Have your heart set on welcoming a beautiful Maine Coon cat to your home, but worried about whether their fluffy long coat will make them miserable in Arizona’s hot climate?
Although it’s wise to consider a breed’s suitability for the climate you live in, as long as you have air conditioning and keep your cat indoors, they should be all right. And taking a few extra precautions during the hottest parts of the year will ensure your cat’s comfort and wellbeing in Arizona.
Can Long-Haired Cats Survive Arizona Heat?
Maine Coons have a very thick coat of fur, which can be a problem in the summer heat. Heat stroke is a real concern when thickly furred cats are exposed to high temperatures and direct sunshine, and paws can quickly burn on hot surfaces like pavement.
Long-haired cats also have to work harder to regulate their body temperatures, and that gets even more difficult in the summer. The higher humidity of the monsoon season makes staying cool even harder, as the atmosphere carries so much more moisture. And when outdoor temperatures start to climb higher than 100º F, they could be in danger.
But it’s not only Maine Coons that are at risk from hot weather. Cats don’t sweat like people or pant like dogs when they get overheated. They regulate their body temperature by grooming because the evaporation of saliva helps cool them down. Cats also seek out cool surfaces and lay down on them.
If your cat is struggling to regulate their body temperature, they may show symptoms like:
- Excessive grooming
- Lethargy or weakness
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rapid breathing
These symptoms warrant a call to your vet ASAP.
How to Keep Your Cat Cool in the Summer
Giving your cat a supportive indoor environment can go a long way in keeping them comfortable and making it easier for them to maintain a normal body temperature. Here’s how to help your Maine Coon cat stay cool:
- Hydration is key! Give your cat easy access to fresh, cool water and consider adding additional water stations around the house.
- Set your A/C to 75-78 degrees to keep the indoor air cool in the daytime, and use fans to keep air moving throughout your home.
- Brush your cat’s fur regularly. Cats will naturally shed some of their fur as the seasons change, but daily brushing in the summer will lighten the undercoat and help keep your cat cool.
- Give your cat access to cool resting spots, like tile floors in shaded rooms.
- Skip car rides for your cat unless absolutely necessary, like a trip to the vet.
Vet in Gilbert
For added peace of mind, schedule a checkup at Anasazi Animal Clinic. Our vets can provide hot weather guidance that will help you keep your cat safe all summer long. We can also give you tips on how to maintain a long-haired cat’s coat, or teach you how to identify the early signs of heat stroke. No matter what your pet needs, we’re here to help.
Photo by Nic Berlin on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 08/16/2026.
