Cats get heatstroke too: 75% of cases happen in June-July — 2026 UK cat owner summer guide
Many people think cats are desert animals and don't mind the heat. But indoor cats are at greater risk of heatstroke than you might realise.
In June 2026, temperatures across much of the UK exceeded 30°C. You might think "my cat doesn't go outside, so they'll be fine" — but data shows that 75% of feline heatstroke hospital admissions happen in June and July. That is exactly why you need to read this now.
Can cats really get heatstroke? Yes.
A cat's normal body temperature is 38.2°C to 39.2°C. Anything above that is abnormal. When body temperature rises above 41°C, brain damage can occur. Above 42°C, it can be fatal.
Cats and humans cool down very differently:
1、Humans: sweat through glands all over the body
2、Cats: rely on a small amount of sweating through their paw pads, grooming (saliva evaporates to remove heat), and panting
Panting is a cat's "last line of defence" — when a cat starts panting, it is already overheating. Unlike dogs, who can pant normally to cool down, cats are much less efficient at it.
Early signs of heatstroke in cats
Cats are masters of hiding discomfort — they won't tell you "I'm too hot." Here are the signs to watch for:
| Stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Early | Excessive grooming, rapid breathing, restlessness, seeking cool surfaces, loss of appetite |
| Progressing | Open-mouth panting, increased drooling, bright red or dark red gums |
| Severe | Vomiting, diarrhoea, unsteady walking, tremors, collapse, seizures |
If your cat is in the severe stage, do not wait — contact your vet immediately. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.
Which cats are most at risk?
The following groups are at higher risk during hot weather:
Flat-faced breeds: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, Burmese. Their narrowed airways restrict airflow and make cooling less efficient.
Long-haired breeds: Persians, Maine Coons, Ragdolls. Thick coats trap heat.
Senior cats and kittens: Their body temperature regulation is either still developing or declining.
Overweight cats: Fat tissue traps heat and adds metabolic strain.
If your cat falls into any of these categories, pay extra attention to this guide.
Main causes of heatstroke in cats: most happen indoors
You might think heatstroke in cats is caused by sun exposure. But the reality is different:
Being trapped in a hot, enclosed space is the most common cause of heatstroke in cats.
That means:
1、Leaving a cat in a car: on a summer day, car temperatures can reach 56°C — a cat can die of heatstroke within 15 minutes
2、Enclosed balconies or sun-drenched rooms with no shade or ventilation
3、Cupboards or storage rooms accidentally closed while the cat is inside
Indoor cats are not safer than outdoor cats — in fact, they are often less adapted to heat because they are used to a stable indoor temperature.
Heatstroke first aid: 5 steps
If you suspect your cat has heatstroke, follow these steps:
1、Move — take the cat to a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area with air conditioning or a fan (keep the room at around 25-27°C, and avoid pointing the fan directly at the cat)
2、Dampen — use cool tap water (not icy cold) to wet a towel and gently wipe the paw pads, belly, armpits, and inner ears
3、Massage — gently massage the legs to promote circulation
4、Hydrate — if the cat is alert, offer small amounts of cool water. If not, do not force water into their mouth
5、 Vet — contact your vet immediately, even if the cat seems to recover
⚠️ Important: do not use ice or ice-cold water! Ice causes surface blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside the body — which can make things worse and may cause shock.
Do not place a wet towel over the cat — this traps heat against the body, making the situation worse (same principle as with dogs).
Summer prevention: 6 things you can do at home
1、Keep the environment cool and ventilated
Use air conditioning or a fan, and close curtains to block direct sunlight. Cats are most comfortable at 25-27°C.
2、Place multiple water bowls around the house
Add an ice cube or two to encourage drinking. Wet food also helps with hydration.
3、 Brush daily and trim paw fur
Especially important for long-haired cats — loose fur stops air from reaching the skin. You can trim belly fur slightly, but never shave your cat — shaving exposes the skin to direct UV rays and increases the risk of sunburn.
4、Provide cooling surfaces
Cooling mats, chilled ceramic tiles, or frozen towels placed where your cat likes to lie. Let them choose.
5、 Check enclosed spaces before closing doors
Before leaving the house, check cupboards, storage rooms, and balcony doors — your cat may have snuck inside and could get trapped in a hot space.
6、 Never leave your cat in a car
On a British summer day, car temperatures can reach 56°C — death can occur in 15 minutes.
How cat and dog heatstroke prevention differ
| Aspect | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Main cooling method | Panting | Paw pads + grooming + panting |
| Heatstroke signs | Relatively obvious | Subtle, easy to miss |
| Main risk scenarios | Walks, cars | Indoor enclosed spaces, carriers in cars |
| High-risk breeds | French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs | Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans |
"Will my cat just get better on their own?"
No. Severe heatstroke can cause permanent damage — including kidney failure and neurological issues — and can be fatal.
Mild cases may improve within a few hours to a day with prompt care. But heatstroke is a "silent accumulator" — by the time you see your cat panting, they are already in a dangerous state. If you are unsure, it is always better to contact your vet than to "wait and see."
A final word
Summer 2026 is still here. Your cat may not pant or drool as obviously as a dog — they may just lie quietly on the tiles, breathing a little faster than usual.
If you are not sure whether the temperature is safe for your cat — anything above 25°C is worth watching.
If your cat starts panting — do not wait.
References
1、British Veterinary Nursing Association. Recognising and responding to heatstroke in pets. 2024.
2、FirstVet. Heat stroke in cats. 2020.
3、Cats Protection. Heatstroke in cats.
4、Battersea. Hottest day pet safety advice. 2025.
5、Davies Veterinary Specialists. How to keep your cats cool this summer. 2022.
6、RSPCA. Safe for Summer pet advice.
