Summer Heat: Keeping Cats Safe And Cool Indoors

Cats are creatures of comfort. They sleep for up to 16 hours a day and spend a lot of time grooming themselves, so it's no surprise that they have specific temperature preferences. While cats can survive in a wide range of temperatures, there are still safe temperatures to consider for their health and happiness. In the summer, cats are at high risk of heatstroke, so it's important to keep the temperature indoors regulated.

Keep the AC running

Keeping the AC running is essential to maintaining a safe indoor temperature for cats during the summer. Cats have a higher body temperature than humans, typically ranging from 100.5 to 102.5°F, so they can tolerate warmer temperatures to a certain extent. However, it is crucial to remember that a comfortable temperature for you may not be comfortable for your cat.

To ensure your cat stays cool and comfortable, it is recommended to set your thermostat between 75 and 78°F when you are at home during the summer. This temperature range is ideal for both long-haired and short-haired cat breeds. If you have a larger cat or a cat with long, thick fur, they may be more comfortable with the temperature set a few degrees lower. On the other hand, if you have a smaller cat, a lean cat, or a kitten, you may want to set the thermostat slightly higher.

It is worth noting that cats can survive in a broader range of temperatures, from as low as 30°F to as high as 115°F. However, this does not mean they are comfortable or happy in such extreme climates. Just like humans, cats have an optimal temperature range where they feel their best.

Leaving the AC running is especially important if you need to leave your cat at home alone during hot summer days. Simply being indoors will not necessarily keep your cat cool, and fans are not sufficient to cool cats effectively. By all means, keep the fans running to improve airflow, but this should be in addition to, not instead of, air conditioning.

If you are concerned about energy consumption, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This way, you can set your AC to run more efficiently when you are away and automatically adjust to a more comfortable temperature when you are at home.

Provide shade and water

Providing shade and water for your cat during the summer is essential to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Cats can generally tolerate heat well, but they are still susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration, so it is important to take precautions.

Provide shade

Cats will naturally seek out shade to cool down, but you can help them by creating shaded spots in your home and garden. Keep curtains closed to block out the sun, and use fans to create a cool room for your cat to relax in. You can also provide shade in your garden by planting trees or shrubs, or by using sun sails. Additionally, you can place your cat's bed in a shaded area, or invest in a cooling bed or mat.

Provide water

It is important to ensure your cat stays hydrated during hot weather. Provide plenty of fresh water in multiple locations, both indoors and outdoors. Use water bowls that are narrow and deep to reduce the surface area and slow evaporation, and place them in shaded areas. You can also add a few ice cubes to the water to keep it cool. If your cat is reluctant to drink water, try moving their water bowl away from their food and litter tray, or experiment with different types and sizes of bowls. You can also try providing a running water source, such as a pet water fountain, as some cats prefer to drink from running water.

Other tips

In addition to providing shade and water, there are some other things you can do to help your cat stay cool during the summer:

• Groom your cat regularly to remove excess fur that can trap heat.
• Keep your cat indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and provide indoor entertainment such as toys or games.
• Be cautious of open windows, as cats can fall out and injure themselves. Install tip and tilt windows, or place wire mesh or screens over open windows to prevent accidents.
• Check sheds, greenhouses, and garages before locking up, as cats can get trapped in hot rooms with no ventilation, which can quickly lead to heatstroke.
• Use pet-safe sunscreen on cats with light-coloured fur to protect them from sunburn, especially on their ears, nose, and other areas where their hair may be sparse.

Monitor for heatstroke

Cats can typically tolerate heat well, but it's still important to monitor them for heatstroke, especially if they are old, overweight, flat-faced, have a thick coat, or are very young. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature rises to dangerous levels, causing organ failure and even death.

Know the signs of heatstroke: Cats are experts at hiding illness, so it's important to be aware of the signs of heatstroke. These can include a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, rapid breathing, panting, respiratory distress, anxiety or restlessness, dizziness and/or disorientation, dark red gums and tongue, and drooling with thick saliva due to dehydration. If your cat is displaying any of these signs, take them to a cool, well-ventilated area and offer them small sips of cool water. Then, take them to the vet immediately.

Monitor the temperature: Keep a close eye on both the indoor and outdoor temperatures. The ideal temperature for cats shouldn't surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the optimal temperature being between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for both long-haired and short-haired breeds. If the temperature goes above 100 degrees, monitor your cat more frequently, and if it goes above 105 degrees, take steps to cool your cat down.

Provide access to cool areas and water: Always ensure your cat has access to a cool, shaded area and plenty of fresh water, both indoors and outdoors. This will help them regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.

Restrict exercise on warm days: On particularly warm days, restrict your cat's exercise and keep them indoors. If you do take them outside, make sure it's early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Be extra vigilant with high-risk cats: If you have a kitten, senior cat, sick cat, flat-faced cat, overweight cat, or a cat with a thick coat, be extra vigilant in monitoring for heatstroke. These cats are less capable of regulating their body temperature and are more susceptible to heat-related issues.

By following these steps, you can help keep your cat safe and comfortable during the summer months and reduce the risk of heatstroke.

Grooming and panting

To keep your cat comfortable during the summer, regular grooming is essential. Cats tend to shed more during the warmer months, and grooming will help keep shedding to a minimum. Excessive shedding can lead to hairballs if dead hair is not removed. Regular baths and thorough brushing with the right tools will remove loose hair, keep your cat comfortable, and prevent itching. Grooming can also help prevent infestations of fleas or ticks.

It is generally not recommended to shave your cat during the summer. Their fur coat serves as an excellent insulator, providing warmth during cold winter days and cooling them down in hot weather by trapping cool air against the skin. Shaving your cat can strip them of their natural defence against the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn and other skin damage. It can also expose them to potential allergens, biting insects, and lawn care products. Instead of shaving, consider taking your cat to a professional groomer for a trim to assist in the natural shedding of their winter coat.

If you do decide to give your cat a haircut, it is best to leave it to a veterinarian or professional groomer. They will have the proper equipment to prevent accidental injuries. If you do it yourself, your cat's coat may be cut too short, losing its insulating properties, and you may accidentally nick their skin.

In addition to grooming, panting is another way that cats cool themselves down. Cats have sweat glands in certain parts of their bodies, particularly their paws, which help them to regulate their body temperature. However, panting allows saliva to evaporate from their tongue, providing an additional cooling effect.

By maintaining a comfortable temperature, regularly grooming your cat, and being mindful of the signs of overheating, you can help ensure your cat stays safe and healthy during the summer months.

Humidity and health

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour in the air. When there is a large amount of water vapour in the air, humidity is high. Conversely, when there is a small amount of water vapour in the air, humidity is low.

Humidity affects how our bodies cool down. When it is humid, our bodies have a harder time cooling down as the sweat cannot evaporate as quickly. This is why we feel sticky, sweaty, and uncomfortable in high humidity.

High humidity can also negatively impact our sleep. It can make it more difficult to breathe, especially for people with respiratory issues like asthma. It can also cause or exacerbate allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.

The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 60%. Maintaining humidity levels below 50% is generally recommended for optimal comfort and health. At humidity levels above 50%, issues such as mould growth and condensation can occur, which can decrease the air quality in your home.

High humidity can also cause discomfort when sleeping, damage to wooden furniture and musical instruments, and the spread of viruses and bacteria.

In the summer, when it is hotter, humidity levels tend to be higher. This is because, in warm weather, water from natural bodies of water evaporates, leading to an increase in moisture and humidity in the air. Thunderstorms and rain, which are common in the summer, also increase humidity levels.

To maintain healthy humidity levels in your home, you can:

• Use a whole-home dehumidifier
• Use air conditioning, which has dehumidification properties
• Utilize exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
• Discontinue the use of humidifiers
• Open windows and use fans or air purifiers to improve air circulation
• Use ceiling fans to help with air circulation
• Use your outdoor grill or BBQ pit
• Keep interior doors open to increase ventilation
• Run the dishwasher at night
• Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
• Decorate with humidity-absorbing plants like Boston fern or English ivy

Safe Temperature for Cats Indoors in Summer

Cats have higher body temperatures than humans, so they can tolerate hotter temperatures. However, the ideal temperature for a cat should not surpass 100°F. The optimal temperature for long-haired and short-haired cat breeds is between 75°F and 80°F.

If the temperature goes above 105°F, you should take steps to cool your cat down. Some signs that your cat is too warm include:

• Less active
• Seeking cooler spots in the house or on the floor
• Drinking more water
• Panting
• Sprawling out on the floor, rather than curling up in a ball

To keep your cat cool in the summer, you can:

• Leave the AC running at a moderate but comfortable setting, such as 75–78℉
• Provide plenty of fresh water that is easily accessible and in multiple locations in your home
• Provide a cool bed that doesn't require electricity, such as a Cool Bed III
• Ensure your cat has dark and cool places to retreat to that are away from the sun's rays
• Close the curtains to keep the heat out

Frequently asked questions