Are black cats more at risk for sunburns or heat problems?

Our question this week was:

Are black cats more at risk for sunburn or heat problems?

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You wrote asking if black cats were more at risk for heat-related problems. The color black is known to absorb more heat and it is true that black cats may be at increased risk of heat-related problems over white or light-colored cats. However, I’ve never read a scientific study with actual numbers that indicates that cats an increased risk of heat stroke and the like. Most heat-related problems are more common in dogs than cats.

An article that might be helpful to you is Tip on Preventing Heatstroke in Cats.

Regards,

Dr. Debra

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