Temperatures in parts of the UK are forecast to hit 34°C, prompting a vet to offer advice on keeping cats comfortable. The vet from Green Pastures Vets recommends that on very hot days, owners should “ideally keep them inside where it's a little bit cooler.”
Key tips for feline comfort
The vet emphasises providing cats with “lots of access to water” and “lots of access to litter trays so they don't have to go outside if they don't want to.” The main change suggested is purchasing a cooling mat that cats can lie on if they choose.
For owners of rabbits and other small furry mammals, the vet suggests freezing bottles of water, wrapping them in towels, and placing them in hutches. It is also important to ensure there is “a lot of shade” and to offer water from “bowls as well as bottles.”
Sunscreen considerations
One commenter on the vet’s post recommended using “cat safe sunscreen on their ears and nose too if they are a light colouring and insist on sunbathing.” The RSPCA warns that “white cats and cats with pale ears and noses need extra protection from the sun in hot weather, as they’re at risk of sunburn and future skin problems.”
The charity notes that some sunscreens contain perfume that can bother cats’ sensitive noses or toxic chemicals that can harm pets. They advise choosing a pet-safe suncream with at least factor 30.
When applying sunscreen, the RSPCA recommends going slow: “Spend a few days getting them used to the bottle. Let them look at it and sniff it while giving them treats.” Apply a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to the front and back of both ears, focusing on the sticking-up part, and a similar thin layer on the furry top part of the nose. After application, distract the cat so it doesn’t lick the cream off. The charity adds: “Your cat will soon learn that sunscreen sessions are quickly followed by yummy treats, fun play or a fuss.”
Final advice
Regardless of sunscreen use, the RSPCA stresses: “Make sure your cat has plenty of shade and water on hot days – sunscreen or no sunscreen.”
