Cats' Ears Are Hot: Why and What It Means

Cats' ears are often warm to the touch, and there are a few reasons for this.

Normal Body Temperature

One reason cats' ears are hot is because their normal body temperature is higher than humans'. The average body temperature for a cat is between 101.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.6 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). This is about 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the average human body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).

Increased Blood Flow

Another reason cats' ears are hot is because they have a lot of blood vessels in them. These blood vessels help to regulate the cat's body temperature by bringing warm blood to the ears. When the cat is warm, the blood vessels in the ears will dilate, allowing more blood to flow through them and helping to cool the cat down.

Infection or Inflammation

In some cases, a cat's ears may be hot because of an infection or inflammation. If your cat's ears are hot and red, or if they are swollen or painful, it is important to take your cat to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

What Does It Mean If Your Cat's Ears Are Hot?

If your cat's ears are hot, it is important to first determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing the heat. If there is no medical condition, then the heat is likely due to one of the normal reasons discussed above.

How to Keep Your Cat's Ears Cool

If you are concerned about your cat's ears being too hot, there are a few things you can do to help keep them cool.

• Provide your cat with a cool place to rest. This could be a shady spot in the yard, a cool tile floor, or even a bed with a cooling pad.
• Give your cat plenty of fresh water. Cats need to stay hydrated to help regulate their body temperature.
• Avoid exercising your cat during the hottest part of the day. If you must exercise your cat during hot weather, be sure to do it in a shady area and keep your cat well-hydrated.

Conclusion

Cats' ears are often warm to the touch, and this is usually due to their normal body temperature, increased blood flow, or infection/inflammation. If you are concerned about your cat's ears being too hot, it is important to first determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing the heat. If there is no medical condition, then the heat is likely due to one of the normal reasons discussed above. You can help keep your cat's ears cool by providing them with a cool place to rest, giving them plenty of fresh water, and avoiding exercising them during the hottest part of the day.