9 ways to keep cats cool in the summer

Record-breaking summer temperatures aren’t just tough on us humans — our feline friends are also susceptible to the effects of excessive heat. The descendants of resilient desert dwellers, cats are genetically inclined to regulate their body temperature by seeking shade and chilling on cool surfaces when the weather starts to warm up. 

But just because cats are naturally good at keeping themselves cool doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from extra protection. Watch out for signs of overheating and try out these tips to keep your kitten cool all summer.

Some cats are descendants of desert-dwelling ancestors. Because of this, they have a genetically low thirst drive that allows them to survive on less water than other pets, like dogs. They’re also more sensitive to the taste of water and how it’s presented to them. Experts recommend enticing your kitty to drink more with the help of a cat water fountain, which releases fresh, moving water throughout the day.

Wet food contains as much as 66% more water than dry food, which can go a long way toward keeping your cat cool and hydrated during the summer (especially if they’re reluctant to drink). Wet food also contains fewer carbohydrates than dry kibble, which cats cannot convert into energy. In this sense, switching to wet food limits your cat’s consumption of unnecessary calories and keeps their body’s internal thermoregulation system running smoothly.

Cats love warm, cozy spaces they can curl up and nap in, but that doesn’t mean you should just let your house heat up during the summer months. To keep both of you happy and cool, experts suggest a moderate AC setting between 75° F and 78° F. If you don’t have AC, you can keep your cat cool with the help of heavy, light-blocking curtains and special cooling pads.

 If you have an outdoor cat, it’s especially important to set up a cooling station for them during the summertime. Cool spots should contain fresh, running water, wet food, and ample shade. You may also want to use a small fan to increase airflow through the area. If your kitty’s cooling spot is inside, consider setting it up near an open window.

It’s important for your cat to exercise, but you should avoid getting them too worked up during the hottest hours of the day. If you walk your cat, keep it short and wait until the morning or after dusk to limit their exposure to the hottest parts of the day. Trust your gut: if you think it’s too hot for your cat to go outside, try playing with some indoor cat toys instead.

Early to late afternoon is generally the hottest part of the day, which is when pets have the highest chance of overheating. Keep your play sessions indoors and limit them to the cooler hours of the day so your cat can let off all the steam they want without risking injury.

Cooling mats (or cooling beds) contain cold water or gels designed to maintain a cool temperature for your cat to lay on. These are especially helpful if your home doesn’t have many natural cool surfaces, like tile or wood flooring, or if you can’t afford to keep the A.C. running all the time.  Alternatively, you might consider a cooling vest, which functions similarly but is worn by your cat — just keep in mind that some cats won’t tolerate wearing these.

Owners without air conditioning can keep their indoor cats cool using a few well-placed fans around the house. If you want to take things a step further, try putting a fan over a bowl of ice to make the air cooler as it flows into the room. Outdoor fans can also help cats cool outside the house. Make sure fans are equipped with weatherproof cords that are secured to prevent any unwanted tripping or chewing.

Homemade popsicles are a fun, cheap way to keep your cat cool and entertained. One easy recipe is to mix one part unsweetened coconut milk with one part low-sodium chicken broth. You can serve it chilled in a little bowl or freeze it in an ice tray for one hour to make mini popsicles. Just be sure that the chicken broth doesn’t have garlic or onion Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources since those ingredients are toxic to cats. 

Knowing the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion can help you act fast in a real-life emergency. Here’s a brief overview of common symptoms of overheating in cats.

Panting

While dogs usually pant to try to cool off, it’s not as common to see a cat panting Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources and it can be a sign of trouble. This can develop into distressed or noisy breathing as the heat exhaustion worsens.

Restlessness, confusion, or agitation

Cats experiencing heat stroke may pace around. They’re likely looking for shade or water, or they may be confused because they know something is wrong but may not know exactly what.

Increased heart rate

Heatstroke causes a sharp increase in a cat’s heart and respiratory rates as their body temperature rises. The normal resting heart rate for a cat Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources hovers between 120-140 beats per minute. A heart rate above 220 or under 80 requires immediate veterinary care. 

Dizziness

If your cat’s struggling to get to their feet or regularly falling down, they may be experiencing dizziness related to heat exhaustion. In most cases, this loss of balance is overtly noticeable, since cats are usually poised and agile. Subtle signs of dizziness may include tilting their head to one side and rapid eye movement.

Mild weakness

Cats suffering from heat-related injuries may appear tired or sluggish. It’s also common for overheated cats to stretch out completely on one side.

High body temperature

Heatstroke occurs when the body cannot efficiently regulate its own temperature, which is why fever Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources is a universal symptom in affected cats. Many cats experiencing heat stroke will also have ears that are warm to the touch, but you can monitor their temperature with the help of a thermometer.  Seek veterinary help immediately If your cat’s temperature exceeds 104°F.

Vocalization

If your cat whines or expresses any other vocal discomfort after being outside or performing rigorous exercise, it could be a sign they’re feeling too hot.

A cat’s body temperature normally falls between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. When their body temperature exceeds 104 degrees, they enter a state of hyperthermia, commonly known as heatstroke. Milder cases of overheating may result in heat exhaustion, in which they are still able to walk, drink water, and stop themselves to take breaks.

Weather conditions, excessive exercise, and increased body weight are among the most common causes of overheating in cats. Other factors like breed and age can also make a cat more susceptible to overheating.

Hot weather

While some cat breeds have historically lived in desert and rainforest climates, temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit quickly become uncomfortable for cats—especially if they aren’t used to it, summer heatwaves in the triple digits are especially dangerous for cats who spend a lot of time in warm spaces or outdoors. Indoor cats are also at risk of heat exhaustion if left in an enclosed area with limited airflow.

Age 

Kittens and senior cats are more sensitive to extreme temperatures than healthy young adults. 

Hyperthyroidism 

While its effects are studied more in humans than felines, hyperthyroidism predisposes its victims to heat intolerance and heat stroke. Other signs of hyperthyroidism in cats include agitation (especially at night), weight loss despite an increased appetite, excessive or unusual vocalizations, dehydration, and excessive thirst and urination.

Excessive exercise

Many cats naturally save their hunting and playtime activities for the cooler parts of the day, but they can overheat if excessively exercised in a hot enclosed space or outdoors. If you plan to exercise your cat on a hot day, keep the activity contained in an air-conditioned room. 

Extra weight and obesity

Obese and overweight cats have an increased risk of developing heat exhaustion because extra weight interferes with the thermoregulatory processes their bodies normally use to keep cool. Feeding a balanced diet along with 15-30 minutes of daily exercise — during the coolest parts of the day — helps your cat’s weight stay on track.

If your cat seems a little overheated, get them out of the sun and help them get hydrated. While minor cases may pass with water and rest, it’s always best to visit the vet if you think your cat is suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke. 

Signs of heatstroke in cats

Cats with heat exhaustion may exhibit signs like excessive panting. While it’s important to help cats with heat exhaustion cool down, they may be able to be treated at home in mild cases. On the other hand, cats suffering from heat stroke always require emergency medical care. 

Contact a vet immediately if you notice any of these emergency signs of heat stroke:

• Hyper red gums or tongue. A bright red tongue is generally an indicator that your cat’s body is experiencing distress due to rising temperatures.
• Drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. The rapid rise in body temperature accompanied by heat stroke leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can trigger nausea and gastrointestinal upset in some cats.
• Collapse. Heatstroke causes blood vessels to expand, which leads to a drop in blood pressure that can cause fainting.
• Seizures. If a cat’s body temperature is high enough, it may cause the cat to have a seizure and fall into a coma. This can be life-threatening without the proper medical attention.

What to do if your cat is exhibiting signs of heatstroke

Take action as soon as you suspect your cat is overheating to minimize the extent of heat-related injury. Some vets recommend cooling your cat off before transporting them to a veterinary facility.

Take them somewhere cool — Start by moving your cat to a shady room with either air conditioning or a fan.

Offer water — Start by offering small sips of fresh water, but don’t force them to drink if they don’t want to. If they’re reluctant to drink, try encouraging them by adding low-sodium broth or tuna juice to the water. You can also try applying ice packs to their fur and paws at this stage.

Monitor their temperature — Use a thermometer to monitor your cat’s temperature (ear thermometers are usually easiest) and allow them to rest until it returns to normal. Once your cat’s temperature and energy level have been regulated, it’s generally safe to take them to the vet.

Prepare an emergency kit — Take the time to prepare an emergency kit in case your cat becomes overheated in the future. Include essentials like a water bowl, ice packs, and contact info for your veterinarian so you can act as quickly as possible in an emergency.

No one can foresee the occasional accident, but heat-related pet injuries are often easily avoidable if proper measures are taken beforehand. If your cat has thick fur, prioritize regular grooming so they can properly regulate their body temperature in the heat.

Excessive temperatures raise the risk of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke for cats. While three-digit temperatures can be quite alarming — and intolerably miserable for every living creature — you can help your cat survive the summer without a problem. Giving them access to plenty of shade, plenty of water, and a cool place to relax keeps them as comfortable as possible during sticky summer days and reduces their chances of heat-related illnesses.