June 25, 2025, 4:22 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Louisa Stoeffler has been involved with cats for 20 years—as a cat sitter, as an editor for PETBOOK, and, of course, as an owner of her own pets. One question that often arises, especially in the summer, is: Can cats actually sweat? This article will provide the answer.
“Can cats sweat?” I’ve been asked this question a few times–and I’ve wondered about it myself, as it’s not easy to grasp. Cats don’t get greasy fur or start to smell when it gets warm. When my cat Remo left small damp prints on our dark parquet floor on a particularly hot day, I had my answer. Or at least part of it.
What paw prints have to do with whether cats can sweat
In our previous apartment–right under the roof–it was often unbearably hot in the summer. With outside temperatures at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, it was even warmer inside. My cat Remo, a true Andalusian accustomed to the heat, knew exactly how to handle it: He lay motionless on the coolest tiles, in the shadiest corners, or sometimes in the tub or sink. He did little more than breathe and take a siesta.
But when he moved, I discovered a small trail of damp paw prints on the floor–as if he wanted to silently point out how warm it really was. On our dark brown parquet and black PVC in the kitchen (neither of which were my choice), you could easily trace the path to dinner. So yes, Remo’s paws did sweat considerably in the oven-like attic apartment.
Today, in our new apartment, this no longer happens. The temperatures are much more pleasant, the parquet is light wood–but Remo’s preference for cool places remains. In the summer, he prefers to lie in the bathroom, especially when I’m there. He often lies next to the shower or watches me from the sink. Anyone who knows cats knows they don’t like to leave you alone–especially not in the coolest room of the apartment. I’ve already explained in detail for PETBOOK why cats accompany you to the bathroom.
Why don’t cats sweat like we do?
Even if it surprises many: Cats can sweat. However, not all over their bodies like humans, but only in specific areas. Namely, on the paw pads, the “toe beans,” which many owners find so cute that countless videos of the adorable skin beans on our cats’ feet can be found on social media. There are so-called eccrine sweat glands that release a watery fluid in extreme heat or inner excitement.
Cats have a different thermoregulation system than we do. Their fur would prevent widespread sweat from evaporating and cooling effectively–so it wouldn’t make much sense. Instead, they rely on behavioral cooling, as I described with Remo.
In the heat, cats seek out shady spots, avoid movement, and spread their bodies as flat as possible on a cooler surface. But above all, they lick their fur. The saliva has a similar effect to sweat. The evaporative cooling of the liquid provides refreshment.
How to help your cat in the heat
However, these natural aids that cats use eventually lose their effectiveness. When temperatures rise–or if you live in a sweltering attic apartment–it helps to take some simple measures in everyday life.
- Provide multiple water bowls, or even drinking fountains–some cats prefer running water. If the cat is a poor drinker, cat soups can encourage fluid intake.
- Lay out cooling mats or damp towels–many animals instinctively lie on them.
- Make cool retreats like basements, bathrooms, or shady balconies (with a net!) accessible.
- Don’t forget grooming–especially for long-haired cats, loose fur can add insulation.
Important: If the cat appears lethargic or suddenly staggers, it could be heatstroke. Panting, which dogs use to cool themselves, is unusual for cats and a warning sign of acute overheating. In this case: seek shade, cool the body slowly (!), and get veterinary help immediately.
What else damp cat paws can mean
Heat isn’t always the cause of sweat marks in cats. I once had to take a cat to the vet because her owner had broken her leg and asked me to help. She had no one else to take the cat to the vet, and cat Marie trusted me completely, but she had to go to the doctor due to a serious suspicion and blood in her urine.
But even when loading her into the carrier, I noticed that vet visits weren’t quite to the older cat lady’s liking, as she resisted vehemently. On the examination table, she left behind many tufts of fur and sweaty paw prints–and a few decent scratches on the back of my hand.
Damp paws can also be a sign of inner tension, not just high temperatures. Fear, excitement, stress, or pain can also trigger a sweat reaction in cats.
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Conclusion: Sweating–yes. But only with the paw!
Cats don’t sweat like we do–but they have clever strategies to cope with heat. The damp paws are just a small hint of nature’s sophisticated system, but they can also indicate inner unrest. And with a little help from us, our cats can get through the hottest days of the year–and the worst vet visits.