Summer is sizzling, and while cats are known for being cool customers, they can still suffer in soaring temps. With their sleek coats and preference for sunbathing, cats are at serious risk of heatstroke—especially outdoor, long-haired or feral cats.
Let’s explore clever, feline-approved ways to keep cats cool in summer—with tips for everything from feral cats to pampered fluffballs.
Smart instincts, smarter setups: How to keep cats cool
While your cat will naturally seek cooler places to nap, like tile floors or under the bed, help create a chill environment. Wondering how to keep your cat cool? Start by:
• Placing multiple water bowls throughout your home and using a cat water fountain to entice picky drinkers.
• Offering cooling mats or even a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel.
• Freezing broth or tuna water into lickable ice cubes for hydration and enrichment.
Keeping cats cool without air conditioning
Fans and strategic airflow are your new best friends. If you’re figuring out how to keep your cat cool in summer without AC, try:
• Creating cross-ventilation by opening two windows across the house.
• Running a fan or ceiling fan over their hangout zones—run ceiling fans counterclockwise to push cool air down.
• Keeping curtains and blinds closed during peak sun hours to reduce indoor temperatures.
Cats love routines—so place a fan near their usual nap spot and they'll start gravitating there naturally.
Helping long-haired cats stay cool in summer
Regular brushing and de-shedding can help your cat stay cool. Start a summer grooming routine for your cat to remove excess fur and help them stay comfortable when temperatures rise.
Wild at heart: How to keep outdoor cats cool in summer
Outdoor cats face a double challenge: heat plus exposure. Knowing how to keep your outdoor cat cool is key to preventing heat exhaustion:
• Set up shady retreats using overturned crates, wooden pallets or covered porches.
• Provide clean, cool water in non-metal bowls (which heat up fast).
• Even independent cats appreciate a cozy, breezy nook when the sun’s beating down.
Community care: How to keep feral cats cool in summer
Helping stray or feral cats thrive through summer takes compassion and creativity. Here’s how to keep feral cats cool:
• Provide do-it-yourself cat shelters made from a bin or Styrofoam cooler with cutout airflow holes.
• Place frozen water bottles inside these shelters to lower the temperature.
• Leave water in shaded, consistent spots so they know where to find water daily. Use narrow, deep bowls to help prevent quick evaporation.
Whether you’re chilling with your feline royalty or watching over a backyard explorer, a little summer prep goes a long way. With a few mindful changes, you’ll keep your kitty comfortable, hydrated and far from heat danger.
