About this guide: Written by cat parent and Pawfect Cat Care founder Hicham Aouladi and fact-checked using reputable veterinary sources. For educational purposes only — not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Quick take: Wildfire smoke can irritate a cat’s eyes and airways—even if your cat never goes outside. The goal is simple: reduce smoke indoors, keep routines calm, and know exactly when symptoms cross the line into “call the vet now.” Below you’ll find an AQI action table, a fast clean-room setup, a DIY air cleaner option, and practical tweaks (food, water, litter) that make smoky weeks easier for cats and humans.
I’ve lived through days where you step outside and the air smells like a campfire—and even indoors, your curtains and couch start holding that smoky odor. If you’re feeling it, your cat likely is too. The good news is you don’t need a “perfect” house to help. A few focused moves—closing leaks, running filtration, and choosing one room to protect—can cut exposure a lot.
1) Why smoke matters for indoor cats
Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles—especially PM2.5—that can travel deep into the lungs and irritate the nose, throat, and eyes. Cats breathe close to the ground, groom themselves constantly, and can end up swallowing residue that settles on fur, paws, and surfaces. Even “just a little smoke smell” indoors can be a problem if it lasts for days.
Cats at higher risk include seniors, kittens, cats with asthma or chronic bronchitis, heart disease, and flat-faced breeds (like Persians) that already work harder to breathe. But healthy adult cats can still get irritated—think watery eyes, sneezing, mild coughing, or just acting “off.”
Related quick-reads on Pawfect Cat Care: Heat Safety • Wet vs Dry Cat Food • Urinary Health • Cat Anxiety • Why Is My Cat Meowing So Much?
2) AQI basics for cat parents
AQI (Air Quality Index) is a public “how bad is the air” score. During wildfires, the number usually rises because of PM2.5 (fine particles). You don’t need to become an air scientist to make good choices—you just need a few rules of thumb:
- Rising AQI = rising risk. The longer it stays high, the more important indoor protection becomes.
- If you can smell smoke indoors, act. It’s a practical warning sign that particles are getting inside.
- Do not “air out” the house during smoky hours. Fresh air is only “fresh” when AQI is improved.
3) AQI action table for cats
| AQI Level | What to do for your cat | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 (Good) | Normal routine. Fresh water, normal play, regular litter scooping. | Set up an “easy clean-room plan” now so you’re not scrambling later. |
| 51–100 (Moderate) | Limit time at open doors/windows. Start closing leaky windows. Run an air purifier in the room your cat uses most. | Some sensitive cats (asthma, seniors) may already do best with indoor-only routines. |
| 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) | Indoor-only. Choose a clean-room and run filtration steadily. Keep play gentle. Move beds away from windows. | Watch for watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, unusual tiredness, reduced appetite. |
| 151–200 (Unhealthy) | Strict indoor-only. Seal leaks. Run purifier(s) continuously. Keep door opening minimal. | If you feel irritated by the air indoors, assume your cat is also affected and tighten your plan. |
| 201–300 (Very Unhealthy) / 301+ (Hazardous) | Stay mostly in the clean-room. Add a second purifier or DIY unit. Be ready to contact your vet if symptoms appear. | Do not ignore breathing changes. If breathing looks hard, treat it as urgent. |
4) Create a clean-room (fast)
If you do only one thing, do this. A clean-room is a single room where you focus your filtration and leak control. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just consistent.
- Pick the smallest comfortable room your cat will tolerate: bedroom, office, or a calm living room corner.
- Close windows and reduce leaks: shut windows fully, close fireplace dampers, place a towel at the bottom of drafty doors.
- Run filtration near the cat zone: place a HEPA purifier where it can pull air freely (not behind curtains/furniture).
- Move essentials in: water, a comfy bed, and—if AQI is very high—an extra litter box to reduce door-opening.
- Keep it calm: dim light, quiet play, familiar bedding. Stress can worsen respiratory symptoms.
5) Filters, HVAC & “smoke leaks”
Smoke gets inside through tiny gaps: window tracks, under doors, bathroom vents, kitchen exhaust, and pressure changes from fans. Here’s a practical approach that doesn’t require remodeling.
Seal the obvious leaks (without overdoing it)
- Weather stripping helps. If you don’t have it, a rolled towel works temporarily.
- Avoid exhaust fans during peak smoke unless you truly need them—those can pull smoky air in through other gaps.
- Limit door swings: plan one “door moment,” then close up again.
HVAC / AC: what to do
- Central air: run it with a clean filter and windows closed. Replace filters sooner if they load up with smoke.
- Portable AC: make sure the window seal is snug—loose hose seals can leak smoky air.
- Check airflow: if airflow drops fast, filters may need replacement earlier than usual.
Cleaning smoke residue safely (cat-friendly)
- Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth (unscented, mild cleaner). Focus on the clean-room, window sills, floors.
- Brush your cat gently once per day if tolerated (short sessions) to reduce residue swallowed during grooming.
- Avoid strong fragrances (scented sprays, incense, essential oils).
6) DIY air purifier (Corsi–Rosenthal box)
If you don’t have a HEPA unit (or you need more filtration than one unit can provide), a DIY air cleaner can help during wildfire weeks. The classic version uses a box fan + MERV-13 filters.
What you need: 1 box fan (modern, UL-listed), 4 filters (MERV-13, sized to match), duct tape, and cardboard for a top shroud.
- Arrange four filters into a square “box” with the airflow arrows pointing inward.
- Tape edges thoroughly to seal leaks.
- Place the fan on top blowing out (pulling air through filters). Tape it down to seal.
- Add a simple cardboard shroud (a ring) on the front of the fan to improve efficiency.
- Write the date on the filters. Replace if they darken heavily or airflow drops.
7) Daily routine: play + stress
Smoke events mess with everyone’s routine. Cats often respond with pacing, more meowing, clinginess, or hiding. A calm routine helps your cat handle irritation better.
Use the “predictable rhythm” formula
- Short play → food → rest (repeat morning and evening).
- Keep play gentle if your cat is coughing or seems tired.
- End sessions while your cat is still doing well—don’t push until they pant or flop.
If your cat gets vocal or restless indoors, give calm “jobs”: treat scavenger hunts, puzzles, and predictable routines. For behavior support: Cat Anxiety and Why Is My Cat Meowing So Much?.
8) Hydration, food & litter tweaks
Smoke can dry out eyes and airways, and stressed cats often drink less. Small hydration upgrades help—especially for urinary-prone cats.
Hydration upgrades (simple)
- Multiple water stations: wide bowls (whisker-friendly) in calm locations.
- Moist meals: lean on wet food; add a spoon of warm water to pâté.
- Fountain (optional): helpful for some cats, but don’t introduce it during peak stress if your cat hates new objects.
Clear plan for wet + dry mixing: Wet vs Dry Cat Food. If urinary issues are part of the picture, keep hydration consistent: Urinary Health.
Food: keep it stable
- Avoid sudden diet switches during smoke events.
- Warm food slightly (not hot) if appetite dips.
- Call your vet if appetite drops beyond ~24 hours.
Litter box placement matters
- Keep boxes away from drafty doors and smoky window areas.
- Scoop more often (smoke odor + dirty box = stress).
- If your cat stays in the clean-room often, add a second box.
9) Special cases
Some cats need a stricter plan earlier—meaning you don’t wait until AQI is “really bad.” If your cat has any of the conditions below, treat smoke days as higher risk.
Cat asthma / chronic bronchitis
- Start clean-room + filtration as soon as AQI rises.
- Keep play low-key if coughing increases.
- Have medication plans ready and call your vet early if symptoms worsen.
Seniors and heart disease
- Prioritize calm + hydration + stable temperature (smoke events often overlap with heat waves).
- Cooling safety guide: Heat Safety.
Flat-faced breeds (Persians, Exotic Shorthair)
- These cats can struggle with airflow even on normal days. Treat smoke exposure seriously.
- Watch breathing at rest. If it looks harder than usual, call your vet.
Kittens
- Kittens have smaller airways and can dehydrate faster.
- If a kitten seems lethargic or stops eating, don’t wait—call your vet.
10) When to call a vet (red flags)
This section is intentionally direct.
Call your veterinarian the same day (or seek urgent care) if you notice:
- Open-mouth breathing, panting, or obvious breathing effort
- Fast breathing at rest, belly “heaving,” or nostrils flaring
- Blue/gray gums or tongue, collapse, severe weakness, or disorientation
- Persistent coughing, wheezing, or noisy breathing that doesn’t settle
- Eye inflammation with discharge, squinting that persists, or visible pain
- Vomiting repeatedly, refusing food beyond ~24 hours, or sudden marked lethargy
Emergency: If breathing looks hard, do not “wait and see.” Seek urgent care.
11) FAQs
Should my cat wear a mask outdoors?
No. Masks aren’t designed for cats and can interfere with breathing. The safer move is indoor-only routines during smoky days.
Can I crack windows for “fresh air”?
During wildfire smoke events, keep windows closed. Only ventilate when AQI improves meaningfully.
What kind of air purifier is best?
Look for a purifier with a true HEPA filter sized for your room. During smoke events, run it continuously in the clean-room.
My cat’s eyes look watery—what can I do at home?
Improve indoor air first (clean-room + filtration). Gently wipe discharge with a clean, damp cotton pad. If redness/squinting persists, call your vet.
Should I bathe my cat to remove smoke?
Most cats don’t need a bath (and it can be stressful). Gentle brushing + wiping surfaces usually works better. If your cat got significant ash on the coat, ask your vet for the safest approach.
Do essential oils help “purify” the air?
No—and many oils are unsafe for cats. Avoid diffusers and strong scents during smoke periods.
How do I keep my cat busy indoors when everything is closed?
Think small: short play sessions, treat puzzles, predictable routines. If your cat becomes more vocal or anxious: Cat Anxiety and Why Is My Cat Meowing So Much?.
12) Sources
- AirNow — Protect Your Pets from Wildfire Smoke
- UC Davis Environmental Health Sciences — Protecting Animals & Pets During Wildfires
- CDC — Wildfires: Safety Guidelines
- Corsi–Rosenthal Foundation — How to Build a DIY Air Cleaner
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your cat or symptoms are severe, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic. You can also read our full medical disclaimer.
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