Is your cat hot? Check out 5 ways to cool your pet down

Pet / Date: 01-26-2025

High temperatures bother many people, and it's no different for animals. Cats can start to feel the heat when the thermometer goes above 25ºC. To do this, it's worth keeping an eye out for some signs of a cat feeling hot , such as: fatigue, loss of appetite and rapid breathing. Check our tips for keeping your cat cool during hot weather!

How to cool your cat down in the heat?

Now that you know that cats feel hot , it's worth planning to take good care of your feline. Is summer coming or is it just another unusually hot day? Remember that cats need techniques to maintain their body temperatures. To find out how to cool your cat down in the heat , keep reading!

1. Keep your cat hydrated

Maintaining your pet's hydration is crucial at any time of the year. Dehydration can lead to loss of appetite, lack of energy and even predispose to urinary tract stones. When it is warm, a cat dehydrates even quicker. Thus, hot weather should be a signal for the owner.

Always provide your pet with fresh water, particularly because cats can be more particular about drinking water. Automatic water fountains and wet treats can also aid in hydration.

The optimal amount of water your pet requires will be based on its breed, size, age, and even the temperature. So, again, watch for signs of dehydration and, if needed, consult a veterinarian.

2. Prioritize shaded and cool places

You probably already know that cats like to rest in quiet places. So, make sure that your pet's little corner is cool and shaded. How can you do this? Avoid direct sunlight with curtains and blinds. It's worth leaving the windows open to keep the room airy. If the day is very hot, fans and air conditioning can help, but we'll talk about them later.

If you’ve created this safe space and your cat doesn’t want to stay there, respect their wishes — after all, only they know where they feel most comfortable. Try to understand what works best for your pet, and if you’re going out, you can even place a damp towel on the windows to reduce the impact of the heat.

3. Avoid intense exercise

Does your cat love to play? Great, but this should also be done in moderation during the heat. Great physical exertion demands more from the animal's body, which is already suffering from the high temperatures. Therefore, intense exercise can lead to exhaustion and even increase the risk of heat stroke.

One tip is to give preference to practicing activities in the morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is milder. To help a hot cat play without problems, make sure the environment is ventilated and don't let the animal exert itself too much.

4. Brush the fur regularly

When dealing with a cat that is hot, some questions may arise about how to deal with the feline's fur . While fur helps regulate body temperature — and should not be removed completely — brushing and clipping are strategic alternatives to enhance comfort on hot days.

By brushing your cat, you get rid of dead hair and reduce the volume of its fur. Hygienic grooming also helps with practicality and increases the well-being of your pet. However, both bathing and grooming should only be done by qualified professionals. This way, you will know that your cat is in good hands and you will not run the risk of grooming too much, which could harm the animal's thermal control.

5. Use fans or air conditioning

At times, the temperature becomes so extreme that even the external air becomes hot. In such a situation, a fan or air conditioner is a great way to maintain the environment cool for your cat. But there are some essential tips: first of all, never direct the ventilation towards your pet because the cold air dries out and is uncomfortable.

Also, do not make the area too chilly, aiming for a cool temperature, just right. Another thing to note is always letting the cat exit the room if they become uncomfortable. They don't like to be trapped and this is one way to know if they are being affected by the cold air.