How to keep cats cool in summer: tips from a vet

Keeping your cat cool in summer is a responsible and enjoyable activity for any cat lover - whether you’re a pet parent, or you’re house sitting as a pet sitter.

There are a few fun ways you can bond with your cat, and keep them cool at the same time. Here are our top tips on how to keep your cat cool in summer! 

Avoid the sunshine 

Cats are natural heat seekers, and will gravitate to a sunny spot to sunbathe. In the warmer weather this can lead to your cat getting hot and bothered, and eventually overheating. Keep your cat indoors between 10am and 2pm (the hottest part of the day) and close curtains or blinds to create a cool shady spot inside for your cat to rest. 

Keep hydrated 

Ensuring your cat stays hydrated is vital in the hot weather - water hydrates and keeps cats cool. Try pet-safe water fountains, frozen treats or ice cubes, or adding a little tuna water into their regular water bowls for extra flavour. Feeding wet food will increase your cat's water intake. 

Keep it chill 

You can use fans or air conditioning to create a temperature-controlled environment for your cat - around 20-25 degrees is a cool temperature for your cat. 

Air flow can keep your cat cool, so reduce the amount of blankets in their bed, and if possible raise it up on a stand to allow airflow to circulate underneath. Washing bedding regularly is important in summer. Include shaded spaces in your garden if possible - think about getting a parasol which might provide some sun protection for your cat.

Spend time together 

Cats can seek out cool spaces, such as in garages and get stuck or trapped. Avoid this catastrophe by spending lots of time together in summer. Use this time to brush your cat, helping to keep them cool, and schedule playtime for early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid overheating. They are less likely to go exploring if tired from an early morning play! Try using small frozen cat treats during play or training to keep your cat engaged and within eyeshot during warmer weather. 

Reduce stress

Travelling is stressful for cats, which increases their sensitivity to heat. Catteries can have the same effect on anxious cats, and can leave them hot and bothered. 

Instead, consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter - it’s a thoughtful way to help your cat beat the heat in their own environment which they know best. Click below to find out how it works.

Signs of heat exhaustion in cats 

A cat's normal temperature is between 38 and 35.5 C. Any temperature over this, they are at risk of heat exhaustion and then heat stroke. 

Heat exhaustion is when your cat is hot, but their body can regulate using their natural cooling mechanisms, such releasing sweat through their sweat glands to cool down. It's one step away from heat stroke, so knowing the difference is important. 

Signs of heat exhaustion in cats: 

• Sweating from paws - look for pawprints on benches etc. 
• Restlessness
• Increased thirst 
• Seeking cool areas to lie down such as tiling 

What to do if you think your cat has heat exhaustion 

Move them to a cooler area, such as the bathroom, and put a fan or air conditioning on for them. Offer a drink of fresh water and wipe their coat with adamp cloth to remove excess heat. Do not soak your cat in water as this can lead to symptoms of shock.

Cat heat stroke: symptoms to watch out for

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Look for these signs of heat stroke in cats: 

• Panting or open mouth breathing 
• Collapse 
• Drooling 
• Dark red or blue gum colour 
• Vomiting 
• Lethargy 

What to do if you think your cat has heat stroke

If you think your cat is showing signs of heat stroke, it's really important to get vet help fast. 

Submerging your cat into water or placing cold towels on your cat can make things worse, as they go into shock.  Instead, put the air conditioning on in the car and offer your cat a small drink of fresh cool water. Getting to the vet quickly is the most important thing you can do for an overheated cat. 

How hot is too hot for cats? 

Cats struggle with temperatures of over 30 degrees, which in summer can easily be reached. Try to keep your cat indoors during the hottest parts of the day -  usually between 10am and 2pm.

Useful resources 

If you're a regular pet sitter, educating yourself on how to keep dogs and cats cool in summer can be lifesaving. Knowing what heat stroke is, how hot is too hot for cats, and how to keep dogs and cats cool is crucial in your role as a trusted pet sitter. 

• Brachycephalic dogs & summer: Caring for flat-faced friends
• 6 hot tips for how to keep dogs cool in summer
• Why do cats sunbathe?

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.