. Cats are very efficient at reducing their body temperature and tolerating heat. This is most likely attributable to their descent from desert-dwelling species.
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