27/05/2026
How to help keep your cat cool.
Making sure your cat has a comfortable environment at home will help them stay happy and healthy. Here are some tips to helping cool your cat down:
Avoid letting your cat out when it’s particularly hot outside. Earlier in the morning or later in the evening are often cooler than midday.
If your cat is outside during the warmest part of the day, make sure there’s shade available and a bowl of fresh water. Keep in mind that artificial grass will be significantly warmer than real grass as it lacks the water within that keeps it cool.
Leave any strenuous playtime until it’s cooler. Your cat may want to play with you throughout the day but try to avoid extra activity that might cause them to overheat. Engage them in play in the late afternoon or evening instead.
Provide plenty of water. Your cat is likely to drink more in summer and the heat can increase the amount of evaporation from the bowls, so keep a closer eye on their water supply. Consider getting them a drinking fountain to encourage drinking. DO NOT try to syringe water into your cat’s mouth.
Add ice cubes to their water bowls. Placing ice cubes in their water supply through the day will keep it cool and refreshing for them, so they’re more likely to take on the fluids they need.
Groom your cat more often when it’s hot to remove excess hair that may be causing a blanket effect. It can be a good idea to trim long haired breeds but not too short as their fur is highly evolved and slows down heat absorption.
Use pet safe sunscreen on white and light-coloured cats. Exposure to sunlight has been linked to an increase in skin cancers in pale cats, particularly on the nose, lips, and ears. Use a pet-safe sunscreen only, as human sunscreens can have ingredients that are toxic to cats. House cats can even get burnt through a window so unfortunately inside cats are not exempt.
Let your cat nap during the hottest part of the day. Cat owners are used to their cats snoozing for about 16 hours a day, but don’t be alarmed if your pet seems to be napping for even longer than normal when it’s warm. If you find that your cat is very warm when they’re asleep it could be a sign that they’re starting to overheat, or that they have a fever starting to develop. Cats can overheat without realising it, especially if they’ve been napping in the sunlight or they have a dark, thick coat.
Apart from emergencies, avoid taking your cat in the car with you. They won’t appreciate being cooped up in a small, hot carrier when the sun’s blazing. If you do need to travel with them, make sure you keep the temperature in the car comfortable and provide water. Never leave your pet alone in the car as temperatures rise quickly even with the windows open.
Inside your home, keep your windows slightly open and your curtains closed. This keeps the room properly ventilated and prevents the heat from intensifying through the windows. You’ll need to ensure your windows are secure, particularly if you’re not in the room.
