Make sure your cat stays cool this summer!

Plenty of water

Make sure your cat always has access to clean water and encourage them to drink:

• Move their water bowl away from their food bowl and litter tray – many cats do not like to drink water near their food or toileting area.

• Experiment with different water bowls – try ceramic or metal bowls over plastic. 

• Try putting bowls in different areas to see if your cat has a preference. 

• You can also try different bowl sizes, as many cats prefer larger bowls filled to the brim.

• Consider investing in a pet fountain as some cats prefer to drink from running water sources.

Cool treats

• Make icy treats using tuna water or low-salt chicken stock in ice moulds.

• Use plain ice cubes for play time - cats enjoy batting them around.

• More homemade cat treat recipes

Shade and cooling mats

• Create shaded spots in your garden with trees, shrubs, or sun sails.

• Use cooling mats or wrap ice packs in a blanket for your cat's bed.

Wet towels and grooming

• Dampen a small towel and gently stroke your cat's fur for relief.

• Keep your cat well-groomed to remove excess fur, reducing heat retention.

Indoor cooling

• Create a cool room with closed curtains, fans, and refreshing spots like cold ceramic tiles.

• ​​​​​​​Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.

• Make sure your cat avoids hot spaces like sheds, greenhouses, or cars.

Watch out for signs of heatstroke

• Low energy

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Panting

• Unsteadiness

• In severe cases - collapse

Special care for vulnerable cats

Any cat can struggle in the heat, but some will find it more difficult to cope than others and may need some extra care to stay cool during the summer months:

• Flat-faced breeds such as Persians or British Shorthairs, can have difficulty breathing and struggle to cool themselves down in hot weather.

• Cats with long, thick fur will feel the heat more than their short haired friends, so they need regular grooming.

• Older cats or cats with health problems are generally more sensitive to the heat and more prone to serious problems like heatstroke. 

• Overweight cats carry extra fat, making it much harder for them to cool down.

Also, watch out for these summer pet hazards and remember to keep an eye on your cat for any signs of distress. If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.