Can Cats Get Heatstroke?

Like people, cats can suffer heatstroke if they can't cool down in hot weather—flat-faced breeds (Exotic, Persian), older cats, and overweight cats are at higher risk. Above 32°C is very hot for a cat; above 40°C is dangerous. Cats cool mainly through paw-pad sweat, panting, and saliva evaporation, so help them with plenty of water, cool tiles, shade, air conditioning (a fan alone does little), and trimmed paw fur. Watch for prolonged panting with bright-red gums, drooling, vomiting, and weakness—and get to a vet fast.