WANT TO KNOW THE SIGNS YOUR CAT IS OVERHEATING?When the temperature starts to rise, it’s not just us humans feeling the heat—our cats can struggle too. But how do you know when your cat is getting too hot? 😓 This post is all about signs your cat is overheating.While they might not be able to tell us directly, cats have their own way of signaling discomfort.So, what should you look out for when it feels like a desert outside?Let’s dive in!1. Heavy Panting (Wait, Do Cats Pant?!)Yup, you read that right—cats can pant!Normally, you might think of dogs when it comes to panting, but if your cat starts panting with an open mouth, it’s a big red flag.Madison, my previous Tuxedo cat, panted one time in his life, and let me tell you, I jumped into action real quick!He was outside in his Kritter Kondo and was loving the sun but then too much was too much.He panted when he got indoors, so I immediately cupped cool water in my hands and started to wipe him down.It worked immediately, thanks goodness!He also wanted to go right back outside! That did not happen until the sun went down.Panting is a way for your cat to try and cool down, but if it’s happening outside or in a hot room, they could be overheating.2. Lethargy and Laying Low 💤Signs-your-cat-is-overheatingNow, cats are known for their lazy lounging, but when it’s extra hot, keep an eye out for excessive lethargy.If your usually curious and active cat (like Finnegan, who constantly inspects every nook and cranny) suddenly becomes extra sluggish and just lies around like a ragdoll, it might be more than just a lazy afternoon.Cats naturally seek out cooler spots when they’re overheating—think tiled floors or the basement.3. Red or Pale Gums (Time for a Peek!)It’s not something you’d usually check, but if your cat’s gums look unusually red or pale, this can be a sign that they’re overheating.There was that instance with Madison, my sweet tuxedo boy, where he found himself a sunspot and basked a little too long.When I checked him out, his gums were also a bit redder than usual, and I knew I had to cool him down. It’s these small details that can make a big difference!4. Drooling If your cat is drooling and it’s hot out, it’s time to take action.Overheating can cause them to drool as their body tries to regulate temperature.If you see it happening, bring them into a cooler area ASAP.5. Rapid Heartbeat and BreathingFeeling your cat’s heartbeat is not something you do every day, but in cases of extreme heat, you might notice their heart racing a bit faster than usual.It’s easy to check their pulse near their inner thigh or chest if you’re comfortable doing so.Finnegan, who has his share of anxiety, tends to breathe faster when stressed, but I’ve learned to differentiate between his regular fast breathing and something that’s heat-related. Quick, shallow breaths paired with other signs can signal overheating.6. Vomiting or StumblingThis is a serious one!If your cat starts to stumble, appears disoriented, or vomits, it’s a sign of heat exhaustion, and you need to act fast. It’s like their body is throwing up a big SOS signal.Prevention is key here, but if your cat starts showing these severe symptoms, getting them cooled off quickly is critical!What Can You Do to Keep Your Cat Cool? 😎It’s not just about recognizing the signs—it’s also about being proactive in preventing overheating. Here are a few quick tips I’ve picked up along the way:Plenty of Water: Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water. Adding ice cubes to the water bowl can be a fun and refreshing way to encourage drinking!Cool Spots: Provide access to cool areas like a basement or air-conditioned rooms. If you don’t have AC, fans can help circulate air.Wet Towels: If your cat is showing mild signs of heat discomfort, you can gently wipe them down with a cool, damp towel. Madison always loved a little dab behind the ears!Limit Sun Exposure: Try to close the blinds or move your cat’s favorite sunspot when it gets too intense. Finnegan’s obsession with window watching means I always have to monitor the afternoon sun!Recognizing the early signs of overheating is essential, especially as temperatures rise. Cats might not always show obvious signs right away, but by paying attention to the little things—like panting or unusual behavior—can help them stay safe and cool.This post is all about signs your cat is overheated.Has your cat ever shown signs of overheating?What did you do to cool them down? 😺Let me know in the comments!And remember, when in doubt, always consult with your vet for professional advice.Stay cool, cat lovers!