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Key takeaways
- Cats are at real risk of dehydration and heatstroke in hot weather, always ensure fresh water and shade are available.
- Rapid breathing in a cat at rest is not normal and can signal early heatstroke, contact your vet immediately if you see this.
- Watch for other heatstroke signs too: agitation, drooling, vomiting, or skin hot to the touch.
- White-eared or white-nosed cats are prone to sunburn and need extra protection.
During the summer months, cats are just as at risk of dehydration and heatstroke as the rest of us. These are serious conditions that can lead to illness and even death. Here are some steps to cool a cat down and keep a cat cool in hot weather.
1. Make sure your cat has plenty of water
It’s common sense, but you should check your cat’s water bowl regularly and fill it up whenever it’s low. Cats can’t survive for long without it. Putting out additional water bowls around your home can help encourage drinking.
2. Ensure there’s a shaded spot in your garden
If you have an outdoor cat and there are no naturally occurring shady spots in your garden, create one by placing some cloth or cardboard over an area to keep the sun out. Also, make sure you check outdoor buildings like sheds and greenhouses before shutting them, as cats often get locked in accidentally overnight.
3. Brush your cat daily
Matted hair traps heat, so give them a daily groom if possible. This is especially important for long-haired cats.
4. Keep them out of conservatories and greenhouses
These areas can get dangerously hot even when the weather just feels warm. Bear in mind that they both exclude cooling breezes and magnify the heat. Cats are also prone to getting accidentally trapped in conservatories and greenhouses.
5. Use damp towels to cool down your cat
The warmest part of a cat’s body is their tummies, the pads of their paws, their armpits, under their chin and on the outside of their ears. Although most cats hate getting wet, try dampening a cloth with cold water and gently stroking your cat with it from their head to their back. Do not place damp cloths over your cat as this will trap the warm air under the towel and will increase their body temperature.
6. Keep your cat calm
A very active cat that is running around on a hot day will quickly become exhausted and dehydrated. Encourage your cat to relax when outside temperatures are soaring, avoid playing energetic games with them in the heat of the day.
7. Create a retreat
Cats are clever when it comes to comfort, and they will seek out places such as the bath or sink, as these often stay cool even when it’s hot outside. You could also try creating a cool and darkened indoor retreat for them to sleep in and feel safe. A top tip is to place a cardboard box on its side somewhere cool and quiet in the house, such as behind a chair or on a cool surface like a wooden or tiled floor. Line it with a breathable natural fabric, such as a cotton towel.
8. Keep outdoor cats indoors
If temperatures really soar, then it’s worth considering keeping your cat inside during the hottest hours of the day.
9. Take care in the car
It’s less common for cats to travel in cars than dogs, but they are just as susceptible to the risks. If you are taking your cat to the vets, the cattery or a cat show, for example, never leave them in the car. Always make sure their carriers are secure, shaded and allow air to circulate. Solid plastic boxes with a secure wire mesh door are preferable.
10. Encourage cool play
Ice cubes are a great way for cats to play and keep cool at the same time. Put a few on the floor so they can chase them as they scatter around. Perhaps even consider flavouring the ice with a hint of chicken stock to encourage their interest.
11. Close the curtains
Things that keep you cool will also benefit your cat – keeping curtains or blinds closed will keep the sun out.
12. Watch out for signs of heatstroke
Although heatstroke generally only occurs on hot days, it’s worth being aware of the symptoms. Signs include agitation, stretching out and breathing rapidly, extreme distress, skin hot to the touch, glazed eyes, vomiting and drooling.
Is my cat breathing fast in hot weather?
Rapid breathing – also called panting – is not normal in cats the way it is in dogs. If your cat is breathing fast at rest in hot weather, it is a warning sign that should not be ignored. It can indicate the early stages of heatstroke or, in some cases, an underlying respiratory or heart condition worsened by the heat. If your cat is breathing rapidly, open-mouth breathing, or appears distressed, contact your vet immediately. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own.
13. Circulate cool air
Open the windows, turn on a box fan or keep the air conditioning at a reasonable temperature. Your cat will appreciate having a cool place to relax indoors if it’s scorching outside.
14. Cats and hot weather could mean sunburn
Don’t forget cats are susceptible to sunburn, particularly those with white ears and noses. This can lead to painful blistering and sores, and long-term exposure can lead to skin cancers. It is possible to buy pet sunscreen to apply to the hairless areas at the ends of the ears and the nose. It’s also advisable to keep white-faced cats indoors during the afternoon heat.