Cats have a reputation for being well adapted to heat. Evolutionarily, they descend from desert felines and tolerate higher temperatures than dogs. But that does not make them invulnerable: when heat is extreme or they have no access to cool areas, they too can suffer heatstroke — especially older cats, overweight cats, brachycephalic breeds (such as the Persian), or those with pre-existing conditions.
Knowing how cats cool themselves and what signs indicate they are at risk can save their lives.
How cats regulate their temperature
Cats have several mechanisms for keeping cool:
- They groom their fur: saliva evaporating from their coat cools their body, just as sweating does for us.
- They seek out cool surfaces: ceramic floors, shaded areas, or elevated spots with ventilation.
- They reduce their activity: in summer, cats sleep more and move less during the hottest hours.
- They pant lightly when very hot (though this is less common than in dogs).
However, these mechanisms have limits. If the environment is very hot or humid, or if the cat cannot move freely to find a cool spot, thermoregulation fails.
Signs that your cat is struggling with the heat
Mild signs
- Visible panting (unusual in healthy cats)
- Drooling or excessive salivation
- Restlessness, frequent changes of position
- Excessive grooming (attempting to cool down)
- More pronounced lethargy than usual
Severe signs (veterinary emergency)
- Intense panting with mouth open
- Dark red or bluish gums
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Rectal temperature above 39.5°C
- Loss of coordination, staggering, or fainting
If you observe severe signs, move your cat to a cool area immediately, dampen their coat with lukewarm water (not ice-cold) and take them to the emergency vet.
Tips for keeping your cat cool in summer
Always ensure access to fresh water
Cats naturally drink little. In summer, keeping several bowls of fresh water in different areas of the home is essential. Recirculating water fountains are more appealing to many cats and encourage greater consumption.
Introduce more wet food into the diet
Wet food contains between 70 and 80% water, which directly contributes to hydration. In summer, increasing the proportion of wet food in the diet is a simple and very effective measure.
Create cool zones at home
Make sure your cat has access to rooms with cool flooring (tiles, marble), natural ventilation, or air conditioning. Cooling gel mats also work well with many cats.
Do not leave them on balconies or in unventilated rooms
A sunny balcony without shade can reach extreme temperatures. If your cat has access to the outdoors or sun-exposed areas, make sure they can always retreat to a shaded space.
Indoor vs. outdoor cats in summer
Indoor cats are more easily monitored, but the temperature of the home must be kept in check if nobody is in during the day. Outdoor cats have more options for finding cool spots, but are also exposed to greater risks: traffic, other animals, and contaminated water sources.
Breeds that are especially vulnerable
Some breeds require extra attention in summer:
- Brachycephalic breeds (Persian, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan): respiratory problems similar to bulldogs.
- Overweight cats: more difficulty dissipating heat.
- Older cats or those with chronic conditions: reduced capacity to adapt.
- Cats with long, dense coats: greater risk of overheating.
Summer nutrition: hydration from within
At OnlyFresh you will find wet food recipes for cats from brands such as Amanova, Harper and Bone, and TrovetPlus, made with high-quality ingredients and without unnecessary additives. Incorporating these foods into the summer diet is one of the easiest ways to contribute to your cat's daily hydration without them even noticing.
