As the weather heats up, no doubt you're wondering how to keep your cat cool. Our beloved cats are known for lazing around in the sun, whether that is indoors in their cat bed or rolling around in their favourite spot in the garden. However, hot weather can not only make cats feel hot and bothered – they are also much more at risk of potentially fatal heatstroke (just like us). Keeping your cat cool in summer is vital and we should all be keeping our eye on our moggies in warmer weather.
Signs of heatstroke in cats are similar to dogs and other animals, however, they can be much more subtle., but not if you know what to look out for. There is a full list of signs further below in this guide, but they include excessive grooming as they sweat through their coat, not eating their cat food, not drinking and loss of energy.
Best cat cooling products at a glance:
• Best cat fountain: ADOV Cat Water Fountain – View on Amazon UK
• Best cat cooling mat: Pecute Pet Cooling Mat – View on Amazon UK
• Best cat sunscreen: Be
Cats aren’t able to cool themselves as easily as we humans can, so they require access to a shaded, well-ventilated area with access to clean water on hot days, whether that's from their water bowl or a cat water fountain.
There are so many ways to keep cats cool during the summer months (and beyond), including an array of products to help, from cooling mats to DIY ice lollies. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best products and advice on the market to help keep your cats cool when the mercury rises.
Best cat cooling products
Best cat fountain
ADOV/AmazonCats are notoriously funny about drinking water, but investing in this ADOV Cat Water Fountain gives your pet a constant stream of fresh and filtered water. It has three different water flow functions: flower waterfall, waterfall and fountain; which attract cats to drink more.
Customers appreciate how easy to assemble this water fountain is and also found it to be easy to assemble. Some reviews mention the filters stop working quickly so you need to remember to replace them frequently.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Running water encourages cats to drink more
Cons
- Some reviews mention filters stop working quickly so you need to remember to replace them frequently
| Dimensions | 17 x 17 x 12.01 cm |
| Material | Premium PP Plastic, Antibacterial PP gum, Non-toxic, Odourless and BPA free materials |
Best cat cooling mat
Pecute/AmazonCooling mats are a great option for helping cats and dogs cool off. This Pecute Cat Cooling Mat is long-lasting, high-quality, and waterproof. Its easy roll-up design makes it ideal for travel and storage. The cooling pad activates as your cat lies down, absorbing body heat to prevent overheating. Cleaning is a breeze: simply spray with water and wipe clean.
With over 16,000 reviews on Amazon, it's a favourite among pet owners who report that it effectively keeps their cats cool and comfortable. While opinions vary on durability, with some noting it isn't completely puncture-proof against claws, many agree that it's made from sturdy materials and is well-constructed.
Pros
- Activated by your cat lying on it so no water or time in the fridge needed
- Rollable so it's easy to put away when not in use and very portable
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the durability, with some noting it isn't completely puncture-proof against cat claws
| Dimensions | Medium 65 x 50cm |
Best cat sunscreen
Be:sun/AmazonCats can get sunburnt, particularly pale-coloured ones, with ears, noses and areas with sparse fur, especially susceptible. Use sunblock suitable for pets if they’re lying outside in the sun or keep them indoors when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am and 3pm). This Be
Online reviews mention that the formulation of this balm is quite greasy which can make it more difficult to apply in between your moggy's fluff. Customers also mention that it has a nice smell, although your kitty may not be keen on the citrus scent.
Pros
- Designed to protect noses, paws, lips, ears, bellies and more from the sun while also repelling insects and other bugs
- Tested on human
Cons
- Reviewers mention the formula is a bit greasy
Best cooling quick fix
Scratch and Newton www.ebay.co.uk
If your cat has a favourite bed or spot, this Scratch and Newton Ice Pad is designed to keep pets cool and is super comfy to lay on. Great for kittens and cats who love to nudge their head against everything. The gel inside is not toxic and can be kept in the fridge or freezer to cool.
Customers are impressed with how long this ice pod stays cool after they've taken it out of the fridge or freezer, stating it's still cool to the touch even hours later. As it's designed for rabbits and other small animals, it's small in size so if you have a larger kitty, this may not be suitable for them.
Pros
- Reviewers report it stays cool for hours after being taken out of the fridge/freezer
- Can be used for keeping rabbits and other small animals cool as well as cats
Cons
- May be too small for big cat breeds
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 23.6 x 3.6 cm |
Best cooling bed for cats
Gen7www.petsathome.com
Cats love to curl up and sleep, but that can be tricky in hot weather. This Gen7 Cool-Air Cot Trailblazer Bed will help your cat seek shade and is ideal for raising your pet off muddy, bug-infested, hot or wet surfaces. The breathable design means they can lounge without getting too hot.
While the raised design will keep your hot moggy off warm floors, you may find that more nervous felines may take a lot of encouragement to use it. However, once they've got used to it, your kitty will love to sleep in it whatever the weather and due to the powder-coated steel frame, this durable and robust bed can be left outside all year round as it's designed not to rust.
Pros
- Durable and robust
- Can be kept outside in all weathers due to the powder-coated steel frame that is designed not to rust
Cons
- Due to the raised design, more anxious cats may need more encouragement to use it
| Dimensions | Medium: 17.78 x 80.01 x 63.5cm;<br>Large: 17.78 x 95.89 x 66.4cm |
Best cooling cat treat
Ciao Churu/AmazonThese INABA Ciao Churu Pops are a hydrating, soft jelly cat treat with 91 per cent moisture to help your cat get the moisture they need to stay healthy in the sunshine. They can also be frozen and enjoyed in the heat.
Customers on Amazon have reported their kitties just can't get enough of these treats but bear in mind they do have a strong fishy scent as they're a tuna-flavoured snack. They might not be your favourite but cats will love them!
Pros
- Contain 91 per cent moisture to keep cats hydrated
- Freezable for your kitty to enjoy in warm weather
Cons
- Some customers reported these have a strong fishy scent
Best cat fountain filters
Catit/AmazonIf you already have a cat fountain, hot weather is a great time to ensure they are working properly. This two-pack of Catit filters helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and ensures a stream of clean water.
Customers like the quality and value of these filters and felt like they lasted a long time in their cat's water fountain. However, opinions are mixed on the overall fit, with some saying that they were too small for their fountain and others saying they were too big so be sure to check the dimensions before ordering.
Pros
- Value for money as there are two included in the pack
- Customers felt like they lasted a long while before needing to be replaced
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the fit, with some saying they were too big and others too small
How we chose the best cat cooling products
All of these cat cooling products have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered effectiveness, value and comfort in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching cat cooling products to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
How to keep cats cool in hot weather FAQs
How to tell if a cat is too hot?
Dr Michael Lazaris, explains that although harder to identify, you can still spot signs over overheating in cats, "Cats can be more secretive when it comes to showing signs of illness. They may simply go quieter than normal or hide away, but some signs to spot include inappetence, lethargy and listlessness. You can check your car by lifting up their lip and seeing if their guns are most or dry and tacky. You can also pinch up the skin on their back between their shoulders. Hydrated skin should bounce back to its normal position but in a dehydrated car, the skin takes up to 10 seconds to go back to normal."
There are many signs to look out for if your kitty is getting too hot. These include:
• Panting
• Drooling/salivating
• Agitation or restlessness
• Bright red tongue
• Very red or pale gums
• Increased heart rate
• Signs of confusion
• Vomiting and diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
• Weakness, lethargy, muscle tremors and dizziness
How do you keep a cat cool in hot weather?
The top tip when it comes to keeping your cat cooler in hot weather is to keep an eye on them. This can be difficult, especially when it comes to outdoor cats as they are known to wander around. If you have an outdoor cat, it might be worth investing in a cat GPS tracker so you are able to see where they are if they do roam off. Outdoor pets should always have access to some form of shade.
When it comes to indoor cats, providing lots of cool spaces with fans, cooling mats and fresh, clean water. Dr Michael says cooling mats are a great practical option, "Cats can definitely use cooling mats. They make take a bit longer to get used to them, so you could start by giving them years on the mat or grooming them on it."
Play with cats indoors or limit activity on hot days. Avoid hot sand and concrete in your garden unless shade is provided, as these materials absorb heat and will be too hot for cats. Be careful your cat doesn’t get shut into hot rooms with no ventilation (a greenhouse, for example). Even if they have chosen to go in there, it’s worth checking them regularly and getting them out if they seem lethargic or confused.
Make sure to seek prompt veterinary advice if your cat’s skin looks sore, crusty or scaly.
Make your own DIY cat ice lollies
Thanks to the animal charity, Battersea, this recipe for homemade cat-friendly ice lollies isn’t just quick and simple to make. It will also help prevent your puss from overheating. Plus, we guarantee your kitty will find them delicious! Give these to your feline friend as an occasional treat, alongside a well-balanced diet. These are not suitable for cats with special dietary requirements.
Ingredients:
• 400ml water
• Liquid from one tin of tuna in spring water
• Small paper cup for a mould
• Meaty treat stick (stick-shaped cat treat)
Measure out your water into a jug, then drain in the liquid from a tin of tuna in spring water. Give it a quick stir.
Pour the mixture into small paper cups (or whatever you are using as a mould) and place in the freezer until they are partially set. This should take about one hour, and the mixture should be enough for around six lollies.
Once they have started to freeze, take them out and add a meaty stick-shaped cat treat to make the stick of the lolly. Place carefully back into the freezer until they are completely frozen.
Once frozen, remove the paper cup before giving the lolly to your cat. It’s best to give these to your cat outdoors (in the shade if it’s a very hot day), or in a bowl, so the lolly doesn't melt all over your floor.
This article contains expert advice from Dr Michael Lazaris. Dr Michael is a small animal vet and co-director of his practice, Vets on the Common, in London. You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok, where he shares all the latest pet advice and adorable patients he treats.
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in her jungle garden with her three cats and sausage dog Waffle.