---
title: "Cat Hot Weather Safety UK"
description: "Can cats overheat in UK heatwaves? Signs of heatstroke in cats, keeping indoor cats cool, and when to call your vet. Open-mouth panting needs urgent care."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-hot-weather-safety-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-hot-weather-safety-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Cat Hot Weather Safety UK

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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [RSPCA — Cats and hot weather](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/summer)
- [Blue Cross — Keeping cats cool](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)
- [BVA — Hot weather advice](https://www.bva.co.uk)

Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-hot-weather-safety-uk
Last modified: 2026-06-25