Keeping Cats Cool in a UK Heatwave: Simple Summer Safety Tips

When UK temperatures rise, cats can struggle quietly

Cats are experts at finding the warmest spot in the house, but they’re not always great at cooling down quickly once they’ve overheated. Hot, still air indoors (especially in flats and conservatories) can make summer uncomfortable, and heat stress can become serious faster than many people expect.

The good news: a few small changes to your home set-up and routine can make a big difference.

1) Set up a “cool zone” your cat can choose

Most cats will self-regulate if you give them options. Aim to create one cooler area where your cat can nap and reset.

• Close curtains or blinds on the sunny side of the house.
• Encourage lounging on cooler surfaces (tiles, a shaded hallway, under the bed).
• Offer a light towel on the floor (some cats prefer this to thick bedding in summer).
• Keep rooms well-ventilated, but make sure windows are secure.

If your cat tends to sprawl out more in warm weather, a breathable bed or a cooling option can be a helpful seasonal swap. You’ll find a range of summer-friendly essentials in our cat beds & baskets collection.

2) Make hydration easier (and more appealing)

Hydration is one of the biggest summer wins. Cats can be fussy drinkers, so it helps to make water both easy to access and pleasant to drink.

• Put down multiple water bowls around the house (not just next to food).
• Try a wide, shallow bowl to avoid “whisker stress”.
• Refresh water more often on hot days.
• Add a couple of ice cubes if your cat enjoys them (some like to bat them around first).

If you’re looking at bowls, fountains, or travel-friendly water options, browse our cat feeding equipment for ideas.

3) Use food to sneak in extra moisture

If your cat mainly eats dry food, summer can be a good time to add a little more moisture (as long as it suits their diet and they tolerate it well).

• Offer wet food during the warmest weeks, or add a spoonful alongside their usual meal.
• Mix a small amount of water into wet food for extra hydration (if your cat accepts it).
• Try a tiny frozen “lick treat” made from wet food thinned with water and frozen in a shallow dish.

For everyday options, you can explore both wet cat food and dry cat food depending on what your cat does best on.

4) Keep play and enrichment gentle in the hottest part of the day

On very warm days, many cats will naturally slow down. That’s normal. You can still offer enrichment — just keep it low-effort and let your cat opt in.

• Schedule play for early morning or later evening when it’s cooler.
• Use short, calm play sessions rather than long bursts of chasing.
• Offer scratch-friendly options in cooler areas of the house.

If your cat’s scratching habits ramp up when they’re spending more time indoors, it may help to refresh their set-up. Our cat scratching posts collection is a good place to start.

5) Hot weather travel: keep carriers cool and journeys short

Even a quick trip can feel intense in the heat. If you need to travel, try to plan around the warmest hours.

• Pre-cool the car, then load your cat last.
• Keep the carrier out of direct sunlight.
• Use a light towel rather than thick bedding.
• Never leave your cat in a parked car, even briefly.

For practical bits that make summer journeys easier (carrier liners, travel bowls, calming aids and more), take a look at our cat travel accessories.

Heat stress in cats: signs to watch for

Cats often become quiet when they’re uncomfortable, so subtle changes matter. If you’re worried, it’s always best to speak to a vet.

• Early signs: restlessness, seeking cool surfaces, reduced appetite, faster breathing, unusual tiredness.
• Urgent signs: panting, heavy drooling, vomiting, bright red or very pale gums, wobbliness, collapse.

If you suspect heatstroke, contact a vet urgently. Move your cat to a cooler area and offer small sips of water (don’t force them to drink).

Quick checklist for warm days

• Close curtains/blinds in sunny rooms.
• Set up a cool nap spot (tiles, shaded corner, light towel).
• Put out extra water bowls and refresh them often.
• Offer wetter meals if it suits your cat.
• Play in the cooler parts of the day.
• Watch for panting, drooling, or unusual lethargy.

If you’d like to make your cat’s summer set-up a little easier, have a browse through our cat collections (beds, feeding essentials, scratching posts and travel bits) and consider joining our email list for seasonal tips and practical guides.