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Why are my cat's paws so warm?

Why are my cat's paws so warm?

Updated On March 3rd, 2016

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Male | neutered

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

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Cats paws can feel warm to us because a cat's normal body temperature is higher than ours, between 99.5 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have any worries that your cat is running a [fever](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-causes-of-fever-in-pets), you can always get a [rectal temperature](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-take-your-pet-s-temperature-in-7-easy-steps/) (if he will let you!). But if he is acting normal and there is no [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/vomiting/), decreased appetite or diarrhea, he is probably fine.

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83Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Erin Clifford

    Certified Veterinary Technician

    There are a several reasons why your cat's paws may feel warm. One is that the average [body temperature](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-take-your-pet-s-temperature-in-7-easy-steps) of a cat is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees. Compared to our body temperature of 98.6, our animals are going to feel hot to us. Another reason is that cats' feet are areas of limited heat release, since they don't sweat like we do. This means they sweat through their paws. Sometimes, excessive heat in the paws could be a sign of [overheating](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/heatstroke/), either through a fever or if your kitty is just too warm due to the surrounding temperature. However, this will come with other signs besides warm paws such as lethargy, lameness, [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/vomiting/) or [loss of appetite](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-isnt-my-cat-eating).

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