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 cooling bed: Gen7 Dog and Cat Cool-Air Cot Trailblazer Raised Bed Blue - view on Pets at Home
• Best cooling treats: Ciao Churu Pops by INABA Cat Treat - view on Amazon UK
• Best cat sun cream: 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
Cats 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.
Customer review: "We had a pet fountain before which which was pretty noisy and basically put the cat off drinking from it. This one is practically silent and the soft blue glow from it is a lovely feature. Cat’s drinking. What’s not to love!"
Pros
- Quiet
- Easy to use and clean
- Running water encourages cats to drink more
Cons
- Have to remember to replace filters
Best cooling quick fix
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.
Customer review: "Suggest buying two so there is always one in the freezer. Much more comfortable for a smoothie to rest his chin on the ice pod than wrapping an ice pack in a tea towel. He loves the pod, especially in this heat, habit of sitting next to the conservatory when it’s really too hot and he won’t move, he’s probably getting the sun in for his arthritis :). Does get wet as thawing but he doesn’t mind, suppose it’s cooling him down even more."
Pros
- Strong
- Can also be used for rabbits and other small animals
Cons
- May be too small for big cat breeds
Best cooling bed
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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.
Pros
- Durable and robust
- Can be kept outside in all weathers
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
Best cooling mat
Cooling mats are a great option for helping cats and dogs cool off. This MORA PETS Dog Cooling Mat will bring your cats a relieving cooling effect and extra relaxation by quickly absorbing and releasing their body heat. The non-toxic self cooling gel inside is 10 degrees cooler than room temperature, which provides cooling relief for pets up to 3 hours and recharges again after 15 minutes of non-use.
Customer review: "I purchased this pet cooling mat for my dog and cat and I am beyond impressed with it.
The mat is made of high-quality materials and is very durable, which is great since my dog is a heavy chewer.
The cooling gel inside the mat provides a nice, refreshing coolness that my dog absolutely loves. It's been especially helpful during the hot summer months and my dog has been spending more time outside. The mat is also very easy to clean and store, which is a plus.
Overall, I highly recommend this pet cooling mat to anyone who wants to keep their furry friend comfortable and cool in the heat."
Pros
- Different sizes available
- Lasts for a long time
Cons
- Not completely chew resistant
Best cooling cat treat
These INABA Ciao Churu Pops are a hydrating, soft jelly cat treat with 91 per cent moisture to help your cat gets the moisture they need to stay healthy. They can also be frozen and enjoyed in the heat.
Customer review: "We buy these for my mums 20 year old cat, as a treat. She follows me around calling out until i give it to her. Its like a soft chicken paste, easy on her tummy and easy to eat with hardly any teeth!"
Pros
- Easy to store
- Freezable
Cons
- Small portions
Best cat sunscreen
Cats 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
Customer review: "Bought for my sphynx cat. He still wears a shirt and has alot of shade in the sunny weather but this does help on his ears nose and head. Is quite greasy but at least it helps with protection from sun."
Pros
- Safe option, non toxic
- Tested on human
- Repels bugs
Cons
- Pets may not be keen on the citrus scent
Best cat fountain filters
www.petsathome.com
If you already have a cat fountain, hot weather is a great time to ensure they are working properly. These Catit filters help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and ensure a stream of clean water.
Customer review: "I recently bought the flower water fountain & got extra filters. My cats love the fountain as it gives them fresh running water everyday & I won't forget to fill up bowls."
Pros
- Two pack
- Easy to replace
Cons
- Only one customer review
Signs of overheating in cats
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
Tips to keep cats cool
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.
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.
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.