How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer

Updated June 2026

This article is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. If you are worried about your cat’s health or safety, contact your vet.

Cats often appear to cope well with warm weather.

They find shady corners, stretch out on cool floors and reduce their activity during the hottest part of the day.

That does not mean they are protected from overheating.

Cats can become dehydrated or develop heatstroke, especially if they are trapped in a shed, greenhouse, conservatory, garage or poorly ventilated room.

Older cats, young kittens, overweight cats, long-haired cats, flat-faced breeds and cats with heart or breathing problems may need closer monitoring.

Here is how you can help your cat stay comfortable and safe when temperatures rise.

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Do cats get hot in summer?

• Create a cool room
• Encourage your cat to drink
• Use cooling mats and frozen bottles
• Change play and outdoor routines
• Groom your cat regularly
• Protect cats from sunburn
• Check sheds and greenhouses
• Keep windows safe
• Cats who need extra care
• Signs of heatstroke
• What to do in an emergency
• Leaving your cat during hot weather
• Quick hot-weather checklist
• Common mistakes

Do cats get hot in summer?

Yes.

Cats use several natural methods to control their temperature.

They may:

• Move into the shade
• Rest on tiled or wooden floors
• Reduce their activity
• Groom themselves more
• Become active early in the morning or later in the evening

Cats have a limited ability to sweat. Most of their sweating occurs through their paw pads. Grooming also provides some cooling as saliva evaporates from the coat. (PDSA)

These methods work best when the cat can choose where to rest and has access to water, shade and airflow.

Problems can arise when a cat becomes trapped in a hot area or cannot reach a cooler one.

Create one cool room

You do not need to cool the entire house.

Start by creating one room where your cat can rest safely.

Choose a room that:

• Does not receive strong afternoon sunlight
• Has curtains or blinds
• Has safe airflow
• Contains a cool floor
• Has fresh drinking water
• Allows your cat to leave whenever they choose

Close curtains or blinds before direct sunlight reaches the windows. This helps reduce the amount of heat entering the room.

A bathroom, kitchen or shaded hallway may remain cooler than a bedroom or conservatory.

Fans can help circulate air, but place them where your cat cannot knock them over. Secure loose cables and never force your cat to sit directly in front of the fan.

Your cat should always be able to move away.

PDSA and Cats Protection recommend providing a shaded room, airflow and access to fresh water during very hot weather.

Encourage your cat to drink more

Cats are not always enthusiastic drinkers.

During warm weather, place several water bowls around the home rather than relying on one bowl beside the food.

Try placing water:

• In the cool room
• Upstairs and downstairs
• Near your cat’s favourite resting area
• In a shaded part of the garden
• Away from the litter tray
• Away from the food bowl

Many cats prefer wide bowls that do not press against their whiskers.

Glass, ceramic and metal bowls may also be more appealing than plastic bowls. Keep them clean and refill them with fresh water regularly.

Some cats prefer moving water. A water fountain can encourage them to investigate and drink, although it will not suit every cat.

Wet food also provides moisture. Do not make a sudden change in diet solely because the weather is hot. Speak to your vet if your cat has a medical diet or existing urinary or kidney condition.

Remove uneaten wet food promptly because it can spoil more quickly in warm rooms.

Cats Protection recommends several water stations (Amazon), such as a water fountain and wide bowls, and keeping water away from food and toileting areas.

Can you put ice in a cat’s water?

You can add a small amount of ice or crushed ice to the water bowl.

Some cats will drink around it. Others may play with it or ignore it completely.

Do not force your cat to drink icy water.

Solid ice can damage teeth if an animal tries to bite it, so crushed ice or a few small pieces in the water may be a better choice for an enthusiastic chewer. RSPCA advice includes adding ice to drinking water, while PDSA recommends caution with solid cubes due to the risk to teeth.

Cooling mats and frozen bottles

A cooling mat can provide a comfortable resting place, particularly for an older cat or a cat with a thick coat.

Put it somewhere your cat already likes to sleep.

Do not:

• Pick your cat up and place them on it
• Block their normal bed
• Trap them in a room with it
• Assume they will use it immediately

Cats like choice.

Inspect gel-filled mats regularly. Replace the mat if it is damaged or your cat tries to chew it.

A cheaper option is a frozen bottle of water wrapped in a towel or pillowcase. Place it beside the sleeping area rather than directly against your cat.

You can also put down a cool, damp towel for your cat to lie on. Some cats enjoy this. Many will avoid it.

Cooling mats (Amazon), wrapped ice packs, and frozen bottles are recommended as options for providing a cooler resting area.

Change play and outdoor routines

Cats often become less active when they are warm.

Let your cat rest during the day and move active play sessions to the early morning or evening.

Choose gentle indoor activities such as:

• Treat searches
• Slow wand-toy play
• Cardboard boxes
• Food puzzles
• A few treats hidden around a cool room

Avoid long or frantic play sessions in a hot room.

For outdoor cats, try to encourage them to stay inside during the hottest period of the day. Cats Protection suggests keeping cats indoors when the sun is strongest, usually between about 10 am and 3 pm.

Make sure your cat can return indoors rather than becoming stuck outside.

Groom your cat regularly

Regular grooming removes loose and dead hair.

This can make a thick or long coat more comfortable and help prevent matting.

Use short, gentle grooming sessions if your cat does not enjoy being brushed.

Do not shave your cat simply because the weather is hot. Their coat also protects their skin.

Severe matting may require help from a vet or experienced cat groomer. Do not try to cut close mats with scissors because a cat’s skin tears easily.

The RSPCA and Blue Cross both recommend regular grooming to remove excess loose hair during warm weather.

Protect pale cats from sunburn

Any cat can suffer sunburn, but white cats and cats with pale or thinly covered ears and noses face a greater risk.

The ear tips, nose, belly and areas with little fur need particular care.

The safest first step is to limit exposure during the strongest sunlight and provide plenty of shade.

Ask your vet to recommend a sunscreen made for cats. Do not assume that a human product is safe.

Some human sunscreens contain zinc oxide or salicylates, which can be harmful to cats if swallowed while grooming. Cats Protection recommends seeking veterinary advice and using a pet-safe product with SPF 30 or higher.

Contact your vet if you notice:

• Red or sore skin
• Crusting
• Scaly patches
• Blistering
• Peeling skin
• Persistent irritation around the ears or nose

Check sheds, garages and greenhouses

One of the greatest summer risks is a cat becoming trapped in a hot, enclosed space.

Cats may wander into:

• Garden sheds
• Greenhouses
• Garages
• Conservatories
• Summerhouses
• Cars
• Caravans
• Porches
• Neighbours’ outbuildings

Always check before closing or locking a door.

Ask neighbours to check their sheds and garages if your cat is missing.

Heatstroke in cats is often linked to being trapped in poorly ventilated spaces rather than excessive activity.

Keep open windows safe

An open window may improve airflow, but it can create a fall or escape risk.

This is especially important in flats and upstairs rooms.

Use a secure mesh or a purpose-made cat screen. Check that the screen cannot be pushed out or pulled loose.

Tilt-and-turn windows can also trap cats in the narrow gap. Do not leave them open unless they have a suitable safety guard.

Blue Cross advises using screens, mesh or secure window systems to provide ventilation without creating a fall risk.

Which cats need extra help?

Any cat can become too hot.

Take particular care with:

• Kittens
• Elderly cats
• Overweight cats
• Long-haired cats
• Flat-faced cats such as Persians
• Cats with heart disease
• Cats with lung or breathing problems
• Cats recovering from illness
• Cats with limited mobility

These cats may struggle to move to a cooler area or control their body temperature effectively.

Check them regularly rather than waiting for them to ask for help.

Signs that your cat may be too hot

A warm cat may become quiet and seek a cooler place.

Warning signs of heatstroke can include:

• Panting or fast breathing
• Drooling
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Bright red, dark red or very pale gums
• Wobbliness
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

Panting is not a normal cooling response for a relaxed cat, unlike in many dogs.

A panting cat in hot weather needs close attention, particularly if there are other symptoms.

Heatstroke can cause dehydration, organ damage, seizures and death. It is a veterinary emergency.

What to do if you suspect heatstroke

Act quickly.

1. Move your cat into shade or a cool room.
2. Start cooling them with cool tap water.
3. Keep water away from their nose and mouth.
4. Create airflow with a fan or open, secured windows.
5. Offer drinking water, but do not force them to drink.
6. Contact your vet immediately.
7. Continue cooling your cat while arranging transport.

Do not wrap or cover your cat with a wet towel. This can trap heat. A cold, wet towel can be placed underneath them instead.

Keep the carrier ventilated and keep the car cool during the journey.

PDSA advises starting cooling immediately and contacting the vet as soon as possible. The quicker the treatment begins, the better the chance of recovery. (PDSA)

Leaving your cat during hot weather

Indoor cats still need to be checked during a heatwave.

Rooms can become hot after you leave, water can be knocked over, and cats can become trapped behind doors.

Before going to work, check that:

• Several water bowls are full
• Curtains and blinds are closed
• The cat can reach a cool room
• Safe airflow is available
• Internal doors cannot slam shut
• Conservatories and sunny rooms are inaccessible
• Cooling products are undamaged
• Windows are secure

If you are going away, arrange at least one proper visit every day.

A short food drop is not enough during very hot weather.

The person visiting should check:

• Your cat’s behaviour
• Eating and drinking
• Water supplies
• Litter tray use
• The temperature of each accessible room
• Fans and cooling equipment
• Sheds, garages and hiding places
• Signs of vomiting, diarrhoea or breathing changes

When I visit cats during warm weather, I do not just refill the food bowl.

I check that the home still feels safe, that the water has not been knocked over, and that the cat is behaving normally. I also sent an update, so you know how your cat is coping.

Quick hot-weather cat checklist

Before the temperature rises:

• Fill several water bowls
• Create one shaded cool room
• Close blinds before direct sunlight reaches the windows
• Set up safe airflow
• Put down a cooling mat or wrap a frozen bottle
• Move active play to the morning or evening
• Brush out loose hair
• Check sheds and garages
• Secure open windows
• Keep pale cats out of strong sunlight
• Save your vet’s contact details
• Arrange reliable care if you will be away

Read other Seasonal Pet Safety advice

Common mistakes when keeping cats cool

Relying on one water bowl

A bowl can be knocked over, become warm or get dirty.

Provide several.

Leaving the conservatory open

A cat may enter and fall asleep before the room becomes dangerously hot.

Keep access blocked when you are not supervising.

Opening an unsafe window

Ventilation is useful, but not if the cat can escape, fall or become trapped.

Use a secure mesh (Amazon link)

Forcing a cat onto a cooling mat

Let your cat choose.

Forcing contact can cause stress and make them avoid the area.

Covering an overheated cat with a wet towel

Wet towels placed over the body can trap heat.

For suspected heatstroke, start cooling and contact the vet immediately. (PDSA)

Using human sunscreen

Products made for people may contain ingredients that are unsafe for cats.

Ask your vet for a cat-safe option.

Assuming indoor cats cannot overheat

An indoor room can become dangerously hot if it receives direct sun or has poor ventilation.

Check how the room feels at the hottest part of the day.

Calm cat care while you are away

Cats usually cope best when they remain in their own home and keep their normal routine.

My cat sitting visits can include:

• Fresh food and water
• Litter tray care
• Calm company and play
• Medication where agreed
• Photo or video updates
• Checking the home for heat-related risks
• Opening or closing curtains as instructed
• Basic home checks

I provide cat sitting in Finchley, North Finchley, East Finchley, Finchley Central, Muswell Hill and nearby parts of North London.

Please get in touch early if you need summer holiday care. I do not use live online booking because I need to make sure the care arrangement is right for your cat.

Related cat and summer care guides

You may also find these useful:

• more practical dog and cat care guides
• Cat care advice for every season
• cat sitting in Finchley
• summer and seasonal pet safety advice
• keeping rabbits cool during hot weather
• home-based pet care while you are away

FAQs

How can I keep an indoor cat cool without air conditioning?

Close curtains before the sun reaches the windows, create airflow with a securely positioned fan and give your cat access to a shaded room with a cool floor.

Put fresh water in several places and offer a cooling mat or wrapped frozen bottle.

Do fans help cats stay cool?

Fans can help circulate air and make a room more comfortable.

They do not replace shade, fresh water or access to a cooler part of the home. Secure the fan and cables, and let your cat move away from the airflow.

Can I put ice cubes in my cat’s water?

A small amount of ice can be placed in the water bowl.

Crushed ice may be better if your cat tries to bite solid cubes. Do not force your cat to drink very cold water.

Should I wet my cat during hot weather?

You can stroke your cat with damp hands or gently dab their coat with a cool, damp cloth if they tolerate it.

Do not chase, restrain or upset them.

Suspected heatstroke requires active cooling and immediate veterinary advice.

How do I know if my cat is too hot?

Panting, fast breathing, drooling, vomiting, weakness, confusion, wobbliness and collapse can indicate heatstroke.

Move your cat somewhere cool, start cooling them and contact your vet immediately.

What temperature is too hot for a cat?

There is no single room temperature that is safe for every cat.

Humidity, ventilation, health, age, coat type and access to shade and water all affect the risk. Watch your cat’s behaviour and make sure they can always move to a cooler area.

Are cat cooling mats safe?

Most purpose-made pet cooling mats are safe when used according to the instructions.

Check them regularly for leaks, punctures or chewing. Let your cat choose whether to use the mat.

Should cats stay indoors during a heatwave?

Keeping a cat indoors during the hottest part of the day can reduce exposure to direct sunlight and hot enclosed areas.

Cats Protection recommends encouraging cats indoors when the sun is strongest, generally between about 10 am and 3 pm.

Can white cats get sunburn?

Yes.

White cats and cats with pale ears, noses or thin fur are more vulnerable. Provide shade and ask your vet about a suitable cat-safe sunscreen.

Can I leave my cat alone during hot weather?

You can leave a healthy adult cat for a normal working day if the home is secure, cool and well supplied with water.

Do not leave a cat unattended for long periods or for the duration of a holiday. Arrange daily care and give the sitter clear instructions for hot weather.

About Del Chambers

I have provided professional pet care in Finchley and North London since 2011.

Alongside calm one-to-one dog walks, I look after cats in their own homes through daily cat-sitting visits and overnight house-sitting. My approach is practical, patient and based around each pet’s normal routine.

I use my guides to share straightforward advice that helps owners make safer choices for their pets.

Find out more about Del and Finchley Dog Walker