How to Cool Down a Cat in Hot Weather

When the temperature rises, your feline friend can be vulnerable to heatstroke, so it’s important to know how to cool down your cat in hot weather.

Here are some of the risk factors for heatstroke, how to recognise the signs of heatstroke, and what you can do to protect your cat from this potentially life-threatening condition.

What is heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when a cat's core body temperature rises above the normal range. Heatstroke can cause multiple organ failure and even death if untreated.

Several factors can predispose a cat to heatstroke:

• Persians, Himalayans and other brachycephalic cat breeds have flat faces with shortened airways, so may react to heat stress faster than other breeds.
• Cats with thicker or longer coats tend to feel the heat more.
• Dark-coloured coats absorb more heat than lighter coloured ones.
• Obesity, respiratory or heart problems may be risk factors.
• Younger and older cats may struggle with hot weather.

Signs that your cat may be in trouble

While humans have sweat glands all over their body, cats sweat through their paws, so moist paw prints may be a sign your cat might need more fluids.

Serious signs of heatstroke include breathing distress, drooling, acting agitated, staggering collapsing, weakness and muscle tremors. Your pet may have confusion, increased heart rate or seizures. If you notice any of these signs, move them to a cool place, spray them with water to help lower their temperature, and immediately seek help from a vet.

Keeping your cat cool in summer

Panting helps to reduce their body temperature – like an in-built evaporative cooling system. But if your fur baby does get a little overheated in hot weather and needs some extra help, here are a few ways to keep a cat cool.

1. Check they have adequate ventilation. Many cats will migrate indoors to their favourite spot during hot summer days. You may find them sprawled on the floor tiles in your bathroom or kitchen. Some also like hammock-style beds that allow airflow underneath. Other cats prefer to venture outside to find a shady place under a tree, or in the garage, cubby house or shed.
   Whether they end up in the bathroom or under the house, make sure they can’t become trapped in a stifling hot space. Open windows or screen doors for airflow, or turn on air conditioners or small box fans
2. Give them plenty of water to drink. Place multiple bowls of water inside and outside so there is lots to drink, even if water splashes out. Clean and refill the bowls regularly. Raid the freezer for some ice cubes to keep the water cool. Or freeze food treats inside ice cubes – they’ll keep cool and have fun playing with these “toys”! Check out our water bowls to keep your cat cool. 
3. Cool down their body. Cool water helps to reduce their temperature, although water that is too cold may cause a chill. Dogs often love water, but cats may flee from a bath, and become even more stressed out. So instead of putting them into water, wipe them over with a wet cloth or let them lie on a wet towel or cooling mat. Put a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel in their favourite resting spot, or place the bottle in front of a box fan for a cooler breeze.

4. Practise good grooming. Brush their coat regularly to remove matted hair that may trap body heat. Consider taking long-haired cats to a professional groomer to be clipped – even just a belly clip can make a difference to their comfort level in summer. Check out our range of brushes and grooming accessories to help remove matted hair. 

5. Limit exercise in the heat of the day. If your cat is prone to roam, bring them indoors during the hottest part of the day. Let them outside when it’s cooler, usually in the mornings and evenings. And don't encourage them to play vigorously during the heat of the day - the aim is to stay calm and cool!

6. Never leave your cat unattended in a car. If your cat must travel in the car, never leave them inside unattended or without the air conditioning on.

It's also worth noting that pale-coloured cats can suffer from sunburn in summer. Keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day, and apply a pet sunscreen recommended by your vet to their nose and ears.

While cats can suffer from heatstroke, with a little care, you can help your companion cope with the summer heat safely and comfortably!