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Last Updated April 29, 2025
If you’re living through a hot summer without the luxury of air conditioning, you already know how uncomfortable things can get. But while you can take a cold shower or down a glass of ice water, your cat doesn’t have the same options. Cats are more heat-sensitive than they let on, and high temperatures can put them at risk for heat exhaustion. This guide is here to help you recognize the signs of heat stress, understand how cats cool themselves naturally, and learn practical, low-cost ways to keep your cat safe and comfortable in the heat.
Key Takeaways:
Cats don't sweat like humans do. They have a few sweat glands, mostly in their paw pads, but these aren’t sufficient to regulate a cat's body temperature. In high heat, they rely on rest, shade, hydration, and minimal activity to stay cool. In severe conditions, especially if indoor temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C), they can be at risk for heat exhaustion or even heatstroke.
Some signs that your cat may be overheating include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action immediately.
Hydration is essential in the heat. Most indoor cats don’t drink a large amount of water, so encouraging them to drink more during warm weather can help reduce their risk of overheating.
Instead of relying on a single water bowl, place multiple bowls around the house, preferably in easily accessible areas. However, make sure that you don't keep the water bowl near the litter tray.
Change the water often and add a few ice cubes if your cat doesn’t mind cooler water. If you have a pet fountain, use it; running water often encourages more frequent drinking.
You can also supplement water intake through food. Adding a small amount of water to your cat’s wet food or offering chilled low-sodium chicken broth as a treat can provide additional hydration.
Every home has at least one shady spot that stays slightly cooler throughout the day. Pay attention to where your cat naturally rests on hot days and encourage use of those areas by placing a towel, a light blanket, or a bed they already like.
You can also take advantage of basic thermal physics. A simple trick is to freeze a bottle of water, wrap it in a dish towel, and place it near your cat’s resting area. You can rotate these out throughout the day as they melt.
If you own a fan, place it in the room where your cat typically spends time. While fans don’t cool the air the way AC does, they help circulate airflow and speed up evaporation of moisture in the environment, which can help make the space feel less stifling.
One of the most effective ways to reduce indoor temperatures is to prevent sunlight from heating your home in the first place. Close blinds or curtains on east- and west-facing windows during the hottest hours of the day. Blackout curtains are especially helpful if you live in areas where heat and sunlight are intense for long stretches.
If you usually leave blinds open so your cat can look out the window, compromise by blocking the lower portion while still allowing some light and visibility up top. You can also shift cat perches or towers to areas that receive indirect light but not full sun.
Cats naturally shed more in warm weather, and regular brushing helps reduce excess fur that can trap heat. A well-maintained coat actually helps regulate body temperature by providing insulation from the heat. Removing loose fur improves airflow near the skin and reduces discomfort.
Unless recommended by your veterinarian, don’t shave your cat. Their coat provides protection from sun exposure and plays a role in thermoregulation. In most cases, proper grooming is enough.
While not essential, cold treats can help cool your cat down. Try freezing small portions of wet cat food or tuna water (in moderation and only if it’s low sodium) in silicone molds. Offer these during the hottest part of the afternoon as an enrichment activity that also helps lower body temperature.
Not every cat will accept cold food, so start small and see how they respond.
If your cat is playful or young, try to avoid engaging them in intense activity during the warmest parts of the day. Morning and late evening are better times for play. Overexertion during peak heat puts additional strain on their body and increases the risk of overheating.
Most adult cats will naturally adjust their behavior, becoming more sedentary in hot weather. This is normal. Let them rest and avoid forcing activity unless they initiate it.
If your cat spends time outside, provide access to shaded areas and fresh water. A shaded crate, or spot under a tree, can offer relief. But ideally, limit outdoor time to early mornings or evenings.
Avoid letting your cat roam midday during a heatwave. Pavement and asphalt can become dangerously hot and may burn paw pads. If your cat insists on going out, check the surface with your hand or foot first.
Most healthy cats will find ways to stay cool as long as you provide the basics. But if your home routinely reaches above 90°F indoors, or if you’re in a part of the country where humidity is high and air doesn’t circulate well, you’ll need to pay closer attention.
Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the following:
These are potential signs of heatstroke and require immediate care.
Keeping a cat cool without an air conditioner can feel challenging, but it’s manageable with preparation and a few
practical strategies. Stay proactive—offer fresh water throughout the day, block direct sunlight, and encourage rest
in cool areas of the house. For many pet owners across the U.S., this is a seasonal challenge, but with a little
attention to detail, you can help your cat stay cool, safe, and comfortable throughout the summer months.
If you're concerned about heat in your area or want to prepare for future heat waves, consider investing in tools like a pet-safe cooling mat or a battery-powered fan as part of your summer setup. Your cat may not thank you directly, but they’ll feel the difference.
Yes, they can. While cats are good at finding cool spots and regulating their body temperature to some extent, they can still overheat if the indoor temperature gets too high. Without AC, it’s important to give them shade and fresh water to help them stay cool.
Keep them indoors and out of direct sunlight. Offer plenty of fresh water, create shaded resting spots, and use fans or frozen water bottles wrapped in towels to cool the space. You can also use a damp towel and gently wipe their fur or place cooling mats around their favorite spots.
Once indoor temperatures climb above 85°F (29°C), it can become risky, especially for older cats, kittens, or those with health issues. Anything above 90°F (32°C) can lead to overheating, so it's important to take steps to keep your home cooler than that.
Start by regularly refreshing your cat’s water bowl and adding ice cubes to keep the water temperature cool. In hotter months, cats tend to drink more if the water feels fresh. Some pet parents also offer extra bowls around the home or even freeze small containers of water in the freezer overnight to help keep the water cooler for longer.
Fans can help cool the room and make it easier for your cat to relax. While most cats don’t rely on moving air the same way humans do for temperature regulation, they still benefit from a breezy environment, especially in a hot environment without AC. Just be sure your cat can move away from the fan if they don’t like it.
Definitely, as long as your cat tolerates it. Use a damp washcloth to gently wipe your cat’s fur.
Some pet parents also lay down wet towels in shady areas for their cats to lie on. You don’t need to soak them, because just a little moisture helps with temperature regulation.
It might help. You can swap dry food for wet food or offer more moisture-rich meals. Dry food has less water content, so switching can support hydration. And since cats prefer to eat smaller meals when it's hot, feeding them cooler, lighter meals can ease digestion during summer weather.
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Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
