Give your cat a choice of cool places
A sunny windowsill can become much hotter than the rest of the house. Offer shaded resting spots and encourage your cat indoors during the strongest sunshine. Keep air moving safely, and make sure any open windows are securely protected against falls or escape.
A frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel can sit near a resting place. Let your cat move towards or away from it; never put it directly against them or force them to stay beside it.
Make water easy to find
Keep clean water topped up in several quiet places. Many cats prefer a wide bowl positioned away from food and litter trays. Continue their usual feeding routine and ask your vet before changing a prescribed diet.
Keep energetic play for cooler parts of the day. For a quieter activity, let your cat investigate a cardboard box or choose a short, gentle play session, stopping if they lose interest.
Check sunny rooms and outdoor buildings
Before closing a shed, greenhouse, garage or conservatory, check that your cat is not inside. Being trapped in a hot, poorly ventilated space is a major heatstroke risk. Never leave a cat in a parked car.
Pale ears and noses are particularly vulnerable to sun damage. Ask your vet about a suitable cat-safe sunscreen rather than using a human product. Very young, older, flat-faced and unwell cats may need extra precautions.
Overheating needs urgent attention
Panting or open-mouth breathing, marked weakness, drooling, vomiting or collapse can signal an emergency. Do not wait for every symptom to appear. Move your cat somewhere cool and begin gentle cooling while contacting a vet urgently.
PDSA advises gently wetting the body with cold tap water, keeping water away from the nose and mouth, and creating airflow. Avoid causing extra distress. Do not wrap the cat in a wet towel or force drinking. Follow the vet’s instructions and arrange prompt veterinary assessment, even if your cat seems to improve.
Leave a summer care plan
If someone is visiting while you are away, show them the coolest rooms, water bowls and safe window settings. Ask them to check the indoor conditions and your cat at each visit. Agree what they should do if the house becomes too hot or your cat seems unwell.