How to Keep Your Cat Cool

What is it about cats and the warmest spot in the house or garden? The second a patch of sunshine appears on the floor or windowsill, they seem to find it, flop into it and warm themselves like they’re on an all-inclusive holiday somewhere tropical. And while a little warmth and sunshine is perfectly fine, when temperatures start climbing, it’s important to keep a closer eye on our feline friends.

Cats are usually pretty good at finding shade, stretching out on cooler surfaces and taking themselves away when they’ve had enough, but hot weather can still become dangerous, especially during heatwaves or in stuffy rooms, cars, sheds and conservatories.

Because cats don’t cool down in quite the same way we do, they can overheat easily and become dehydrated and in more serious cases, develop heatstroke. So if you’re wondering how to keep a cat cool in summer or how to cool down a cat in hot weather, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know including some simple home cooling tips.

Heatstroke can sometimes look different in cats than it does in dogs, and definitely different to how it looks in us. Cats are often much more subtle when they feel unwell, so they may not make a big fuss at first. They might hide, go very still, breathe differently or seem unsettled before things become more serious. This is exactly why it helps to know what to look for during hot weather.

Heatstroke can happen when your cat’s body temperature rises too high and they can’t cool themselves down properly. It can become dangerous quickly, especially if they’ve been shut somewhere hot like a shed, greenhouse, conservatory, car or stuffy room during the warmest part of the day.

Signs of heatstroke in cats can include:

• Heavy panting or open-mouth breathing
• Fast or noisy breathing
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Sticky gums, very red gums or very pale gums
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• A fast heartbeat or rapid pulse
• Weakness, wobbliness or confusion
• Hiding, restlessness or seeming unusually distressed
• Collapse, seizures or becoming unresponsive

If you think your cat may have heatstroke, don’t wait to see if they improve on their own. Move them somewhere cooler, start cooling them gradually with cool damp towels and fresh air, and contact your vet straight away. Don’t resort to ice baths or very cold water because the sudden temperature changes can make things even more dangerous, especially when your cat is already stressed.

Before heatstroke becomes a worry, your cat may show other, slightly more subtle signs that they’re struggling with the heat. They might stretch out on cool tiles, hide away somewhere shaded, groom more than usual, seem sleepier than normal or lose interest in food. Some cats also become restless, breathe faster or feel warmer around their ears and paws, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to them if they seem different from their usual self during hot weather.

If you’re wondering how to cool down a cat at this stage, start by moving them into a cooler room, offering fresh water and giving them the choice of a shaded spot or lying out a cooling mat. Helping them cool down gradually at this point is the best way to stop things from escalating into full blown heatstroke. But if you do notice any form of panting, drooling, wobbling, vomiting or weakness, always treat it as urgent and call your vet.

Sadly, there isn’t one exact temperature where every cat suddenly goes from perfectly fine to far too warm. That’s because things like age, breed, coat type, weight, health and whether they have access to shade and water all make a difference.

As a rough guide, once temperatures start creeping into the mid-to-high 20s, it’s worth taking extra steps to keep your cat cool, and anything around 30°C or above should be treated with much more care, especially for kittens, senior cats, flat-faced breeds, overweight cats or cats with health conditions.

If your cat seems too hot or is showing signs of overheating, it’s important to act quickly. The steps below will help you cool your cat down safely and comfortably while avoiding common mistakes, such as using ice-cold water or anything that could shock their system. Start with the first step and work through them calmly, keeping a close eye on your cat and contacting your vet if their symptoms are severe or don’t improve.

Move Your Cat Indoors or Into Shade

The first thing to do is get your cat away from the heat source. If they’re outside, then move them indoors into a cooler room that is away from direct sunlight. Places like hot patios, tarmac, balconies, cars, sheds, greenhouses and conservatories should always be avoided as these spaces can become dangerously hot very quickly.

Offer Cool Water

Place fresh, cool water nearby and let your cat drink if they want to. Don’t force it into their mouth as this can stress them out and can actually make things worse, especially if they’re breathing heavily or seem disorientated. But if they are alert enough to drink on their own, small sips of cool water will help with hydration while you work on cooling them down.

Use Cool Damp Towels

Using cool (not freezing) and damp (not soaking wet) towels can help bring your cat’s temperature down slowly and safely. You can start by dabbing areas like their paws, ears, belly and inner thighs where the blood vessels sit closer to the surface. You should never cover your cat completely or wrap them tightly as this can trap heat and make them feel even more stressed.

Use a Fan Safely

A fan can help move cooler air around the room, especially alongside damp towels or a shaded space. Just don’t point it directly into your cat’s face or blast them with cold air, as this can feel frightening and uncomfortable. Aim the fan nearby instead and if your cat wants to move away, let them.

Use Cooling Mats or Wrapped Ice Packs

If you have a cooling mat, place it near your cat and let them decide whether they want to lie on it. You can also use an ice pack or frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel but again, never place anything frozen directly against their skin. The aim is to give them something cool to lie beside if they choose it, not to be forced.

Call Your Vet If Symptoms Are Serious

If your cat is panting heavily, drooling, vomiting, wobbling, collapsing, having seizures, has very red or pale gums, or seems confused or unresponsive, call your vet straight away. You can start cooling them gradually while you speak to the vet, but don’t wait around hoping they’ll perk up on their own. Heatstroke can become dangerous quickly and getting proper advice early can make all the difference.

Once you’ve covered the serious heatstroke signs and emergency steps, it’s time to think about the everyday things you can do to keep your cat comfortable when the weather gets warm. Thankfully, most of the things you can do are super easy and some can even benefit you too.

Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Hydration is one of the biggest things to focus on when the weather warms up, because a well-hydrated cat is better able to cope with heat. Cats aren’t always the most enthusiastic drinkers, so it helps to make water as easy and appealing as possible by placing bowls in different rooms, refreshing them throughout the day and keeping them away from food bowls or litter trays.

Wide, shallow ceramic or stainless-steel cat bowls are often a good choice because they help prevent whisker fatigue and can keep water cooler for longer than plastic. Some cats also prefer running water, so a cat water fountain can be a brilliant option if yours likes to drink from taps, sinks or anywhere except the perfectly good bowl you lovingly put down for them.

Wet Food for Good Hydration

Wet food can also be useful during hot weather because it adds extra moisture to your cat’s diet without relying on them drinking more from a bowl. This can be especially helpful for cats who mostly eat dry food or those who need a little encouragement to take in more fluids during a heatwave.

Just remember that wet food can spoil more quickly when it’s warm, so don’t leave it sitting out for hours – unless you want flies eating it up instead. It’s best to offer smaller portions when needed and remove anything uneaten after around 30 to 60 minutes and pop it in the fridge.

Create Ice Treats

Ice treats can be a fun way to help your cat stay cool, as long as they’re made with cat-safe ingredients. You can freeze a little tuna water, low-salt chicken broth or blended wet food into small cubes then offer one as a refreshing snack on hot days.

Frozen lick mats are a great option too, plus they’re super easy to make and have on hand in the freezer for when the weather unexpectedly turns up the volume. Just spread a thin layer of wet cat food or a cat-safe puree onto the mat and pop it in the freezer for a short while before serving. An added bonus is that the licking action can be calming and enriching too.

Play With Ice Cubes

Some cats love batting ice cubes around on a tray or hard floor, and it can be a nice way to offer a little enrichment while also helping them keep cool. You can also pop a couple of ice cubes into their water bowl to keep it colder for longer.

As always, let your cat decide whether they’re interested and never force ice directly onto them or put anything freezing against their body. The aim is to always give them cooling options rather than making the decision for them.

Provide Shade

It seems like an obvious one, but when the heat is overbearing and the curtains are wide open everywhere, it can be important to remember that shade is essential for keeping us all cool, both indoors and outdoors.

Indoors, try to keep curtains and blinds closed where the sun hits hardest to create a cooler room your cat can retreat to when it gets too warm. Adding their cat water bowl here along with a gentle fan is even better. And if your cat goes outside, make sure there are shaded spots available throughout the day, whether that’s trees and shrubs, garden furniture or even a cardboard box you’ve laid out just for them.

Cooling Mats and Ice Packs

Cooling mats can be a great option for cats because they give them a cool place to lie without needing electricity or much effort from you. Place one somewhere your cat already likes to relax, then let them choose whether they want to use it.

Wrapped ice packs or frozen water bottles can also help cool down a favourite sleeping spot. Just make sure there is always a towel or blanket between anything frozen and your cat’s skin, and never force them to stay near it if they’d rather move away.

Make Use of Wet Towels

Wet towels can be really handy on hot days, especially if your cat isn’t too sure about cooling mats or frozen treats. You can lay a cool damp towel on tiled flooring, near their bed or in a shaded room so they have the option to lie near it or on it.

Some cats may also tolerate being stroked with damp hands or a lightly damp cloth, especially around the ears, paws and back, but only do this if your cat is comfortable with it. If they walk away, let them.

Keep a Water Bottle on Hand

If you’re spending time outside in the garden with your cat, it’s worth keeping a pet water bottle nearby so you can offer them regular little drinks without having to rely on the bowl waiting indoors.

This can be especially useful for cats who aren’t big drinkers or felines who prefer fresh water or those who get distracted lounging in the shade and need a bit of encouragement. Portable pet water bottles and bowls are also handy for vet trips, outdoor harness time or any journey where you want fresh water ready without faffing around with a separate bowl.

Your cat doesn’t necessarily need a fan in hot weather. Instead, it’s best to focus on the basics first like fresh water, shade, cooler rooms and somewhere comfortable for them to rest away from direct sun.

That said, a fan can be a useful extra if your cat seems to like it, especially as it helps move warm air around the room rather than letting everything feel stuffy. Just don’t point it straight at their face and let them move away if they want to.

Some cats love being outside in summer and we can’t blame them when we want to be outside too. But outdoor-loving felines need a bit of extra help when temperatures rise because unlike cool sunny days, the heat can make surfaces heat up quickly and without them realising, they can overheat quickly.

Know When to Keep Your Cat Indoors

On very warm days, it’s best to keep your cat indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually late morning through to mid-afternoon. If your cat does go outside, early morning and later evening are usually safer times because the sun is lower and patios, paths and garden furniture are less likely to be holding onto heat.

Check Sheds, Garages and Greenhouses

Cats are experts at sneaking into places they absolutely should not be, and sheds, garages, greenhouses, summerhouses and conservatories can become dangerously hot very quickly. Before you shut any doors, always do a quick cat check, even if you’re convinced they were nowhere near you five minutes ago.

Watch Out for Hot Patios, Tarmac and Artificial Grass

If you’ve ever walked barefoot across a hard surface during summertime, you’ll know just how much it can burn. And that goes for our cats’ little paws too, so anything like stone, tarmac, decking, artificial grass and even car bonnets that have been sitting in direct sun need to be avoided. A good rule is to test the surface with your hand first and if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your cat’s paws.

Keep on Top of Grooming

Keeping on top of grooming can help your cat feel more comfortable in warmer weather, especially if they’re long-haired or have a thick coat. Regular brushing with a cat brush, comb or de-shedding tool can remove loose fur, stop mats forming and help air move through the coat more easily rather than letting trapped undercoat hold onto heat.

And as tempting as it might be to cut your cat’s hair short when it’s hot, most cats should not be shaved for summer. Their coat helps protect their skin from the sun and plays a role in temperature control, so shaving too closely can increase the risk of sunburn and irritation. If your cat has serious mats or their coat feels difficult to manage, it’s much safer to speak to a professional groomer or your vet rather than trying to clip it yourself at home.

Protect Your Cat from Sunburn

It’s probably not your first thought, but cats can get sunburn too! It’s especially common with white cats, light-coloured cats and cats with thinner fur. Their ears, nose, eyelids and belly are often the most vulnerable areas because there’s less fur to protect the skin, so even if your cat seems happy lounging outside, it’s worth being careful during the strongest sun.

The safest option is to keep your cat indoors or in deep shade during peak UV hours, usually between 10am and 4pm. This matters even on days that don’t feel unbearably hot, because UV can still damage their skin. If your cat does go outside, speak to your vet about a cat-safe sun cream. Always avoid human sunscreen because anything containing zinc oxide or salicylates can be very harmful if your cat licks them off.

While any cat can struggle in hot weather, some need a little more watching than others. If your cat falls into one of the groups below, it’s best to limit outdoor time during the warmest part of the day and check on them more often.

• Young kittens under 6 months old
• Senior cats
• Overweight cats
• Cats with heart, kidney or breathing problems
• Flat-faced breeds, such as Persians and Exotic Shorthairs
• Long-haired cats, especially if their coat is thick or prone to matting
• Black cats who spend time in direct sun
• Cats who don’t drink much water or are fussy about drinking from their bowl

The same basic rules apply for kittens as they do for adult cats: keep them out of the strongest sun, offer plenty of fresh water, create shaded places to rest and use safe cooling options like damp towels, cooling mats or cooler rooms. The main difference is that kittens need a closer eye on them because they’re still young, still learning and often a little more rebellious about where they go and what they do.

Because a kitten may not yet understand when they’re getting too warm or why water matters on a hot day, it’s up to you to guide them a bit more. Keep them indoors during the warmest part of the day, check they aren’t hiding somewhere stuffy, offer water often and give them plenty of cooler places to settle when they finally decide it’s time for a nap.

If you think your cat may have heatstroke or be seriously dehydrated, it’s always better to get veterinary advice straight away rather than risking waiting. Cats can go downhill fast in extreme heat so even if they seem to perk up a little, it’s still safest to speak to your vet.

Call your vet immediately if you notice:

• Collapse or seizures
• Open-mouth breathing or panting that doesn’t settle
• Bright red, very pale or blue-tinged gums
• Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhoea
• Confusion, weakness or wobbliness
• Your cat being unable to stand or respond normally
• Signs of overheating after being trapped somewhere hot
  
  

While you’re waiting for advice or travelling to the vet, it’s still a good idea to keep cooling your cat gradually. Start by moving them somewhere cooler and use a cool damp towel. If you’re travelling, make sure the car if well-ventilated or air-conditioned but avoid blasting them directly with very cold air. If they’ll take it, offer cool water but don’t force it into their mouth and try to keep everything as calm and low-stress as possible.

A lot of cats love a spot of sunbathing during the warmer months, but when summer officially arrives and the temperature gets high, even the most committed patch-of-sun napper needs a little help staying safe. Knowing how to keep a cat cool in summer mostly comes down to the simple things like providing plenty of fresh water, shaded spaces, cooler rooms, safe outdoor timing, regular grooming and cooling options they can choose for themselves.

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