Woman Tries To Cool Down Cat With Fan, What Happens Next Goes Viral
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
There are many memes online joking that cats see their owners as mere servants; in this case, it might actually be true.
In a viral TikTok video posted by @partygetsmesoakin on July 1, which has already racked up almost 600,000 views, a black cat is seen lying down as his owner fans his face. However, when she tries to stop, he paws at her to continue.
Text overlaid on the video reads, "It is so hot, he asked where do I think I'm going with the fan," while the caption drives home the cat's apparent attitude: "Did I tell you to move the fan[?]"
To better understand what hot weather really means for cats, Newsweek spoke with senior veterinary surgeon Dane Walker, founder of U.K.-based DNA Vetcare. He said that, while the video is amusing, owners should take heat risks seriously.
"Unlike dogs, cats are unlikely to pant to cool down. Panting in cats is unusual and can be a warning sign of heatstroke, pain, or underlying medical conditions such as heart or respiratory disease," Walker said.
He added: "As cats are masters at masking illness, breathing issues can often go unnoticed until they become quite serious. If you observe your cat panting, especially if it's persistent or accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, drooling, or hiding, then please seek veterinary advice promptly."
Cats generally handle heat well by seeking out cool, shaded areas—think tile floors, bathtubs, or under beds. But there are limits, especially for vulnerable cats.
"Older cats, and those with underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or who are prone to cystitis, are more vulnerable to dehydration in hot weather. Owners are advised to keep fresh water available at all times," Walker said.
Practical Tips for Keeping Cats Cool
Stock image: A black cat sits in front of a fan.
Stock image: A black cat sits in front of a fan.
Andrei310/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Walker offered a range of practical advice to help keep felines comfortable in the heat:
Fresh water : Always have it available.
: Always have it available. Cool spaces : Encourage retreat to shaded or tiled areas.
: Encourage retreat to shaded or tiled areas. Ventilation : Keep air moving, even if fans aren't highly effective for cats.
: Keep air moving, even if fans aren't highly effective for cats. Curtains and blinds : Close them during peak heat to maintain a cooler indoor environment.
: Close them during peak heat to maintain a cooler indoor environment. Sun protection: For outdoor-loving cats, consider applying pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas such as white ears and pink noses to reduce sunburn risk.
While the cat in the TikTok clip seemed to have mastered the art of delegation—commanding its owner to hold a fan in exactly the right spot—Walker noted that such devices, while helpful for humans, offer limited relief to cats.
He said: "While fans may offer some relief, they are less effective for cats than for humans, as cats only sweat through their paw pads. Still, a fan with a stable base and a wide, pet-safe grille can help improve airflow.
"Cooling mats, ice packs wrapped in a towel, or even a damp flannel in their favorite resting spot can also provide comfort, though these are rarely necessary for healthy cats."
Walker also stressed the importance of prevention over treatment.
He said: "While heatstroke in cats is relatively rare, prevention is key: always provide a safe, shaded, and well-ventilated environment to keep your pet cool and comfortable."
TikTok Reacts
"Awwww I can't imagine what animals go through in this heat with their fur," posted one user, and another wrote: "Am I the only one with a cat scared of fans? Like I can't even come close to her with it. [I don't know] how to refresh her."
"I love black cats they're such characters. He reminds me of mine!" commented a third user.
Newsweek reached out to @partygetsmesoakin for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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