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How to Keep Cats Cool in the Summer

How to Keep Cats Cool in the 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.”

Symptoms of heat-related issues in cats

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 a cat cool in the summer

Cat sitting near window

The best thing you can do for a cat in the summer is to keep them indoors and regulate the temperature.
 
“It is important to maintain ambient temperature at a reasonable level—below 78 degrees or so and above 60 degrees,” says Liff. “Air conditioning is a key factor. Otherwise you can leave windows open and use fans.”
 
If you do keep windows open to regulate indoor temperatures, Liff advises that pet parents invest in the proper barriers to keep cats safe and secure. “Screens are not a safe barrier to prevent a cat from falling through a window,” she says.
 
Pet parents should also make sure that they always provide cats with easy access to water.
 
“Cats can become dehydrated more easily in the summer, so they need to have access to fresh, clean water at all times,” says Pearl. “You can encourage your cat to drink more water by providing a cat drinking fountain or finding a water bowl and location for the bowl that your cat prefers.”
 
Regulating indoor temperatures and keeping the water flowing is usually enough to keep a cat comfortable in the summer, but cat parents also can provide cooling beds for their feline family members.
 
“A cooling pet bed or mat can provide some relief on hot days,” says Pearl. “It’s best to keep the bed out of direct sunlight, and you’ll want to watch for damage to the bed. Tears in the fabric can expose your cat to the gel inside, and it may cause health issues if your cat eats it or gets it on his or her skin. I recommend finding a bed that is made with non-toxic material for that reason.”

Can you shave a cat?

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.
 
 

 

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