When summer arrives, an overheating cat has a harder time of it than you might think. Cats regulate their temperature with difficulty and, although they hide their discomfort, they can genuinely suffer once the thermometer climbs. Recognising the symptoms of a cat overheating and learning how to cool a cat down in summer is key to getting your companion through the warm months safely and comfortably. In this guide we cover the warning signs, the tricks for cooling them down at home and when a vet visit is needed.
How heat affects cats
Unlike people, cats barely sweat: only a little through the pads of their paws. To cool down they groom themselves (the saliva evaporates and chills them), seek out shady spots and reduce their activity. In serious heat those resources fall short and the animal's temperature builds, which can lead to dehydration or heatstroke.
Some cats are more at risk: flat-faced breeds (Persian, Exotic), very old cats or kittens, those who are overweight, long-haired or living with a chronic condition. If your cat falls into one of these groups, it is worth keeping an especially close eye on them during a heatwave.
Symptoms of a cat overheating
Spotting the signs early makes all the difference. These are the most common symptoms of a cat overheating to watch for:
- Panting or rapid breathing with the mouth open (rare in healthy cats, so it is a warning sign).
- Lethargy, apathy and a desire to lie on cold surfaces such as the bathroom floor.
- Eating less or refusing food altogether.
- Excessive grooming in an attempt to cool down.
- Red or very pale gums and heavy drooling.
- Vomiting, trembling or loss of coordination in severe cases.
If several of these signs appear at once, particularly heavy panting, act immediately: heatstroke in cats is a veterinary emergency.
How to cool a cat down in summer
If you notice your cat is overheating, the first thing is to bring their temperature down gradually, without overwhelming them. These are the most effective measures for cooling a cat down in summer:
- Move them to the coolest, best-ventilated part of the house, away from direct sun.
- Gently dampen their coat with a cloth soaked in lukewarm water, concentrating on the head, ears, neck and paw pads. Never use very cold water or plunge them in suddenly.
- Offer fresh, clean water. Many cats prefer drinking from moving water, so a pet fountain helps them stay better hydrated.
- You can put down a tile or a cooling mat for them to lie on.
- If you have a fan, point it nearby but not directly at them.
On the hottest days it helps to have a few summer-minded pet accessories to hand, such as generous water bowls or cooling mats.
Caring for a cat in summer: prevention
The best way to avoid a scare is to plan ahead. These guidelines for caring for a cat in summer reduce the risk considerably:
- Always provide fresh water in several spots around the house and change it daily.
- Keep some rooms shaded and create a through draught during the hottest hours.
- Brush long-haired cats every day: less dead hair means better temperature regulation.
- Never leave your cat in a car, or on an enclosed sunroom or balcony in the sun.
- Shift playtime to the cooler hours, early in the morning or at dusk.
- Keep an eye on water if you are travelling and check the carrier is well ventilated.
A cool environment, shade and water always available are the foundation. If you want to get your home ready for the heat, our online shop has useful products for both your cat and the house.
When to see the vet
If your cat pants non-stop, is very listless, is vomiting, has very red or pale gums, or loses their balance, do not wait: dampen their coat with lukewarm water and get them to the vet as soon as possible. Heatstroke can damage organs in a short space of time, so when in doubt it is better to get them checked.
To sum up
A cat that is overheating does not always show it obviously, which is why it pays to know the symptoms and to have a few cooling tricks ready. With shade, fresh water and a little attention, your cat will get through the summer far more comfortably. And if you are looking for practical accessories to look after them in the hottest months, take a look at our range: small details that make a real difference to their wellbeing.