As the weather warms up, you might be wondering how to keep your cat cool during the summer. Our feline friends are known for their love of basking in the sun, but how hot is too hot? And should we step in if they get too warm? We asked our in-house vets for the answers.
One way to help your cat stay cool and hydrated is by investing in one of the best pet water fountains, as many cats prefer drinking from running water. If you think your cat has heatstroke, it's a medical emergency – you'll need to act fast and take these important steps.
Below, we've listed 14 ways to help your cat cool down – including our top product recommendations – plus expert advice from Dr MacMillan and Dr Woodnutt on how to spot the signs your feline is overheating.
How to cool down a cat
1. Freeze common cat treats
A fun way to assist your cat during hot temperatures is to freeze common cat treats. Simply pop them in the freezer to create 'cat ice lollies'. Just be careful they don’t get too eager and bite off large chunks, as this can upset the balance of their everyday digestive activity.
2. Provide an outdoor cat house
Does your cat like to lounge in the sun? If your feline loves nothing more than stretching out on the pavement, you could provide them with a far safer option, such as one of the best outdoor cat houses.
This provides them with an elevated place to rest so they stay off hot surfaces, but it also offers them a shady spot of refuge when the sun is high in the sky.
3. Make your own frozen cat treat
To make your own frozen cat treat, drain canned tuna juice into a measuring jug and add a little water. Next, pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or popsicle mold in any design you like, then pop it into the freezer.
Once frozen, place one in your cat’s dish or feed it to them – an added bonus is if the frozen treat contains chunks of tuna inside. Delicious!
4. Consider a cat cooling mat
You may have heard of cooling mats for dogs, but you can also pick them up for cats, too. If you happen to have multiple pets in the house, investing in a large cooling mat could be ideal.
If you have an indoor cat, place a cooling mat in your feline's favorite sleeping area. You can also use it in a cat carrier if you need to move them around in hot weather.
5. Supply a pet water fountain
Giving your pet plenty of fresh water is essential during warmer months. One way to do this is to provide a water fountain that ensures that running water is available all day. It's particularly handy if your cat eats lots of dry cat food, providing them with constant access to liquids.
6. Put ice cubes in water
It's a simple trick that works for us humans too; simply pop in a few ice cubes into your cat's water dish for an instant cool down. Not only does it make your cat's water a lot cooler to consume, but it also encourages drinking and licking wet paws.
7. Switch on air conditioning
Treat indoor cats (and yourself) to a blast of air conditioning if you have it at home, or switch on a few fans instead. Just be sure not to aim them directly at your cat; few felines will appreciate an accidental blow-dry.
8. Cat-proof open windows
If you live in a high-rise apartment or are generally worried about your cat escaping, opening a window becomes trickier. You could consider using netting frames that fit over windows or doors to keep your home well-ventilated without the worry.
9. Use sun screen
Did you know that some cats need to use sunscreen? If your feline has lighter-colored fur, they are more likely to be at risk of getting sunburn. Apply animal-friendly sun screen to areas most exposed to the sun, such as the end of the nose and tips of the ears.
The sun screen should be titanium dioxide-based; avoid any that contain zinc oxide. If in doubt, always consult with your vet.
10. Daily grooming
In the summer months, it's more important than ever to keep on top of grooming. Giving your feline a daily brush will help get rid of any excess fur and troublesome knots.
Some cats may appreciate a summer trim to help them keep cool; look for a professional groomer to do this. It's not advisable to shave your cat down to the skin or trim a lot of hair yourself, as this can actually encourage the onset of sunburn.
Dr. MacMillan says, "Making sure that your cat is well groomed will also help to keep them cool. Regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent mats is essential all year round, but especially important in the summer months as excess fur can trap heat."
11. Freeze a bottle of water
Does your kitty have a favorite spot in the home? Why not freeze a bottle of water, wrap it in a towel or pillowcase, then place it where they typically love to frequent? Just make sure that the lid is on tight so the bottle does not leak.
12. Add water to dry food and treats
If your cat prefers dry food, it can be difficult to give them all the hydration they need, as wet cat food tends to have higher moisture content. If that sounds like your feline friend, consider popping water into their food bowl to encourage them to drink.
13. Close all blinds and curtains
Though cats typically love to laze by the windowside side lapping up every inch of rays available, sometimes it's best to close all blinds in the home to ensure your kitty does not overheat. This has the added bonus of benefiting us humans, too.
14. Add water to a bath
Traditionally, most cats don't like water but you may find that your moggy is fascinated by the sight of a dripping faucet or paws at her water bowl. If your feline falls in to that category, you could look to run a shallow cold bath for them to drink and play in.
What temperature is too hot for cats?
While there isn't a set temperature that's too hot for cats, you should never expose them to unforeseen temperature rises.
Dr Woodnutt explains: "They are fairly adaptable and can survive in most environments if given time to adapt. The issue comes when the hot weather is sudden or unexpected, and the cat cannot acclimate in time.
"Similarly, if cats are shut in cars, sheds, or conservatories, this falsely raises the environmental temperature – not only is this a sudden increase, but these cats often don’t have access to their usual cooling mechanisms like water or cool surfaces."
How can I tell if my cat is too hot?
Cats are masters of disguise; here are the signs to watch, according to Dr Woodnutt:
⚠️Early signs of overheating
- Lethargy
- Drinking more
- Hiding away
- Seeking shade/cool areas
🚨Signs of heat exhaustion
- Glazed
- Wobbly
- Vomiting
- Seizures
She says, "This is now an emergency. Unlike dogs, cats don’t normally pant. If you spot your cat panting, you should take them to a vet urgently."
How to help a cat with heatstroke
If your cat is suffering from heatstroke, act quickly and follow these steps advised by Dr Rebecca MacMillan:
1. Get them wet: "Use a soaking wet cloth or sponge to apply plenty of water all over their body. You can even gently pour the water all over them using a cup or a jug. You want to soak their fur thoroughly.
Warning: Never cover your cat in damp towels or cloths, as this will only trap heat and prevent the cooling effects of evaporation."
2. Keep them cool: "Make sure your cat is in a cool room, ideally in front of an electric fan."
3. Call your vet: "You could save your cat’s life by taking these steps to start bringing their temperature down before transporting them to a veterinary hospital."
Found this helpful? Learn all about dehydration in cats and what cats should drink
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
