Are You a Dog or a Cat Person? Texas Heat Doesn’t Care

Are you a dog person or a cat person? Either way, here in West Texas, that scorching heat doesn’t play favorites. Over the weekend, when temperatures climbed into the mid-90s, I let our dog, Jane, outside. Five minutes later? She was pawing at the door like, “Nope, not today.”

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Then came my wife’s dark gray cat, Gunner. He slipped outside, and I took off after him. One lap around the backyard later, I was heating up fast, and let’s just say Gunner heard a few “extra names” before he made a full sprint back into the house.

That moment reminded me: if it’s too hot for us, it’s definitely too hot for our pets that are wearing fur coats.

Texas Heat and Cats: The Hidden Danger

Unlike dogs, cats don’t always show obvious signs of overheating. In fact, they often hide when they’re uncomfortable, which makes heat stress harder to detect.

Watch closely for warning signs like:

• Panting (rare for cats and a big red flag)
• Drooling or vomiting
• Lethargy or hiding more than usual
• Deep red or purple gums

Cats also struggle more in high humidity, and darker-coated cats, like Gunner (colored gunmetal dark gray), and black-cat Sebastian, can absorb even more heat.

Senior cats, overweight cats, and flat-faced breeds (like Persians) are especially at risk.

How to Protect Your Cat in West Texas Heat

At Casa Fernandez, our pets live in the HVAC, and there’s a good reason for that.

Here’s what every Texas pet owner should do:

Keep Them Indoors
This is the safest place, especially during peak afternoon heat.

Hydration is Everything
Make sure your cat has multiple bowls of fresh, cool water.

Watch Their Behavior
If your social cat suddenly hides or slows down, don’t ignore it.

Protect Their Paws
Hot pavement can burn quickly, another reason to limit outdoor time.

Never Leave Them in a Car
Not even for a minute. Texas heat can turn deadly fast.

A Quick Fearless Reminder

If you think your cat is overheating, act immediately. Move them to a cool area, use a damp towel or fan, and get them to a vet as soon as possible.

Bottom line? I don’t like leaving dogs or cats outside for long, and after chasing Gunner in that heat, I think he agrees with me.

Read More: How West Texas Heat Affects Your Car's Interior Safety