Cats can’t cry emotional tears like humans do, but their eyes can water and overflow due to irritation, illness, or environmental factors like heat and humidity. Cats have tear ducts to keep their eyes lubricated, and extra tears may be produced in hot weather to protect their eyes from dryness. While cats don’t sob when upset, excess tear production in hot environments can give the appearance of a cat “crying.” Let’s explore why cats’ eyes may water in high temperatures and what cat owners can do to keep their feline friends comfortable in the heat.
Why Do Cats’ Eyes Water in Hot Weather?
There are a few reasons why cats’ eyes may overflow with tears when it’s hot out:
Evaporative Cooling
Cats sweat through their paw pads to regulate body temperature, but since they don’t have many sweat glands elsewhere, extra tear production helps provide evaporative cooling for the rest of the body. The moisture helps dissipate heat. This is an involuntary reaction meant to prevent overheating.
Irritation and Dryness
Hot, dry air can irritate a cat’s eyes and cause the tear glands to produce more fluid to protect the surface of the eye. Cats may reflexively produce tears to rewet the eyes and flush out any irritants.
Allergies
Allergies to pollen or other airborne allergens may worsen in hot weather when windows are open. This can stimulate extra tear production as a protective response.
Illness
Upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, sinus problems, tooth decay, eye injuries or glaucoma can all lead to excessive tear production, which may be aggravated by heat. Any persistent eye overflow warrants a veterinary visit.
Signs of Heat Stress in Cats
In addition to watery eyes, look for these other signs of overheating in cats when the temperatures rise:
- Panting
- Salivating
- Seeking out cool surfaces to lay on
- Restlessness or discomfort
- Rapid heart rate
- Reddened skin, especially ear tips and paw pads
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Unsteadiness or lack of coordination
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
If your cat is displaying multiple symptoms of heat stress, get them to a cool area and contact your veterinarian right away. Severe heat stroke can be fatal if left untreated.
Keeping Cats Cool in Hot Weather
To keep your cat comfortable and safe when temperatures spike:
Ensure Plenty of Fresh Water
Dehydration worsens overheating, so provide multiple bowls of clean, cool water around the house. Consider adding an electric water fountain to entice drinking. Offer wet food with high moisture content too.
Provide Access to Shaded, Cool Spots
Give your cat places to rest and relax out of the sun. Good options include a shady porch, the basement, under furniture, or near A/C vents. Tile or stone floors stay cooler than carpet. You can also freeze water in bottles for your cat to lay near.
Limit Exercise on Hot Days
Don’t let your cat outside during peak sun hours on extremely hot days. Exercise generates body heat, so limit playtime to mornings and evenings when temperatures drop. Indoor activities like hunting toys or climbing cat trees are safer than being outside mid-day.
Keep Air Circulating Indoors
Use fans, open windows at night, or run the A/C to maintain a comfortably cool indoor environment on sweltering days. Air conditioning plus plenty of shade and water is ideal for keeping indoor cats safe in extreme heat.
Brush Frequently
Remove excess fur through frequent brushing to prevent heat buildup and matting. Shaving is not recommended since the coat insulates against heat and sunburn. Never shave a cat unless instructed by your vet.
Use Cooling Pet Beds
Special cooling beds for pets feature gel inserts or materials that wick away heat. These provide a chill zone for cats to lounge in comfort when it’s hot.
Watch for Signs of Overheating
Frequently check on your cat on steamy days and monitor for any symptoms of heat stress. Elderly, obese and sick cats are most susceptible to heat-related illness. Respond quickly if you notice any issues.
Ask Your Vet About Risk Factors
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Persians have a harder time panting to stay cool. Cats with heart or lung disease are also less heat tolerant. Discuss any health conditions that could impact your cat’s ability to regulate their temperature in the heat.
Are “Cooling” Cat Collars Effective?
You may come across “cooling” collars featuring gel packs designed to keep pets cooler outdoors. However, experts caution against using these collars for cats, since the snug fit needed to keep them in place could impede breathing. Cats also dislike having objects wrapped around their necks. A cooling collar could also irritate the skin. It’s better to bring an overheated cat fully indoors to A/C than to rely on a collar outside.
Conclusion
While a cat eyeing you plaintively with overflowing tears on a hot summer day may look like the picture of misery, rest assured your feline isn’t actually crying. Excess tear production in high heat helps protect the eyes and provides evaporative cooling. To keep your cat truly content in hot weather, provide ample shade, water and A/C access. With a few precautions, your cat can comfortably sail through those dog days of summer.