One of the body’s natural ways of cooling down is sweating. But unlike us, cats aren’t very efficient at it – they mainly sweat through their paw pads, which isn’t nearly enough when the temperature soars. That’s why in summer, cats become masters of adaptation: they lie on cool tiles in hallways and bathrooms, seek out shady hideouts under the bed or couch, and request balcony time at dawn or after sunset. All in the name of relief from the heat. They’re also even lazier than usual – fewer zoomies, more siestas. The less effort, the more energy left for regulating body temperature.

And what about their fur – does it make things worse? Not quite. A cat’s coat acts as natural insulation, protecting from both cold and heat. Think of it as a built-in thermal buffer. So if the thought of shaving your cat crosses your mind – don’t do it, fabCat! That fur helps shield them from sunburn and UV rays. What you should do is brush regularly, especially if your kitty is long-haired. Matted fur and excess undercoat trap heat and block airflow to the skin. Think of grooming like taking off extra layers of clothing – you don’t want too many, but going totally bare in the sun isn’t ideal either. The goal is to find the sweet spot that lets your cat breathe easy 🙂

How to tell if your cat is overheating

If your furball’s getting too hot, you’ll probably notice. Typical signs of overheating that call for fast action include:

Lethargy or listlessness – Some sluggishness is normal in hot weather, but if your cat barely moves or seems unusually weak, something may be wrong.
Panting or open-mouth breathing – A big red flag. Cats aren’t dogs – if they’re panting, they’re really struggling.
Hot ears and paws – Feel their extremities if they’ll let you; unusual heat is a warning sign.
Vomiting or diarrhea – This means their body is already reacting to heat stress. Call your vet right away.
Tremors, confusion, or poor coordination – These may signal heatstroke. Don’t wait – every minute matters.

A heatwave is a survival challenge – for us and for cats. As responsible cat guardians, we must resist those adorable meows asking to go onto the balcony at noon. Instead, close the blinds to keep rooms from heating up and open windows at night to let in cool air. Add in water bowls, cooling mats, and access to favorite hideouts – and we’ll get through this together, fabCat!

Cool Cat Tricks: Ways to Beat the Heat

When the sun’s blazing, take action before your cat starts to suffer. No need for fancy gadgets or hours of prep – most of what you need is already in your home, and your cat will happily supervise your setup.

Keep water always available – Cats might not drink much naturally, but in summer they’re more likely to enjoy a sip. That one sad bowl in the kitchen won’t cut it! Set up hydration stations around the house – bowls, glasses, even flowerpots or watering cans filled with clean water. The novelty alone might get your cat curious enough to dip a paw (and then lick it clean). Change the water at least once a day – the more often, the better.
Encourage drinking – Variety helps! Try flowing water – a cat fountain can be a great investment. Got a playful hunter? Drop bottle caps with treats inside or ice cubes into a bowl and let them chase and sip. Have a tuna fan? Add water to some tuna fillets and serve the broth as a side to breakfast and dinner – a sneaky way to sneak in hydration!

More ideas on how a get a cat to drink more water are here on our blog: https://blog.mykotty.pl/2023/07/17/pij-pij-bedziesz-wielki-i-nawodniony-jak-zachecic-kota-do-picia-wody/

Create cool spots at home – Your cat probably already finds the coolest nooks on their own, so let them roam. Keep curtains drawn during the day to block direct sunlight. Leave bathroom doors open – the tiles are often naturally cooler. You can also lay down slightly damp towels for your cat to lounge on. Add a fan to circulate the air – just don’t aim it straight at your cat.

PS: If you’re using AC, don’t set it too low – for both your and your cat’s health. Even 24°C (75°F) can feel wonderfully refreshing on a blazing day.

Make kitty “ice cream” – Tube treats and meaty fillets freeze nicely and thaw just fast enough to be safe for cats to lick. Not all cats will go for frozen snacks, but if yours needs a little cooling boost, give it a try. Bonus: it’s fun and hydrating!
Brush that floof – A tidy coat makes a big difference. Regular brushing isn’t just about looks – removing loose fur (especially dead undercoat) helps the body release heat more efficiently. And when it’s too hot for cuddles, grooming sessions are a great way to spend quality time together.

Final reminder, fabCat: If you suspect heatstroke – your cat is weak, panting, vomiting, or stumbling – call your vet immediately. Don’t force water; instead, use damp towels to gently cool them (focus on paws and ears), turn on a fan for air circulation (not directly on them), and cool down your car before heading to the clinic. Even if they seem better after a while, don’t skip the visit. With cat health, better safe than sorry.

And now it’s your turn: What are your tried-and-true summer hacks for keeping your kitties cool? Have your cats invented their own ways to beat the heat? Share your stories in the comments, fabCats! 🙂