Cats in hot weather: how to protect your cat from the heat

Despite what many people assume, cats cope badly with extreme heat. Unable to sweat the way we do, they struggle to regulate their body temperature, and a heatwave can quickly turn into heatstroke — a potentially fatal emergency. With summers in France getting hotter and hotter, knowing how to protect your cat matters more than ever. Spotting the danger signs, reacting fast in an emergency and, above all, preventing problems in the first place: here is our complete guide to cats in hot weather, so yours gets through a heatwave safely.

Why heat is dangerous for cats

Cats have almost no sweat glands, except on their paw pads, so they can’t cool down by sweating the way humans do. To get rid of heat, they rely mainly on their saliva (by licking themselves) and, as a last resort, on panting. A cat’s normal temperature sits at around 38 to 39°C, and they don’t cope well when it climbs any higher. When their surroundings become too hot, their regulation mechanisms are quickly overwhelmed — and the risk of heatstroke rises.

The cats most at risk

Some cats cope with a heatwave far worse than others. The most vulnerable are flat-faced breeds such as the Persian, whose less efficient breathing makes temperature control harder; cats with long, dense coats such as the Maine Coon; kittens and older cats; overweight cats; and cats with heart or breathing problems. With these cats, you need to be extra vigilant.

Recognising the signs of heatstroke

Knowing how to spot the symptoms could save your cat’s life. The first warning signs are panting or rapid breathing (unusual in a cat), lethargy, excessive drooling and a desperate search for cool places. At a more advanced stage, you may see gums that are either very red or pale, vomiting, a staggering walk, a racing heart, or even loss of consciousness. At the very first signs, act immediately.

What to do if your cat has heatstroke (emergency)

Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. While you’re getting hold of your vet or on your way there, here is what to do:

1. Move your cat straight away to a cool, shaded, airy spot.
2. Cool them with cool (but not ice-cold) water: wet their paw pads, belly, inner thighs and ears.
3. Get the air moving, for example with a fan.
4. Offer them water to drink, but never force them.
5. Call your vet and take your cat in without delay.

Two vital precautions. Never use ice-cold water or ice cubes directly on the body, because cooling too abruptly can cause shock. And even if your cat seems to recover, see a vet anyway: heatstroke can cause internal damage that doesn’t show straight away.

Prevention: keeping your cat cool all summer

Prevention is still the best protection. A few simple habits can head off the worst.

Keep them well hydrated

Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, ideally in several rooms. Many cats drink more from a water fountain, as the movement draws them in. You can also drop a few ice cubes into the bowl, switch to wet food for a while (it holds more water than dry food) or offer a little unsalted broth. The aim is to avoid dehydration, which makes everything worse.

Create cool zones at home

Close shutters and curtains during the hottest hours to keep the inside cool, and air the house early in the morning and in the evening. Let your cat into the coolest rooms and onto tiled floors, where they like to stretch out. A fan, a damp towel laid on their bed or a cooling mat can also help. Above all, never shut them in a space that turns into an oven: a car (even for a few minutes, even with the windows slightly open, it can be fatal), a conservatory, a greenhouse or a balcony in full sun. The same danger awaits your cat in a van parked in the sun, where the temperature shoots up very fast.

Adapt grooming, but never shave

More frequent brushing helps long-haired cats get rid of dead undercoat and breathe more easily under their fur. Never shave your cat, though: contrary to popular belief, their coat also insulates them from the heat and protects them from sunburn. Shaving disrupts their thermoregulation and leaves them more exposed. A good brush is all they need.

Limit exertion and adjust outings

During a heatwave, save play and active moments for the cooler hours, early in the morning or in the evening, and let your cat rest quietly the rest of the time. If your cat is used to going out on a harness, the principle is the same: move outings to the coolest hours and avoid the hot part of the day entirely, especially at the height of a heatwave or during red heat warnings. A cat that lives outdoors must always have access to shade and fresh water. At the other end of the year, winter cold also means adapting your cat’s outings.

Putting water out in several places around the home is the most effective and cheapest step you can take. The other options, diet included, are covered in my cat won’t drink.

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In summary

In a heatwave, your cat is counting on you: unlimited fresh water, shaded and ventilated areas, suitable grooming (but never shaving) and extra vigilance for the most vulnerable cats. Keep in mind that panting is an alarm signal and that heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. With these good habits, your companion will get through the summer calmly. And for their seasonal outings, during the cool hours only, a comfortable harness is still a valuable ally. Discover our harness, designed with cats’ wellbeing in mind.