A–Z topic · C
Cat hot weather safety
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
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.