Cats do have sweat, but only to a very limited extent and in specific small areas. The primary cooling mechanism for cats is not sweating like humans, but rather evaporative cooling through grooming and saliva, plus seeking cool surfaces and shade. When cats do sweat, it’s most noticeable on their paw pads and, to a lesser extent, around the lips/chin; fur generally covers other sweat glands, so you don’t see wet fur as with people. In practice, sweating is not the main way cats regulate temperature, and overheating is more often managed by panting (less common than in dogs) and behavioral cooling (lying on a cool floor, drinking water, seeking shade). Key points:
- Sweat glands in cats exist but are sparse and mostly hidden under fur, with the paw pads being the most evident location.
- Sweating is not the primary cooling method; grooming and saliva evaporation also help cool the body.
- Overheating can lead to signs like restlessness, rapid breathing, drooling, or lethargy; panting may occur in extreme heat or stress.
- If you suspect heat-related distress, move the cat to a cooler environment, offer water, and consult a veterinarian if symptoms are severe or persistent.
If you’d like, I can tailor tips for keeping a specific cat cool based on age, coat type, and environment.
