Cooling methods for cats: how to cool down your feline

Dozing in the sun is a favourite pastime for many feline family members. Who can blame them?

Most of us welcome a little extra warmth in the summer, but what happens when the thermometer reading continues to creep up?

With British summers getting hotter, many pet parents are worried about their cat’s comfort. So, we’re going to explore how to keep cats cool in summer, as well as how to cool a cat down in an emergency.

Read on to find out more!

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How to cool down a cat effectively

Passive/preventative cooling methods

How do you keep cats cool? No one can change the weather, so instead, focus on your cat’s immediate environment. Keep your pet indoors on very hot days and create a cooler ‘micro-climate’ for them inside.

Here's how:

• Keep the curtains or blinds closed on any south-facing windows.

• Allow your tailmate access to cool tiled floors in bathrooms and kitchens.

• Consider using a pet-safe cooling mat. These are great option for homes without tiled flooring.

• If it’s safe to do so, open windows to create a draft through your home. If you’re worried about your cat escaping or falling, place wire mesh or a screen over your open windows. Alternatively, set up an electric fan or turn on your air-conditioning unit, if you have one.

• Elevate your cat’s bed to allow airflow underneath.

• Always make sure your cat has free access to cool, fresh drinking water.

Quick ways to cool your cat down

If you need to step things up a gear, then try some of these low-stress interventions:

• Grooming: Brush your cat to remove any dead fur. Old fur can become trapped in your pet’s coat, forming an extra layer of insulation. If your cat has a very thick or matted coat, you may want to speak to your vet or professional groomer about having them clipped.

• Icy treats: Offer icy snacks like frozen spring water drained from a can of tuna or frozen low-salt chicken stock. Some cats enjoy batting ice cubes around on the floor, which may help cool down warm paws. Otherwise, just pop a few ice cubes in their drinking water.

• A water fountain: Encourage your cat to drink more by using a circulating water fountain or offering a variety of water bowls around the house. Hydration is an important part of staying cool.

Active/emergency cooling

If environmental conditions overwhelm your cat, they can overheat. Here's how to cool down a cat quickly:

• Move your cat to somewhere cool or shady.

• Use a damp sponge or towel to wipe cool water onto your cat. This will help to bring their body temperature down through evaporation.

• Focus on areas like the paws, groin, and armpits, as well as their fur. (If you think your cat is suffering from heatstroke, you must make sure you thoroughly wet them – use a cup or small jug if you need to).

• Place your cat in front of an electric fan if you can.

• If your cat is conscious, offer them cool drinking water.

• Call your vet for advice.

Most cats have a fur coat which traps body heat, and they can only sweat through their paws. They will spread saliva through their coat when grooming, which has some cooling properties when it evaporates.

But other than that, they are limited to changing their behaviour. This includes seeking shade, drinking more, and resting when temperatures are too hot.

Signs your cat is too hot

A hot cat is often lethargic and may pant to cool themselves down. Their skin may feel hot to the touch.

If overheating progresses, you may see symptoms of heatstroke like:

• Death.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Drooling.

• Elevated heart rate.

• Looking visibly distressed.

• Red gums.

• Seizures.

• Unconsciousness.

• Weakness or collapse.

• Vomiting or diarrhoea.

Heatstroke is an emergency. Start cooling your pet down immediately with cool water and then contact your vet.

What not to do when your cat is too hot

• Over worrying about water temperatures: A lot of pet parents waste vital time worrying about the perfect water temperature to use on an overheating cat. Any water that is cooler than your pet’s body temperature will help. While using cool rather than icy water is preferable, the actual risk of causing shock with ice is incredibly low, so just use whatever you have to hand.

• Putting a damp towel over their cat: Never put a damp towel over your cat. This will just prevent evaporation and trap body heat.

• Transporting their cat to the vet before cooling them down: You must start cooling your cat down before you transport them to a vet. Your cat’s chances of survival are much greater if you start reducing their body temperature at home.

Other summer health concerns for cats

As well as learning how to keep your cat cool in hot weather, other summer health concerns include:

• Getting trapped: An open shed or greenhouse is an inviting place for curious cats to explore, but problems arise if they get trapped. Temperatures can quickly rise, putting your cat at risk from heatstroke. Make sure you check any garages, sheds, greenhouses, or conservatories before closing them.

• Insect bites and stings: Biting insects, wasps and bees are more commonly seen in the summer months. Most will just cause localised swelling or irritation, but allergic reactions can occur.

• Parasites: Fleas and ticks are common in the warmer months of the year. Regular use of a vet-approved anti-parasite product will help keep cats itch-free.

• Sunburn: Sunburn is a real issue for hairless cats or those with light-coloured fur. Ear tips and noses are problem areas. Over time, sunburn can progress to cancer, so make sure to use a pet-safe suncream on areas where their fur is thin. You should also consider keeping your cat indoors in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

When you should see a vet

Always call your vet for advice if your cat is acting out of character or if they seem unwell. Your veterinary practice will be able to triage things over the phone and make an appointment if needed.

Remember: if your cat is showing signs of heatstroke, you must start cooling them down before transporting them. Ring your vet to let them know that you are heading to the practice.

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