The article recommends several practical ways to keep cats comfortable during hot weather: regular grooming or clipping to prevent tangles, using a damp washcloth or a small fan (optionally with a frozen water bottle) and chilled water-bottle pads to cool them, providing multiple bowls of fresh water, closing curtains to keep the home cooler, leaving cool flooring accessible, and offering ventilated elevated beds. It also advises checking sheds and garages before closing doors, monitoring paw sweating, and watching for heatstroke signs—such as excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting, collapse—and contacting a veterinarian immediately if concerned.
Keeping Cats Cool in Summer
2 mins read
|
25 August 2026
Listen to this article
Summarise with AI
Summarise with AI
Share
While cats generally tolerate the heat better than us, they do suffer on hot days. Here are a few ways to make your feline companion more comfortable - both before and during a heatwave.
-
Keep Your Cat Well Groomed
A tangle-free coat will help keep your cat cool, so brush your cat often over the summer months. It might also be worth having your cat professionally clipped for summer, especially if she has long fur. To see what’s best, talk to your vet. In the meantime, learn how to pamper your cat with our grooming tips here.
-
Stroke Your Cat With a Damp Washcloth
On hot days, gently stroking your cat with a damp washcloth or paper towel can help them cool down. And we all know that every cat loves a good pat.
-
Use a Small Box Fan
To create a lovely breeze for your cat, place a small box fan on the floor near an air conditioner or open window. For extra cooling power, place a frozen water bottle in front of the fan.
-
Leave Fresh Water Around The House
Cats need to stay hydrated in the heat, just like us. Leaving bowls of fresh water dotted around the house will prompt them to drink more often. Remember to change the water daily.
-
Close Curtains and Blinds During The Day
Close all window coverings to keep the house cool. Not only will it keep your kitty happy, it’ll save you money on air-conditioning bills as well.
-
Keep Cool Flooring Uncovered
Don’t be surprised to find your cat stretched out on the kitchen or bathroom floor. Cats naturally gravitate to cool surfaces in the heat, so consider rolling away the rug or bath mat.
-
Elevate Your Cat’s Bed
Ventilation is key, so consider investing in a cloth-covered cat bed with short plastic or metal legs. The air passing under the bed will help keep your cat cool.
-
Make a ‘Cool Water Bottle’ For Your Cat
To transform your cat’s favourite lounging spot to a chilled oasis, fill a drink bottle with cold water and leave it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, wrap the bottle in a towel and place it in position, ready for a relaxing cat-nap.
Some Final Heat Safety Tips
Pay attention to your cat's feet as they have sweat glands on their paws. If your cat is leaving wet paw prints, it’s a sign of sweating, so you’ll need to replenish her fluids.
Always check sheds and garages before shutting doors. Cats can find their way into all sorts of hidey holes, particularly if they’re looking for a shady spot to cool down in.
Watch for symptoms of heatstroke. These include excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting, collapse or unconsciousness. If you’re worried about your cat, call your vet immediately.
Related Articles
