Cat Health
Cat Hot Weather Safety UK — Overheating & Heatstroke
Published Last updated 1 min read
Quick answer
Cats overheat less obviously than dogs but heatstroke still happens — especially in conservatories, loft rooms, and parked cars. Open-mouth panting, drooling, wobbliness, or collapse need urgent vet care. Keep cats indoors in the coolest room with water and airflow during UK heatwaves.
High-risk situations
According to the RSPCA and BVA, cats can overheat in enclosed spaces even when dogs get more attention in heatwave warnings. Common risks include:
- Cars and carriers — never leave cats enclosed in heat
- Conservatories and sunny rooms — glass traps heat rapidly
- Flat-faced breeds (Persians, Exotics) — like brachycephalic dogs
- Outdoor cats — ensure shade and water in garden
- Overweight or elderly cats
Keeping cats cool
- Draw curtains on south-facing windows
- Open windows safely (secure screens — cats fall from heights)
- Ice cubes in water or cat-safe ice treats
- Cool tiles or damp towel to lie on
- Groom long-haired cats to remove loose coat
Heatstroke signs in cats
| Sign | Action |
|---|---|
| Open-mouth panting | Urgent vet call |
| Drooling, red gums | Urgent vet call |
| Vomiting, diarrhoea | Emergency |
| Wobbliness, collapse | Emergency |
Cool with damp towels and call your vet while transporting.
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can cats get heatstroke?
- Yes. Cats can overheat in conservatories, hot rooms, cars, or when unable to find shade and water. Open-mouth panting in cats is abnormal and urgent.
- How do I keep my cat cool in a heatwave?
- Close curtains on sunny windows, ensure ventilation, provide multiple water bowls, offer cool surfaces to lie on, and never leave cats in cars or glass rooms that trap heat.
- Is panting normal for cats in hot weather?
- Occasional brief panting after stress or exercise can occur, but sustained panting, drooling, or lethargy in heat is not normal — contact your vet the same day.