How to keep your cat cool in summer

Cats are real sun worshippers, but on tropical days all that sunbathing can become dangerous. A cat barely sweats and loses heat mainly through its paws and by panting. With a few simple adjustments you can help your cat through the summer comfortably.

Provide cool spots

Cats seek out the coolest spot in the house themselves, so give them the choice. Lay a damp towel on the tiled floor, put a basket in a shady room and keep the curtains closed during the day. A raised bed with air flowing underneath quickly feels a few degrees cooler than a closed bed full of plush.

Drink, drink, drink

A cat that drinks too little overheats more quickly. Place several water bowls around the house and refresh the water at least twice a day. Many cats drink more from a water fountain, because flowing water is simply more interesting than still water. A few ice cubes in the bowl make it extra refreshing.

Play at the right moments

Move play sessions to the early morning or late evening, when it has cooled down outside and indoors. In the middle of the day, resting is the best activity. Brush your cat a little more often in summer: loose undercoat insulates and traps heat, and every brushing session helps.

Recognise overheating

Panting, drooling, listlessness or an unsteady gait are signs that your cat is genuinely too hot. Move them to a cool room straight away, dampen the paws and ears with lukewarm water and, if in doubt, contact the vet. Better to call once too often than too late.

With cool spots, fresh water and an adjusted play routine, your cat will get through every heatwave relaxed.