The vet has shared four ways to keep your cat cool in summer (Image: Getty)
As temperatures continue to climb across the UK, pet owners are being warned about the risks heatwaves present to dogs – but one vet has highlighted that we frequently overlook cats.
Fortunately, according to the expert, cats are typically far more capable of caring for themselves during warm weather than dogs. However, that doesn’t mean owners cannot lend a hand to make conditions slightly more bearable for them.
Offering her guidance, the vet, who goes by @cat_the_vet on TikTok, shared four straightforward methods owners can use to help keep their feline companions cool and comfortable during the heatwave.
Among her key suggestions is purchasing a cooling mat, noting that cats spend the majority of hot weather resting and lazing about.
She explained that having something chilled to recline on could prove tremendously beneficial during warmer days, even if some choose to disregard it entirely.
Another technique involves creating flavoured ice cubes to encourage cats to consume more water.
Instead of using plain water, the vet proposed freezing the spring water from a tin of tuna – ensuring it’s not salty brine or oil – before adding the cubes into their water bowl throughout the day.
According to the expert, this helps maintain the water’s coolness while also rendering it considerably more enticing for particular cats.
She also advocated frozen treats during warmer weather, disclosing her own cats adore frozen lickable cat treats as a means to cool down.
For long-haired cats, regular grooming can also prove particularly beneficial during warmer spells, as it removes loose and dead fur that becomes trapped within dense coats.
The vet noted this can help cats feel considerably lighter and more at ease as the mercury rises.
She also recommended positioning a fan close to wherever cats tend to doze, allowing them to snooze in a refreshing breeze throughout the day.
Despite all these suggestions, however, the expert was keen to emphasise that cats are generally very capable of regulating their own temperature in hot weather.
She pointed out that unlike dogs, it is actually quite rare for cats to suffer from heatstroke, as they naturally slow their activity, rest more frequently and seek cooler spots of their own accord.
The video promptly ignited debate among cat owners, many of whom confessed their pets had completely disregarded costly cooling products.
One person said: “I got them a cooling mat, do they use it? Nah, the bath is better.”
Another owner revealed their cat had developed a new heatwave habit.
“Ever since the heat rose my cat has become accustomed to screaming until I turn on the tap for her,” they joked.
Meanwhile, another viewer admitted their cat rejected both a cooling mat and water fountain but happily settled for a cold wet flannel instead.
With temperatures continuing to climb this summer, the vet suggested that modest adjustments can help keep cats more comfortable — even if many of them remain utterly determined to do things entirely on their own terms.