Cats and hot weather

Drawing on expert guidance from Cats Protection, here’s how to help keep your cat cool, comfortable, and safe when the weather warms up.

Cats are generally good at regulating their own body temperature and may naturally reduce their activity during warmer periods. However, they can still struggle in high temperatures, especially if they don’t have access to shade, water, or cooler indoor spaces.

It’s important to keep a closer eye on your cat as temperatures rise and take simple steps to support them before they become too hot.

There are lots of easy adjustments you can make at home and outdoors to help your cat cope better in warm weather.

Cats often seek out cooler surfaces when they’re warm. Make sure they have access to shaded areas both indoors and outdoors, and keep rooms well-ventilated by allowing air to circulate.

Placing a fan in a room can help move cooler air around, but it shouldn’t be pointed directly at your cat.

Encouraging your cat to stay indoors during these hours can help reduce the risk of overheating or sun damage.

If your cat goes outside, make sure there are plenty of shaded areas they can retreat to.

A frozen bottle of water wrapped in a towel can be placed near your cat’s favourite sleeping area to create a cooler spot. Don’t place it directly against your cat or force them to lie near it, they’ll choose it if it helps them cool down.

Izzy Hocking, a Senior Vet at Cats Protection says: 

You may notice changes in your cat’s behaviour during warm weather. This might include:

• lethargy or reduced activity
• increased thirst
• seeking cool floors or shaded areas more frequently

These behaviours are usually sensible adaptations to hot weather, a bit like we would do on a hot day! If you’re worried about your cat at any point, it’s best to contact your vet for guidance.

Cats can also get heatstroke though which can be life threatening, so it is important to look out for more worrying changes in their behaviour too. Some concerning signs to look out for include:

• restlessness
• fast breathing or panting
• drooling
• confusion
• weakness including wobbly when walking
• stomach upset signs (vomiting and/or diarrhoea)
• collapsing

If you see any of the above signs, it’s important to take steps to try and cool your cat down immediately by moving them somewhere cool and safe, placing them on a wet towel, turning a fan on, wetting their coat, using an ice pack wrapped in a towel, and then contacting your vet as soon as possible.

Kittens, elderly cats, flat-faced cats like Persians, and cats with existing health conditions can be more affected by warm weather. They may need extra monitoring and additional cooling support during hot periods. Always seek veterinary advice if you’re unsure how best to help them.

By offering shade, fresh water, and cooler spaces, you can make a big difference to how comfortable your cat feels during warmer months. Staying alert to changes in behaviour and taking early action can help prevent more serious problems and keep your cat safe all summer long.