It’s importantt to follow the advice of vets when the weather is warm (Stock Image) (Image: Natalia Kokhanova via Getty Images)
It’s getting warm again as Britain is set to enter its fourth heatwave of 2026. This means that cat parents everywhere will be stressing about how they can best keep their furry friends cool as temperatures are set to get as high as 34 degrees.
Of course, we all know that dogs shouldn’t be walked during the heat as it can cause serious damage to the pads on their paws, but many cat owners aren’t sure whether their cats should still be going outside when it’s so warm.
Thankfully, a vet has offered some practical advice to ensure your cats remain as comfortable as possible.
The expert from Green Pastures Vets advised that on an exceptionally hot day, you should “ideally keep them inside where it’s a little bit cooler”.
You should also let them “have 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 top action she recommends for cat owners is to purchase a cooling mat, which their pets can choose to lie on at their leisure.
“If you have rabbits or other small furry mammals, you can always freeze bottles of water, wrap them in towels, and place them in their hutches with them,” she said.
It’s also crucial that animals have access to plenty of “lot of shade,” and are offered water from “bowls as well as bottles”.
In the comments section, one user additionally suggested: “Cat safe sunscreen on their ears and nose too if they are a light colouring and insist on sunbathing”.
The RSPCA advises 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”.
They caution that “some sunscreens contain perfume that can bother cats’ sensitive noses,” while others contain “toxic chemicals that can harm pets”. When selecting pet-safe products, it’s essential to choose a suncream of at least factor 30.
The charity recommends that you should “go slow” and “spend a few days getting them used to the bottle. Let them look at it and sniff it while giving them treats. You could try gently touching their ears or nose, with the sunscreen close by”.
The specialists further advise: “Start by squeezing a pea-sized amount onto your hand and wiping a very thin layer onto the front and back of both ears. Concentrate on the sticking-up part of your cat’s ears – no need to get cream inside. When putting cream on your cat’s nose, apply an equally thin layer to the furry, top part of their nose.”
Your feline companion then requires “distracting” for a period to prevent them from licking it off. The charity noted: “Your cat will soon learn that sunscreen sessions are quickly followed by yummy treats, fun play or a fuss.”
Crucially, “make sure your cat has plenty of shade and water on hot days – sunscreen or no sunscreen”.