9 Ways to Keep Your Cat Cool During a Heatwave

Every summer seems to be hotter than the last, and it’s clear that the heatwaves aren’t going anywhere. As temperatures climb, it’s more important than ever to make sure your cat stays comfortable and safe during these sweltering months.

While your cat might not openly complain, they’re feeling the heat just like you. Since cats don’t pant like dogs, they can easily overheat without you even realizing it. Here’s how to keep your feline friend cool when the mercury rises.

Offer cool, fresh water in multiple spots

Hydration is everything. Keep bowls of cool, clean water in different rooms, and drop in an ice cube or two. Some cats prefer running water, so a fountain might turn hydration into their new favorite hobby.

Keep curtains drawn during peak heat

Cats love sunny windows—until the room becomes a sauna. Draw curtains or blinds in the afternoon to keep indoor temps bearable. Bonus: you’ll also save your furniture from becoming feline-flavored toast.

Set up fans or breezy spots

You don’t need AC to keep a cat cool. A well-placed fan or a cracked window with a screen can create a breeze your cat will happily loaf in. Just skip scented air fresheners—they hate that.

Provide cool surfaces to nap on

Cats instinctively seek cool places. Help them out with tile floors, baking trays, or even a damp towel placed in the shade. If it feels weird, your cat will probably love it.

Groom regularly to remove excess fur

Excess fur is like wearing a wool sweater in July. A good brushing helps shed what they don’t need and lets air circulate closer to the skin—especially for long-haired breeds.

Serve chilled wet food

Not only is wet food hydrating, but serving it slightly chilled from the fridge can feel refreshing on a hot day. It’s like cat sorbet, minus the guilt and tiny spoon.

Create hiding spots in cooler areas

Move cardboard boxes or pet beds to cooler areas like bathrooms or shaded corners. Your cat may not thank you directly, but you’ll find them snoozing there shortly after like it was their idea.

Avoid overhandling

We know—it’s hard to resist snuggles. But during heatwaves, too much petting can raise your cat’s body temperature. Let them come to you, and offer scritches only if they’re in the mood (and not melting).

Use a cooling mat or damp cloth

Pet-safe cooling mats or lightly damp washcloths in shaded areas can give your cat a place to sprawl without overheating. Just don’t expect them to say thank you—they’ll just blink slowly from their chill zone.

Keep it cool, cat-style

Cats are masters of lounging, but even they need backup when it’s boiling outside. With a few tweaks to their environment and routine, you can keep your cat cool, comfy, and smugly superior all summer long.