Beat the Heat! Tips to Keep Your Cat Cool

Last Updated on July 30, 2021 by Holly Anne Dustin

Here in Maine we had our first 90-degree day and my AC is broken (of course.)  I noticed my cats were instinctively heading to the tile floors.  They were eating less until it cooled down at night.  Here are some tips to beat the heat and keep your cat cool.  Remember, even cats that are used to being outside should not be left out for long periods of time in the summer. Give your kitty the option of coming inside. Let your barn cats into a garage or other cooler space during the heat of the day.

Cats have a natural body temperature is higher than ours (100-102) so they can tolerate a higher temperature. 78-80 is comfortable for most cats. A longhaired breed like a Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat with a thick coat will feel the heat the most.

Hydrate Well:

Be sure your kitty has plenty of cool water to drink.  It is important to keep Kitty hydrated. Older cats are at more risk from dehydration. Put out extra water bowls, leave taps dripping or consider a fountain.  Add ice cubes to the water bowls or throw some in the tub or sink. Some cats like to play with ice. Dipping their paws in the water to play with the ice will help keep your cat cool.  Or make him a big ice ball to play with. It would probably be even more fun if it had small toys frozen inside.  Something I’ll definitely be trying the next time it is super hot here.

Make Some Catsicles:

Who doesn’t love a frozen treat when it is hot?  Whipping your kitty up some catsicles can encourage him to eat when the heat depresses his appetite.  I offered my crowd a goat’s milk treat that they loved, but there are some fun recipes here and here that I’ll be trying in the future.  Other options are freezing tuna water or bone broth into ice cubes, and just freezing your cat’s favorite cat food sliced and frozen.

This post may contain affiliate links. Life and Cats is a Chewy affiliate and a member of the Amazon Associates program and as such we earn a small commission when you shop through our our links and banners. It doesn’t change the amount you pay. You can read our full disclosure policy here.

Cool the Air:

You can help keep your cat cool even without central air conditioning.  Raise his bed off the floor to allow air to circulate under it. Put a small, secure fan on the floor to move the air around at Kitty’s level.  For more cooling power, add a frozen water jug behind it.

You can microsize this trick for use in a show shelter or car if necessary. Pack a battery operated camping fan or a mini fan that attaches to your phone and throw some frozen water bottles in a cooler.  That can keep Kitty cool in his carrier or show shelter on a hot day.

Let Them Chill:

Pull the shades on your west and north facing windows to keep the sun out. A frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel tucked in kitty’s lounging spot can cool him down.  He might like to hang out on a tile floor, the tub, sink or even the concrete of the basement floor.

A cooling mat, or a vest or bandana, can help keep your cat cool.  I use a cooling mat in my show shelter and the cats definitely appreciate it.  You can DIY one with some fleece and gel ice. It seems cumbersome for travel but with proper supervision, I think cats would appreciate a cooling bed like this at home.  Take care with the gel ice, the gel is nontoxic to humans but don’t let Kitty ingest it.

Grooming Helps:

Don’t shave your kitty to keep him cool.  His fur coat insulates him against both hot and cold.  When he licks his coat the saliva will evaporate and help keep him cool.  You can help him with a regular brushing to remove mats and excess undercoat.

If you feel a shave is necessary, shave his belly.  The tummy is one of the warmest parts of a cat so that will help him keep cool without damaging the protection that his coat gives him.  Running a damp cloth over his coat will help him keep cool.

Related Post: Keep Kitty Safe Inside and Out

Give Them Shade:

Light-coated cats and hairless breeds are subject to sunburns and skin cancer. Make sure Kitty has access to cover and shade when he’s outside. Consider keeping him in during the warmest part of the day.

Adventure cats need to remember to be safe too. When you arrive at the beach or the park, look for a protected spot, such as under a tree, an umbrella, or a canopy to keep him covered. You can also get one of those tent made of fabric treated to block the sun’s harmful rays.

If you are taking Kitty out in a backpack consider how much air flow and ventilation your pack has. To enjoy the beautiful scenery outside and get plenty of cool air get one with mesh sides for proper ventilation and skip the hardside bubble packs.

In case of heat stroke take Kitty into a cool, well-ventilated room to cool him down. Take appropriate first-aid steps and call the vet.

Take a Siesta:

A kitty’s natural diurnal activity pattern will have him snoozing midday.  Let him sleep when it is hot and get his playtime in during the morning hours or at night.

Be Careful Traveling in the Heat:

Consider leaving Kitty home.  If you must travel, consider a cooling mat or put a wrapped frozen bottle in his carrier. Bring a battery operated fan to cool his carrier in an emergency.  Plan on bringing your own food or doing the drive-thru. Don’t leave kitty in a hot car. The temperature inside a car parked in the sun with the windows cracked open on a 71 degree day went up to 116 in an hour.

On a really hot day consider traveling before 10 am or after 3 pm to prevent being out on the road in the prime heat. Use your AC liberally and keep an eye on Kitty. Prepare in case you break down away from home if you are going to be traveling long distance

Keep an Eye Out for Heat Stroke:

Your cat might have heat stroke if his breathing is rapid or noisy, if he has red or purple gums,  if he’s drooling thickly, pants or has sweating paws, appears weak, vomits or has diarrhea. If your cat overheats, take him into the shade, soak his fur with cool water, and get him to drink.  Syringe it if necessary. Contact your vet immediately.

Heat stroke is only one summer hazard that cats face is we aren’t careful. Read here to learn more about how to keep your cats safe in summer.

Updated 2019