Our 12 tips to cool down your cat this summer

During periods of intense heat and heatwaves, our beloved cats can also suffer from the heat; loss of appetite, lethargy, stress… It is therefore important to protect them. Here are 12 tips to cool down and hydrate your cat as best as possible.

High heat and heatwaves: are our cats sensitive to them?

Just like us humans, when it’s too hot, our little companions have trouble regulating their temperature. Although instinctively they tend to seek cool and airy spots on their own, sometimes it is necessary to help them cool down.

For elderly cats, young cats, certain brachycephalic cat breeds (flat-faced) or cats suffering from heart conditions, for example, it is especially important to protect them from the sun and watch over them during periods of intense heat.

We also take great care with our friends, the  white cats  and hairless cat breeds (Donskoy, Sphynx, Peterbald...), who are sensitive to sunburn and therefore to squamous cell carcinoma (a malignant tumor originating in the skin's squamous cells).

How to know if my cat is hot?

The main risk related to heatwaves remains heatstroke in cats.

It can manifest as:

• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Increased salivation
• Abnormal breathing
• Unsteady gait
• Convulsions may also occur due to a lack of oxygen delivered to brain cells.

If you suspect heatstroke in your cat, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

1. To cool your cat: fresh water at will!

Normally, we avoid leaving stagnant water in our cats’ bowls, but during heatwaves, it is all the more important to change their water frequently.

Some cats prefer drinking water straight from the tap; you can provide a water fountain if you wish.

2. Avoid letting your cat outside during the hottest hours

If your cat usually has outdoor access, avoid letting them out during the hottest hours of the day.

Instinctively, our cats know how to adapt to heat, but as prevention is better than cure: from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., it is best that your furball takes a nap in a cool room rather than in direct sunlight!

3. Keep them in well-ventilated and shaded rooms

To ensure your cat’s optimal comfort and protect them from the heat, keep them in a sufficiently large, cool, and airy room. Ideally, during the day, close all curtains and/or shutters to keep as much coolness inside as possible.

4. Wet food for good hydration

The secret to a well-hydrated cat, especially in hot weather, is wet food! Rich in water, wet food provides better hydration than dry food (kibble).

For greedy cats: you can also add some zucchini cubes to their wet food ration. This vegetable, rich in water, helps with hydration and provides a feeling of fullness without extra calories. Feel free to check out our article on the benefits of zucchini for your cat for details on recommended amounts.

Note that cats tend to eat less when it’s hot. We share some tips on our blog to help them eat a little more (click the pink link).

5. Ice cubes in the bowl

If you don’t have a water fountain, you can add some ice cubes to your cat’s bowl. They will help keep the water cooler for longer.

However, don’t overdo it, as frozen water may discourage your cat or upset their digestive system.

6. To cool your cat: moisten its coat with a washcloth

Use a damp washcloth to gently rub its coat and paws, ideally on the belly if your cat lets you pet them there.

Also remember to moisten their paw pads well, as this is where most of their sweat glands are located, whose primary function is to produce sweat and help regulate body temperature.

You can also try cooling your cat with a mister. Of course, if your cat doesn’t like it, don’t force it.

7. Place a damp sheet or towel on the floor

An old sheet, towel, or tablecloth will do the job! Wet it, then wring it out so it’s not dripping but just damp.

Place it on the floor and watch: your cat will lie down directly on it or “step” on it, which helps cool their paw pads.

8. Another option: a cooling mat

Some prefer to use a mat specially designed to cool cats. These mats are usually filled with a non-toxic cooling gel that cools when your cat lies on it.

9. Cool down their bed

Place a bottle of water in the freezer, wrap it in a cloth, and put it in their bed. Your little cat will have a nice cool place to sleep and can cool off while napping. This trick also works with an ice pack. You can also put the bottle or ice pack wherever your cat likes to rest.

10. Avoid car trips

It may seem obvious, but never leave your cat locked alone in a car. They can suffer heatstroke, which can be fatal in some cases.

If you must take the car, here are some recommendations:

• You can place a damp towel at the bottom of the carrier.
• Don’t block ventilation in the carrier; make sure it stays well ventilated.
• The best is air conditioning, but ensure it’s not too strong to avoid large temperature differences.

11. Brush your cat daily

Remember to brush your little cat every day. This brushing will aerate their coat and especially prevent your cat from swallowing too much hair during grooming.

When it’s hot, our companions groom themselves more often; the saliva deposited on their fur evaporates and helps cool their body. With every lick, they ingest tufts of hair. These accumulate in their stomach and form masses called "trichobezoars." When too large, our cats cannot eliminate them and vomit them up. They can also pose a risk of intestinal blockage.

At Ziggy, we created THE brush we dreamed of for our felines. A double-headed cat brush: one side with rounded steel pins to gently detangle and massage, and one side with nylon pins to soften and make the coat shine. Suitable for short and long hair, it is made from ash wood sourced from sustainably managed forests, vegan, and manufactured in France in the Oise region. French down to the last hair!

12. Do not cut your cat’s hair!

Contrary to what one might think, the coat of our little companions protects them both from cold and heat. Unless advised by your veterinarian, do not shave your cat’s fur!

Finally, when your cat experiences extreme heat, it is important to regularly check on its well-being, but above all to leave it alone. If it is not feeling its best, it is important to let it rest in the shade and stay cool, so as not to add extra stress to this uncomfortable situation.

Share your tips in the comments on how you keep your cat cool!