We tend to worry more about dogs in the heat — they pant loudly, they slow down on walks and they make their discomfort very obvious. Cats, on the other hand, are far more subtle about it. They'll find a cool spot, stretch out and quietly manage themselves — which is exactly what makes heatwaves so dangerous for them.
Because by the time a cat shows obvious signs of overheating, they may already be in serious trouble.
Here's everything you need to know to keep your cat safe and comfortable when the temperature soars.
Can Cats Overheat?
Absolutely — and more easily than most owners realise. Unlike humans, cats can't sweat through their skin. They regulate their temperature primarily through grooming (the evaporation of saliva cools them down), panting and seeking out cool surfaces. These mechanisms are far less efficient than sweating, which means cats can overheat quickly in hot weather — especially if they're elderly, flat-faced, overweight or long-haired.
Warning Signs Your Cat Is Too Hot
Knowing the signs of overheating can genuinely save your cat's life. Watch out for:
- Excessive grooming or licking their fur more than usual
- Panting or breathing rapidly with an open mouth
- Drooling more than normal
- Restlessness or agitation
- Lethargy or unusual weakness
- Vomiting
- Wobbly or unsteady on their feet
- Bright red or pale gums
- Glazed or unfocused eyes
- Collapse
If your cat shows any of these signs, move them to a cool area immediately, offer fresh water and contact your vet straight away. Heatstroke in cats is a medical emergency.
How to Keep Your Cat Cool in a Heatwave
1. Keep Them Indoors During the Hottest Part of the Day
The UK sun is at its most intense between 11am and 3pm. Keep your cat indoors during these hours and allow them outside in the cooler morning and evening instead. If your cat is an outdoor cat, make sure they have access back inside whenever they need it.
2. Create Cool Spots Around the Home
Cats are experts at finding the coolest spot in the house — but you can help by:
- Closing curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to block direct sunlight
- Leaving tiled bathroom or kitchen floors accessible — cats love lying on cool tiles in the heat
- Placing a cooling mat in their favourite spots so they always have somewhere to retreat to
- Leaving internal doors open so cool air can circulate freely
3. Fresh Water — Always
Cats are notoriously poor drinkers at the best of times, but staying hydrated in hot weather is critical. Encourage drinking by:
- Providing multiple water bowls around the house
- Refreshing water frequently throughout the day
- Trying a pet water fountain — many cats prefer running water
- Adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cool and enticing
4. Never Leave Your Cat in a Hot Car
This might seem obvious, but it's worth saying — a car can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes on a hot day. Never leave your cat in a parked car during warm weather, even with a window open.
5. Groom Them Regularly
Regular brushing removes excess fur and helps prevent your cat from overheating — especially important for long-haired breeds. Grooming also helps the cooling effect of their self-grooming to work more efficiently.
6. Use a Damp Towel or Cloth
If your cat is feeling the heat, gently wiping them down with a cool (not cold) damp cloth can help lower their temperature — particularly around the paws, ears and belly where blood vessels are closer to the surface.
7. Provide Elevated Resting Spots
Heat rises, so the floor is often the coolest place in the room — but an elevated perch near an open window with a breeze can also work well. Let your cat choose what feels most comfortable for them.
8. Consider a Cooling Mat
A pet cooling mat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help your cat manage the heat. Pressure-activated mats begin working the moment your cat lies down — no water, electricity or freezing required — making them a completely effortless solution for both you and your cat.
9. Watch Out for Hot Outdoor Surfaces
If your cat does go outside in warm weather, be aware that paving slabs, tarmac and metal surfaces can become dangerously hot in direct sunlight and cause burns to their paws. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.
10. Know Which Cats Are Most at Risk
Some cats are more vulnerable to heat than others:
- Flat-faced breeds (Persians, British Shorthairs) — their shortened airways make breathing and temperature regulation harder
- Elderly cats — less efficient at regulating body temperature
- Overweight cats — carry more insulating body fat
- Long-haired breeds — retain more heat in their coat
- Kittens — still developing their ability to regulate temperature
- Cats with heart or respiratory conditions — already compromised
These cats need extra monitoring and care during hot weather.
What to Do If Your Cat Is Overheating
If you suspect your cat is overheating:
- Move them immediately to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned space
- Offer small sips of cool (not cold) water
- Place cool damp towels on their paws, ears and belly
- Do NOT use ice cold water or ice packs — rapid temperature changes can cause shock
- Contact your vet immediately — heatstroke is a medical emergency
Final Thoughts
Cats are wonderfully self-sufficient creatures — but even the most independent cat needs a little extra help when the temperature soars. A few simple adjustments around your home can make all the difference to their comfort and safety this summer.
At Urban Pet Shop we've got everything you need to keep your cat cool and happy all summer long — including our bestselling Superior Cooling Pet Mat, designed for cats and dogs alike. 🐾
👉 Shop our full summer range at urbanpetshop.co.uk — FREE shipping on orders over £24.99 and up to 35% off in our Summer Sale, automatically applied at checkout!
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