To keep cats cool in a heatwave, keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day, close curtains against direct sun, and offer several bowls of fresh water around the home. Let your cat choose cool spots like tile floors and shaded rooms, and never shut them in conservatories, sheds, or greenhouses. If your cat starts panting, drooling, or acting confused, treat it as an emergency and contact your vet straight away.
I’m Tammy, the ceramicist behind Farbe Ceramics. This is a general guide to hot weather care, with veterinary sources for the health advice. If your cat seems unwell, contact your vet rather than waiting to work through a checklist.
How hot is too hot for cats?
A healthy cat's body temperature sits between 38C and 39.2C (100.4F and 102.5F). Cats generally cope with warmth better than dogs, but once room temperatures climb past about 32C (90F), a cat with no way to escape the heat can slide from uncomfortable to unsafe. Heatstroke is an emergency; do not wait for a particular body temperature before seeking help. Cats barely sweat (only a little through their paw pads) and, unlike dogs, they do not pant to regulate temperature under normal circumstances. They rely on shade, stillness, and cool surfaces, which is why giving them options matters so much.
How do I keep my indoor cat cool during a heatwave?
- Close curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows during the day, then open windows in the evening when the air cools.
- Set up several water stations around the home. Many cats drink more from a fountain or a dripping tap, and an ice cube in the bowl keeps water appealing.
- Use a fan to keep air moving, but let your cat choose their distance rather than pointing it at them.
- Offer cool surfaces: tile floors, the bathroom, a damp towel to lie on, or a frozen water bottle wrapped in a tea towel.
- Groom daily. Brushing out loose undercoat makes a real difference for long-haired and double-coated cats.
- Save playtime for early morning and late evening, and let the middle of the day be for napping.
- Check sheds, garages, and conservatories before closing them. Cats slip into warm quiet spaces and can become trapped.
- If your cat goes outdoors, try to keep them in between 11am and 4pm, when the sun is strongest.
What are the signs of heatstroke in cats?
Early signs of overheating are subtle: seeking out cold floors, restlessness, faster breathing, warm ears, drooling, and more grooming than usual as your cat tries to cool herself with saliva. The emergency signs are panting, bright red gums, vomiting, wobbly or confused movement, and collapse. A panting cat is never routine; it means she is struggling.
If you suspect overheating, move your cat to a cooler place and contact your vet immediately. Begin cooling with water while following their instructions. Do not wait for a particular temperature reading or for symptoms to improve before getting help.
Which cats struggle most in hot weather?
Flat-faced breeds such as Persians and Exotic Shorthairs find breathing harder in the heat, and senior cats, kittens, overweight cats, and cats with heart or kidney conditions all have less reserve to cope. Long-haired and double-coated cats carry their winter duvet with them, so daily brushing helps. And if your cat has white or pale ears and a pink nose, ask your vet about a pet-safe sun cream, because cats can get sunburnt in exactly those spots.
FAQ: cats and hot weather
Do cats get heatstroke?
Yes. It happens less often than in dogs, but it is just as dangerous, partly because cats hide discomfort so well. Suspected heatstroke needs urgent veterinary advice.
Is it normal for a cat to pant in the heat?
No. Unlike dogs, cats do not pant to cool down under normal conditions. A panting cat is either severely overheated, stressed, or unwell, and should see a vet urgently.
Do cats need sun cream?
Cats with white or thin-furred ears and pale noses can get sunburnt, which raises their risk of skin cancer over time. A pet-safe sun cream recommended by your vet, applied to ear tips and nose, protects them on sunny days.
What should I do if my cat is overheating?
Contact your vet immediately and begin cooling with water under their guidance. Do not delay help while waiting for the cooling to work.
Take good care of yourselves and your cats this summer. If you would like to know more about me and my little studio in Hong Kong, my story is here and my FAQ covers the questions I am asked most. And if the day ever comes when you need a keepsake for a cat you loved, you can read about how custom orders work whenever you feel ready.
Veterinary reference: Royal Veterinary College: heatstroke in dogs and cats.