How to Keep Your Cat Cool in Summer

Summer is a time of relaxation and enjoyment. We spend our days barbecuing with friends, enjoying pool parties and vacations, and soaking up the warmth of the summer sun. But for our pets, the hot weather can present potential health problems if pet parents aren’t cautious.

While cats—especially indoor cats—don’t suffer from heatstroke as frequently as their canine counterparts, felines are still susceptible to extreme weather conditions.

“Because of lifestyle differences, dogs are seen in veterinary hospitals for heat-related issues more frequently than cats,” says Dr. Jennifer Pearl, assistant director of Animal Medical Center of Mid-America. “However, outdoor cats, indoor cats living in a home without air conditioning, cats being transported during warm weather, cats with chronic health conditions, and cats that are strenuously active are most at-risk for heat-related health problems.”

Pet parents will likely notice unusual behavior if their cat is overheating. One of these signs, says Dr. Stephanie Liff, owner of Pure Paws Veterinary Care in New York City, is panting.

“Cats typically expel heat through their paws and through panting,” she says. “When a cat is stressed or overheated they may pant, which is not a behavior you will typically see.”

Other signs of heat exhaustion in cats, says Pearl, include:

• Rapid breathing
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Restlessness
• Excessive grooming
• Difficulty walking

“A cat exhibiting those symptoms should be taken to the veterinarian right away for evaluation and treatment,” she adds. “Wetting the fur with cool water and fanning them is beneficial during transport to the veterinary hospital. Left untreated or exposed to the heat, the cat is in imminent danger of collapsing, seizures, unconsciousness and even death.”

How to Keep Your Cat Cool Indoors This Summer

The single most effective thing you can do for your cat during hot weather is to keep her indoors and maintain a comfortable ambient temperature. According to veterinary guidance, indoor temperatures should stay below 78°F and above 60°F to keep cats safe and comfortable. Air conditioning is the most reliable way to hit that range. If you don't have AC, opening windows and running fans can help — but read the safety note below before you do.

Temperature Control: Your First Line of Defense

• Air conditioning is the gold standard for regulating indoor heat. Set your thermostat to keep the space between 60°F and 78°F.
• Fans and open windows can work as a backup, but never rely on a window screen to keep your cat safely inside. Screens are not a secure barrier — a curious or startled cat can push right through one and fall. If you open windows, install sturdy window guards or pet-safe window stops before the warm season starts.

Hydration: Keep Fresh Water Flowing All Day

Cats can become dehydrated more easily in summer, so access to fresh, clean water at all times is non-negotiable https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information. A few ways to encourage your cat to drink more:

• Try a cat drinking fountain. Many cats are instinctively drawn to moving water, and a fountain can meaningfully increase daily intake.
• Experiment with bowl placement and material. Some cats have strong preferences — a stainless steel bowl in a quiet corner may get far more use than a plastic bowl near a busy doorway.
• Offer wet cat food as part of her daily meals. Wet food has a high moisture content and can contribute to overall hydration, especially during warmer months https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information.

Cooling Beds and Mats: A Helpful Extra Layer of Comfort

For most cats, steady indoor temperatures and plenty of water are enough to stay comfortable all summer. If you want to go a step further, a cooling pet bed or mat can provide additional relief on especially hot days — just keep a few things in mind:

Why it matters: If a cooling mat's fabric tears, it can expose the gel inside. Contact with that gel — whether your cat licks it, chews it or gets it on her skin — may cause health issues. Choose a bed made with non-toxic materials, and inspect it regularly for damage.

Quick-Reference: Summer Cooling Checklist

1. Set AC or fans to keep indoor temps between 60°F and 78°F.
2. Secure all open windows with sturdy guards — not just screens.
3. Refresh water bowls at least once daily; consider adding a fountain.
4. Incorporate wet cat food to boost moisture intake.
5. Place a non-toxic cooling mat in a shaded, comfortable spot.
6. Inspect cooling beds regularly and replace at the first sign of damage.

If your cat seems lethargic, is panting, drooling excessively or refusing water despite your best efforts, contact your veterinarian promptly — these can be signs of heat stress that require professional attention.

Although it might seem like shaving a cat’s fur would help keep them cool, groomers and veterinarians recommend against this.

“A cat’s fur actually protects from summer dangers,” says Pearl. “It helps prevent against sunburn and keeps the cat cool during warm temperatures. Therefore, shaving your cat to keep them cool is not recommended.”

Instead of shaving their cat, cat owners should be more diligent about grooming. Pearl recommends brushing your cat more frequently during the summer to help keep them cool.

“Regular brushing will allow for better airflow, which can help keep your cat cooler,” she says.

If you do want to lighten your cat’s undercoat to help in warmer temperatures, she says, it’s best to consult a professional groomer who can trim your cat’s coat appropriately to help regulate body temperature and address challenging fur issues such as mats and tangles.

For more information about cat products and grooming, contact your local Petco store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats get heatstroke? Yes. Although indoor cats face lower risk than dogs, any cat can develop heatstroke — particularly outdoor cats, cats in homes without air conditioning, cats being transported in warm vehicles, and cats with underlying health conditions. If you notice panting, rapid breathing, lethargy, vomiting or difficulty walking, treat it as an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately.

What temperature is too hot for a cat? Veterinarians generally recommend keeping your cat's indoor environment below 78°F and above 60°F. Sustained temperatures above that range — especially combined with high humidity — put cats at real risk of heat exhaustion. When in doubt, err on the cooler side and consult your veterinarian if your cat shows any signs of distress.

Is air conditioning necessary to keep a cat cool in summer? Air conditioning is the most reliable way to maintain a safe ambient temperature, but it is not the only option. Open windows paired with fans can help, provided every open window has a secure, cat-proof screen. Standard window screens are not strong enough to prevent a cat from falling through, so invest in reinforced window guards before relying on natural ventilation.

How do cats cool themselves down naturally? Cats release heat primarily through the paw pads and through panting. Panting is not a behavior you will typically see in a comfortable cat — if you notice it, your cat may already be overheating. Cats also engage in increased self-grooming in warm weather; the evaporation of saliva from the coat provides a modest cooling effect. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information

Should I shave my cat's fur in summer to keep her cool? No. A cat's coat actually insulates against heat and helps protect her skin from sunburn. Shaving is not recommended by veterinarians or groomers. Instead, brush your cat more frequently to remove loose undercoat and improve airflow through the fur. If matting or a very dense undercoat is a concern, consult a knowledgeable professional groomer for a trim — not a full shave.

How can I get my cat to drink more water in hot weather? Cats can become dehydrated more easily in summer, so fresh, clean water should always be available. Many cats drink more readily from a cat drinking fountain, which keeps water moving and oxygenated. You can also experiment with bowl material, size and placement — some cats simply prefer one spot or style over another. If your cat seems persistently reluctant to drink or shows signs of dehydration, reach out to your veterinarian. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.