Let Your Cat Keep Cool in Summer

How to Keep a Cat Cool in Hot Weather

When summer shows up cranking the thermostat to “lava mode,” both humans and pets want to soak up the sunshine.
Cats might act like tiny desert lions who can handle the heat, but even the fluffiest felines hit their limit. When temperatures skyrocket, your kitty needs some chill time, literally.
Whether your cat is a couch-lounger or a backyard explorer, here are 5 cool-as-ice tips to keep your cat comfortable in the heat.

😺 1. Keep Your Cat Hydrated 

Cats have the hydration habits of tiny, furry camels, they never drink enough.
So when summer hits “toaster oven” levels, you’ll need to encourage your royal fluffball to sip some water strongly. Try placing multiple bowls in their favorite hangout spots basically a little water bar just for them. For extra persuasion, add a splash of tuna water. (Nothing says “drink up” like eau de fish.)

Since cats love drinking from anything that isn’t their bowl, let them sip from the tap like the fancy little gremlin they are, or invest in a cat fountain. Even the most stubborn non-drinker can’t resist a bougie bubbling stream.

✂️ 2. Keep Your Cat Well Groomed 

Got a long-haired kitty? Summer might turn them into a walking, purring, heated blanket. A professional grooming session can help them ditch the extra fluff.
Regular brushing keeps their coat smooth and prevents them from accidentally cosplaying as an angora sweater.

❄️ 3. Get a Fan or Cooling Pad 

Cooling pads are basically little cold thrones for your feline majesty, and most cats love them in summer. But if you don’t have one, no panic, your kitchen tiles are basically Mother Nature’s air conditioning, and your cat already knows it.
You can also leave out a frozen water bottle for your kitty to flop beside or bat around like an arctic toy.

A fan (preferably one where your cat can’t stick their curious paws into the blades) makes a lovely DIY breeze. Want to level up? Park the fan near a window or AC unit, or stick a frozen water bottle in front of it for a “cat-approved Arctic wind simulator.”

🌴 4. Provide Shady, Well-Ventilated Spaces 

No matter where your cat lounges indoors, outdoors, or on top of things, they should have a shady, airy chill-zone. A raised bed in the shade is perfect: it keeps them off the hot floor and lets air flow underneath, creating a luxury breeze-through-butt effect.

If your cat rules from indoors, close the blinds to block the sun, but crack open safe windows for ventilation. Your cat gets cool air and a front-row seat to bird TV. Win–win.

🧴 5. Try Cat Sunscreen 

Yes, sunscreen—for cats. Even though fur acts like a built-in umbrella, exposed spots like nose tips and ears can still get sunburned. Hairless cats? They’re basically little pink solar panels, so they need extra protection.

Because cats love licking everything (including things they absolutely should not), make sure you use cat-safe sunscreen. Human sunscreen contains stuff like zinc oxide and perfumes that can make cats sick. If you’re unsure which one to get, your vet can recommend the safest, non-toxic sun goop for your feline fashion icon.

Bonus trick: cats adore being petted, so grab a damp cloth and give your feline friend a cool, gentle wipe-down. It’s like a spa day, if spa days involved more purring and judgmental stares.

🔥 What to Watch Out for on Very Hot Days

When the weather cranks up to “absolute sizzle mode,” even heat-loving cats can get into trouble. In extreme heat, kitties can develop heat stroke (a.k.a. hyperthermia), where their internal systems start shouting “Nope!” and shutting down from overheating.
The early warning signs of heat exhaustion can look like:

• Rapid breathing or a racing heartbeat
• Panting and drooling (like a tiny, overheated dragon)
• A bright-red tongue or mouth
• Vomiting
• Wobbling around like they’ve forgotten how legs work

If your cat shows any of these signs or you’re worried they’ve been roasting in the heat too long, call your vet ASAP.

Cats actually sweat through their paws fancy, right? So if your cat is leaving little wet footprints like they’re reenacting a crime scene, that’s your cue to help them cool down and encourage a hydration break.

And remember: cats LOVE sneaking into cozy hidey-holes. Unfortunately, garages, sheds, and enclosed spaces turn into kitty-sized ovens on hot days. Always double-check before closing them, and absolutely never leave your cat in a parked car. Not even for a minute. Not even for a “quick errand.” Just nope.

Cats might worship the sun like tiny furry sun gods, but even they can overdo it. With the right precautions, you can keep your whiskered buddy cool, comfy, and living their best summertime life. 🌞😺