When summer heat starts creeping in, it’s not just humans that are aware of the heat — our feline friends feel it too. Although cats are masters of finding elusive spots of coolness and shade, they too can experience heat stress or heatstroke, especially without air conditioning (AC). If you want to know how to keep cats cool in summer without AC, then you’re in the right place.
In this blog, we’ll explore 15 effective and affordable ways to help your cat beat the heat safely and comfortably.
Do Cats Get Hot?
Yes, cats get hot. When the ambient temperature rises above 85°F (29.5°C), this temperature is too hot for cats and they can have trouble keeping their body temperature — especially long-haired cats like Maine Coons or Persians. A cat’s normal body temperature is little higher than human beings, typically ranging from about 101 to 102.5°F (or 38.3 to 39.2°C).
Being exposed for extended periods of time to hot temperatures can lead to:
- Heat exhaustion
- Dehydration
- Heatstroke (a medical condition)
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
So let’s look at functional ways to cool them off without using an AC unit.
How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer without AC
To keep cats cool in summer without AC, we will discuss 15 proven tips. Follow the steps:
1. Provide Plenty of Fresh, Cool Water
Hydration is your cat’s initial line of defense against heat.To keep your home comfortable for your furry friends, try placing some water bowls in various spots around the house, particularly in those cool, quiet corners.
Tips:
- Add ice cubes to their water bowls.
- Use shallow, wide ceramic or stainless steel bowls that hold coolness longer.
- Try a cat water fountain — the flowing water stimulates more drinking.
2. Cool Their Bedding
Cats love hot spots, but during summer they will appreciate something a bit cooler.
How to do it:
- Replace fluffy beds with thin, light cotton or cooling mats.
- To help them cool down, try chilling a water bottle, wrapping it in a towel, and placing it in their bed.
- Use elevated cat beds that allow air space under them.
3. Create a Breeze With Fans
Position fans around the house to keep air moving.
Pro tip: Try placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan to whip up a refreshing breeze! Just remember to keep the fan safe for pets and make sure those cords are out of their reach.
4. Brush Your Cat Regularly
Brushing your cat keeps it hair-free and devoid of matting, which retains heat. Long-hair cats especially require regular brushing during summer. Grooming is also necessary.
Don’t shave your cat unless instructed to by a vet — their coat protects them from sunburn and keeps them insulated against heat and cold.
5. Use Cooling Cat Mats or Pads
Cooling mats for cats absorb body heat and remain cool without electricity or refrigeration.
They’re inexpensive and effective — perfect for placing in your cat’s favorite lounging areas.
6. Limit Outdoor Time
If your cat does get outside time, be sure to bring them inside for the hottest part of the sun (generally 11 AM to 4 PM).
Release them early in the morning or late evening when the temperature is lower.
7. Close Curtains and Blinds
Sunlight traveling through windows will heat up rooms in a short time. Keep blinds or curtains closed in the daytime, especially on east- and west-facing windows.
Use blackout curtains to have even better temperature control.
8. Create a Cool Hideout
Cats love confined spaces. Give them a shaded box, a cardboard hideaway, or even a home-made tent with cool sheets and ventilation at the bottom. Also, keep them out of sunlight. Do not keep your window open for a cool breeze; it can be risky for them. Sometimes, they drop from the window. If you want to keep the window open then use a net for protection.
You can even place a sock with rice frozen and place it under their favorite pet blanket or towel.
9. Keep the Floor Cool
Tile, hardwood, or laminate flooring is colder than a carpet. Let your cat walk around rooms with hard flooring in the summertime.
You can also place damp towels or a cold pillowcase on the floor for extra comfort.
10. Feed Smaller Meals
Cats that digest big meals generate more body heat. Offering small, frequent meals throughout the day can really help keep energy levels up and make eating feel less overwhelming!
If your cat eats wet food, consider refrigerating it briefly before feeding for a cool treat.
11. Give Frozen Cat Treats
Make your own frozen cat treats with tuna water or chicken broth (unsalted) in ice cube trays.
Feed them in a bowl or let your cat lick them slowly for a water-packed, cooling treat
12. Dampen Their Fur (Gently!)
Lightly dampen a soft cloth with cool (not cold) water and wipe your cat’s fur — especially around their head, neck, and paws.
Caution: Never soak your cat. Most cats dislike water, and this should be gentle and stress-free.
13. Avoid Playtime During Peak Heat
Active play can raise your cat’s body temperature. Schedule interactive play sessions for the cooler parts of the day — early morning or after sunset.
14. Monitor for Signs of Overheating
Keep an eye out for:
- Excessive sweating and panting
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Red or pale gums
If your cat shows any of these signs, move them to a cooler area immediately and contact a vet.
15. Use Frozen Water Bottles or Gel Packs (Safely)
Wrap the frozen water bottles in a sock or towel and place them where your cat sleeps. Never directly place frozen items on or against your cat.
You also can freeze pet gel packs — they stay cool for hours.
No AC? No Problem
It may seem challenging to keep your cat cool during summer with no air conditioning, but with some mindful changes and ingenious tricks, it is certainly achievable. The key is to focus on airflow, hydration, and offering cool surfaces or items that your cat can use.
Final Thought
We hope that you have got the answer to the question of how to keep cats cool in summer without AC. Cats are very resilient in terms of hot weather, but they still require you to give them a cool, safe haven — especially heatwaves. Follow these guidelines, keep an eye on their levels of activity, and shower them with affection and adoration in the summer months.
