How to keep cats cool during a heatwave – and symptoms of heatstroke to look out for

With a week-long heatwave set to send temperatures soaring to 31C, Brits are set to have some warm and sticky days ahead of them.

Keeping ourselves cool in the hot weather is key, but if you're feeling sweaty, think of how the family cat must feel.

With mounds of fur adding to the heat they tolerate along with the hot temperature, cats can easily overheat.

It's not just that they may feel hot and bothered – but they are also at risk of potentially fatal heatstroke.

Keeping feline friends cool during the summer months is vital, and there are plenty of ways we can help keep our cats cool and comfortable this summer.

How to keep cats cool during a heatwave

It's important to keep our feline friends cool and content (Getty Images/Westend61)

There are plenty of things you can do to make sure your cat is feeling cool and content. Here are some suggestions:

• Make a cool and well-ventilated space for your cat
  
• Always have fresh, cool water available around the house
  
• Stroke your cat with a damp towel
  
• Find an ice pack and wrap it in a towel, putting it in their favourite sleeping spot
  
• Move your cat's bed to a well-ventilated area that will be cool
  
• Spray a little cool water onto your cat's fur
  
• Brush your cat to free of any tangles or matted hair
  
• Make sure there is some shade available outside
  

Keep rooms ventilated (Getty Images)

• Uncovered cool flooring such as tiles or wood can be cool spots for cats, remove a rug if possible to expose these
  
• Use a fan to cool down a room when indoors, putting a bottle of iced water in front of the fan to help
  
• Never leave your cat in the car
  
• Make sure there are no greenhouses, sheds or cars that your cat could get stuck in. These places can become increasingly warm during hot weather and can lead to heatstroke.
  

These tips will help keep your cat cool in the next few weeks of hot weather and will make them feel as comfortable as possible.

Symptoms of heatstroke

Make sure to look out for signs of heatstroke (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There are also some symptoms to look out for if your cat is suffering from heat-stroke, these include:

• Heavy panting
  
• Drooling
  
• Agitation, restlessness
  
• Dizziness or staggering
  
• Weakness
  
• Lethargy
  
• Bright red tongue
  
• Very red or pale gums
  
• Increased heart rate
  
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
  
• Seizures
  
• Collapsing
  
• Unconscious
  

It is important to act fast if you believe your cat is suffering from heatstroke. Quickly remove them from the hot environment and put them somewhere cool.

Apply or spray some cool water onto their fur or wet some towels and put them onto your cat.

However, don’t use ice-cold water as this could be a shock to the system, offer them water to drink and put a fan near them if possible.

Call your vet after you have tried to cool your cat down and tell them what has happened, they will be able to offer the best advice or treatment if needed.