Keeping Your Cat Cool and Comfortable in Hot Weather
Cats are good at hiding discomfort. Here is how to help them through the hottest days.
5 min read | August 2026
Cats are experts at looking relaxed no matter what is going on, which makes it easy to miss the signs that they are actually struggling in the heat. Unlike dogs, cats do not pant to cool down in the same obvious way, so a hot cat can be harder to spot than a hot dog. A little extra attention during heatwaves goes a long way.
Why cats struggle more than you might expect
Cats regulate their body temperature mainly by grooming, seeking out cool surfaces, and moving to shade. They sweat only through their paw pads, which is nowhere near enough to cool a whole body down on a genuinely hot day. Indoor cats, especially those in flats with lots of glass and limited airflow, can end up in surprisingly warm environments without an obvious way to escape the heat.
Older cats, overweight cats, and flat-faced breeds like Persians tend to struggle more, since they cannot regulate temperature as efficiently as a fit, younger cat.
Signs your cat is overheating
A little panting after play is normal, but ongoing open-mouth breathing at rest is a warning sign.
A cat who seems unusually flat, or who cannot settle anywhere, may be too warm to get comfortable.
Cats groom more in heat since evaporating saliva helps cool the skin, so watch for unusually long sessions.
Tiled floors, bathtubs, and windowsills are popular cooling spots, so let your cat use them freely.
Grooming's role in keeping a cat cool
A well maintained coat actually helps with temperature regulation, since a coat free from mats and excess loose fur allows air to move closer to the skin. Long haired cats in particular benefit from regular brushing through summer, both to remove loose undercoat and to prevent mats, which trap heat against the skin.
Brushing little and often is far more effective in summer than one long session every few weeks. It also gives you a good chance to check the skin underneath for any hot spots, redness, or fleas, which tend to be more active in warm weather.
Simple ways to help at home
| Do this | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Leave several water bowls around the house | Cats often prefer to drink away from their food, and more options mean more chances to stay hydrated |
| Keep curtains or blinds closed on the sunniest side | Reduces indoor temperature without needing air conditioning |
| Offer a damp towel or cooling mat | Gives your cat a spot to cool down on their own terms |
| Brush regularly through summer | Removes excess coat that traps heat close to the skin |
Never force a cat into water to cool them down, since the stress this causes can do more harm than good. A damp towel to lie on, or gently wiping the paws and ears with a cool cloth, is a gentler and far more effective approach for most cats.
When to worry
Most cats manage warm weather perfectly well with a little extra help around the house. If your cat shows any of the more serious warning signs mentioned earlier, or simply seems off in a way you cannot quite place during a heatwave, it is always worth a call to your vet rather than waiting to see if things improve on their own.
A cool spot to stretch out, easy access to water, and a coat that is kept free of mats will see most cats through the hottest weeks of the year without any trouble at all.
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