When the weather heats up, most cats become professional floor puddles.
You might find them stretched across tiles, hiding under beds, ignoring playtime, or giving you the look that says, “Why have you personally made it this warm?”
Most of the time, cats are pretty good at finding cooler spots. But hot weather can still become dangerous, especially for kittens, senior cats, overweight cats, long-haired cats, flat-faced breeds, indoor cats in stuffy rooms, and cats with health conditions.
Heatstroke in cats is serious, so here’s what to look for and how to help keep your cat cool.
Yes, cats can get heatstroke.
It can happen if they get too hot and can’t cool themselves down, especially if they are trapped somewhere warm like a conservatory, greenhouse, shed, garage, car, or stuffy room with poor airflow.
Cats don’t always show distress clearly either. Very helpful of them. So it’s worth knowing the warning signs.
Watch out for:
Panting or fast breathing
Drooling
Weakness or wobbliness
Restlessness or confusion
Bright red gums or tongue
Vomiting or diarrhoea
A fast heartbeat
Feeling very hot to touch
Collapse
Seizures in severe cases
Important: panting in cats is not as normal as it is in dogs. If your cat is panting in hot weather, take it seriously.
If you think your cat may have heatstroke:
Move them to a cool, shaded area immediately
Offer fresh water, but don’t force them to drink
Use cool water to help lower their temperature
Use airflow, such as a fan nearby, if safe
Call your vet urgently
Avoid ice-cold water, ice baths, or wrapping them tightly in wet towels, as this can make things worse or trap heat.
With heatstroke, it’s always better to be overcautious. Cats do not come with a warning light, which feels like a design flaw.
Some cats are fussy about water. Shocking, we know.
Try placing a few bowls around your home, especially in cooler rooms. Wide ceramic or stainless steel bowls are a good option, and fountains can encourage some cats to drink more.
You can also add a couple of ice cubes if your cat doesn’t object to the audacity.
Make sure your cat has access to:
Shaded rooms
Cool floors
Cooling mats
Safe airflow
Curtains or blinds closed during peak sun
If your cat loves a sunny window, keep an eye on them. Some cats will commit to a sunbeam like it’s a legally binding contract.
Always check sheds, garages, cupboards, conservatories and greenhouses before closing doors.
Cats are talented at sneaking into inconvenient places, usually right before you need to leave the house.
Save energetic play for early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
During the day, try calmer enrichment like:
Lick mats
Puzzle feeders
Snuffle mats
Chilled treats
Gentle toy play
Cardboard boxes in shaded rooms
Hot weather enrichment should be more “lazy little brain workout” and less “Olympic hallway sprint.”
Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and can make long-haired cats more comfortable.
Don’t shave your cat unless your vet or groomer advises it. Their coat helps protect their skin and regulate temperature.
Before the day gets too warm, check:
Fresh water is topped up
There are cool, shaded places to rest
Curtains are closed in sunny rooms
Sheds, garages and conservatories are checked
Outdoor time is avoided during peak heat
Play is saved for cooler parts of the day
You know your vet’s emergency contact number
Most cats handle warm weather by slowing down, stretching out, and looking mildly offended by summer.
But heatstroke can become serious quickly. If your cat is panting, drooling, weak, wobbly, vomiting, confused, collapsed, or just seems very wrong, contact your vet urgently.
Keep them cool, keep water nearby, and save the chaos play for when the temperature drops.
Because a cool cat is a happy cat.
And a happy cat is only slightly less likely to shout at you from the hallway.
