How to keep your cat cool in summer: grooming tips and more

Looking for ways to help your cat stay cool?

Fun fact: One of the biggest ways cats cool down is through grooming. When cats lick their fur, the saliva evaporates and helps lower their body temperature, similar to how sweat evaporates to cool humans. But while most cats are pretty good at grooming themselves, they might need a little extra help when the temperatures rise.

So where do you start? And what about shaving – does it actually help cats stay cool?

Let's dive into hot-weather grooming tips, what to focus on, and when to consider taking other measures to cool your cat.

Why can cats struggle to cool down?

There are two main reasons why heat can cause issues for cats: the insulation that fur provides and their small number of sweat glands.

Too much fur

Fur is great at keeping cats warm in winter, but this is not so helpful during periods of hot weather. As well as the fur itself, air is trapped and becomes quickly warmed by body heat, acting as an extra layer of insulation. Cats with thick fur can really struggle to cope when temperatures rise.

The feeling is no different to us wearing a heavy coat - which most of us wouldn’t do in the summer months!

Cat sweat glands

Cats only have sweat glands in their paws, which may be why you see sweaty paw marks on hot days. Primarily, cats use saliva from grooming to cool down. When this evaporates, it wicks away heat with it, thus cooling your feline down.

But this is quite limited when it gets very hot, so optimising your cat’s grooming schedule can make their cooling methods more effective.

Look for signs of overheating

Most cats are naturally built for warm climates, but even they can struggle with excessive heat. It's pretty typical for warm cats to seek out cool surfaces and reduce their activity levels during the hottest parts of the day.

But if you notice these other symptoms, it could be a sign of heatstroke:

• Drooling

• Increased heart rate

• Panting

• Skin that feels hot to the touch

• Weakness

In severe cases, cats may experience:

• Collapse

• Death

• Diarrhoea and vomiting, which may be bloody

• Disorientation

• Red gums

• Seizures

• Trembling

• Unconsciousness

If you notice any of these symptoms (or anything your cat's doing that's concerning you, really), get your cat into the shade, thoroughly wet their fur with cool water and set up an electric fan (if you have one).

Once you’ve taken these measures to start cooling your cat down, call your vet for an emergency appointment. Never cover your cat in a damp towel. This will trap body heat and stop your cat from cooling down effectively.

What should I do if my cat is overheating?

Cool water may be preferable to ice-cold water, but it’s best to use whatever you have to hand. The risk of causing your pet shock by using water that is too cold is pretty minimal compared to the real danger of heatstroke.

So don’t delay and just use whatever water you have available to you. Any water that is lower than their body temperature will help to cool your pet down and potentially save their life.

It’s important to take these steps and start cooling your cat before transporting them to a vet. It will improve your pet’s chances of survival significantly.

How to keep cats cool

Brush your cat frequently

Regular brushing sessions help remove excess fur and prevent matting, which can trap heat and cause discomfort. Long-haired breeds can especially benefit.

Try different brushes if you and your cat aren't fans of your current options. Special deshedding brushes can effectively remove the undercoat fur and keep your cat purring.

Aim to brush your cat daily during the hot months to keep their coat light and airy. Once your cat gets used to the brushing routine, don't be surprised if they start begging for it!

Reconsider shaving your cat

If your cat's prone to matting and regular brushing just isn't doing it, you might ask your vet or a professional groomer if trimming could be a good option--particularly for areas like the belly, hindquarters, and underarms. Shaving or trimming your cat’s fur may help them to feel cooler during hot weather, especially if they have a naturally thick or long coat.

Keep their paws cool

Cats sweat through their paw pads, so keeping the fur around them clean and trimmed might help them stay cool. But it's a small surface area, so results won't be drastic.

You can also gently wipe their paws with a damp cloth to help them cool down - if they are comfortable letting you do this (not all kitties like their paws being touched!).

Bring on the water...with caution

Bathing your cat can help keep them cool, but let’s face it, not every cat is a fan of water.

If your cat tolerates baths, use lukewarm water and make sure they are standing on a non-slip surface.. Make sure the water isn't too deep and that the temperature is not too cold or too hot. You probably won’t need to use shampoo just for cooling off, but choose a mild, cat-friendly product if needed.

For those water-loving cats (yes, they do exist!), you might even try a gentle sprinkler outside. Just make sure the water pressure is low and keep the experience pleasant for your cat.

For the majority of cats who would rather avoid a bath, you can also use grooming wipes or a damp cloth to gently wipe down their fur. This can help cool them off without the drama of a full bath.

Consider seeing a professional groomer

While professional groomers are a financial investment, they can also help with other grooming tasks like nail trimming and ear cleaning and help you avoid the stress and potential risks (read: scratched-up arms) that can come with DIY grooming.

What grooming tools should I use on my cat?

For tackling regular day to day grooming at home you need to invest in the right equipment.

For short-haired cats

• Flea comb

• Rubber grooming mitt

• Soft bristle brush

For medium-to-long-haired cats

• Deshedding tool

• Slicker brush

• Wide-toothed comb

What grooming ingredients should I avoid?

We recommend avoiding products which contain:

• Essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree

• Mineral oils

• Parabens

• Petroleum

• Phthalates

• Sulfates

• Synthetic dyes and fragrances

Are there differences between grooming indoor and outdoor cats in summer?

Outdoor cats will need more grooming than indoor cats. They carry much more risk than indoor cats, but this doesn’t mean indoor cats are completely immune to grooming in the summer: both have their challenges.

Outdoor cats

Here’s how to keep outdoor cats cool:

• Manage matting risks: Long-haired outdoor breeds will need regular dematting, as being outdoors traps more dirt and moisture in the fur, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and skin infections.

• Parasites: Fleas and ticks are more common in summer, so it’s essential to use a vet-approved anti-parasite product if your cat is outdoors a lot.

• Remove debris: Brush their fur regularly to remove any debris when they’re out and about.

• Skin and wound checks: Look carefully for damage, like bite marks and scratches from other animals and insects.

• Sun protection: Cats with white, thin fur or no fur may need sun protection, so chat with your vet about a cat-safe sun cream.

Indoor cats

Here’s how to keep indoor cats cool in hot weather:

• Airflow management: Make sure your home has plenty of airflow to keep things cool.

• Hairball control: We know what hot weather means for cat pet parents: hairballs. Brushing them can reduce these significantly.

• Managing shedding: Groom your cat regularly to manage shedding, which keeps their coat high-quality. A good quality diet can also help with this.

• Minimise bathing: Don’t bathe indoor cats too much, since they can maintain their coats very well.

What about grooming high-risk breeds and cats?

Some breeds, like flat-faced and longer-haired breeds, can face more challenges in the summer.

Long-haired breeds

Some long-haired breeds, like Ragdolls and Persians, can have coats that are too thick, trapping in heat and causing painful mats.

What we recommend: Brush them daily in the summer and consider booking in a professional groom every four to six weeks.

Flat-faced breeds

Flat-faced, or brachycephalic, breeds have difficulty regulating their breathing, which puts them at greater risk of heatstroke.

What we recommend: Keeping grooming sessions shorter and making sure your cat is as stress-free as possible. Monitor them closely for panting and heatstroke signs.

Hairless breeds

Without fur, hairless cats are prone to sunburn.

What we recommend: Focus on wiping away excess oils on your cat’s skin, and chat with your vet about cat-specific sun cream.

Overweight cats

Hot weather is dangerous for overweight cats as they struggle to regulate their body temperature and breathing more than a healthy cat..

What we recommend: Encourage them to stay indoors in cool parts of the house during the day, and don’t exercise them too vigorously.

Senior cats

Older cats can struggle in hot weather due to their decreased mobility and pre-existing conditions.

What we recommend: Keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day and make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Watch them for signs of heatstroke closely.

Look into alternative cooling strategies

Looking for more ways to keep your cat cool? Try investing in a cooling mat or gel pad (or just DIY one with a frozen water bottle). These can provide a comfy, cool spot for your cat to relax.

To make the summer months easier, check out our guide to summer essentials for cats. You'll find recommendations for cooling mats, cat fountains for fresh drinking water, and sun protection for outdoor cats.

Keeping your cat cool during the summer is all about smart grooming, the right tools, and paying attention to signs of overheating.

Oh, and always reach out to your vet or groomer if you need help taking drastic measures (like a full-body shave for your cat).

As you keep your feline friend cool and happy, it's also a good time to look into cat insurance. It can provide peace of mind knowing you're covered for any unexpected health issues that might arise.

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