When temperatures rise, cats can find it harder to rest, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Sleep is important for their wellbeing, but in a heatwave, they may become restless, change their sleeping spots, or even struggle to relax. By making a few simple adjustments, you can help your cat stay cool and nap more comfortably.
Make a cool, comfortable nap zone
Choose a spot in your home that naturally stays cooler, such as a tiled kitchen floor or a shaded corner. You could also use an elevated summer bed or a breathable cooling mat to allow airflow around their body. Position beds away from direct sunlight and consider moving them to the coolest room in the house during peak heat.
Create airflow
Good ventilation can make a big difference. Keep windows open where safe, use fans to circulate the air, or turn on air conditioning if you have it. Drawing curtains or blinds during the day will block out heat from the sun. If you do not have air conditioning, placing a frozen water bottle in front of a fan can create a gentle cooling effect.
Offer hydration in tempting ways
Cats can be reluctant drinkers, so in hot weather, it is worth encouraging them to take in more fluids. Keep multiple bowls of fresh, cool water around the home, ideally away from food bowls. A pet water fountain can be more appealing than a still bowl. You can also add ice cubes to their water or freeze diluted tuna juice or low-salt chicken broth for a cooling treat.
Place damp towels or ice packs nearby – not directly on your cat
Providing a cool object in their resting area can help them regulate their temperature if they choose to. Try placing a damp towel on the floor or wrapping an ice pack in a cloth and putting it close to their bed. Let your cat decide whether to use it. Avoid placing anything too cold directly on their body as this can cause discomfort.
Keep grooming gentle and regular
Regular brushing removes loose hair and helps reduce heat-trapping undercoat. This can make naps more comfortable in warm weather. Avoid shaving, as a cat’s coat also acts as insulation against the heat and protects their skin from sunburn. A short daily grooming session is often enough.
Adjust their outdoor time
If your cat goes outside, try to limit access during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10 am and 3 pm. Offer shaded spots in your garden and make sure there is always fresh water outside. You might also bring them in earlier in the evening if temperatures are still high.
Recognise heat-stress signals
Watch for signs that your cat is overheating, such as panting, drooling, lethargy, or restlessness. If you notice any of these, move them to a cooler place, offer lukewarm water, and gently wet their fur with a damp cloth. If symptoms do not improve quickly, contact your vet. Heatstroke can develop quickly and is a medical emergency.
Let their own cooling habits work
Cats often adapt their behaviour in hot weather by grooming more, sleeping during the day, and being more active in the evening. Respect these changes and provide a calm, quiet space where they can rest undisturbed. This may mean reducing noisy activities in the home during the hottest hours.
Summary
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Give them a cool, shady place to rest
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Encourage hydration with fresh water and cooling treats
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Offer nearby cooling aids they can choose to use
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Groom regularly to remove excess fur without shaving
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Limit outdoor time in peak heat
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Watch for signs of heat stress and act quickly
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Allow them to follow their natural summer routines
By making a few small adjustments, you can help your cat stay comfortable and enjoy better naps, even in the middle of a heatwave.