Hot weather can turn the most dignified cat into a fluffy puddle on the kitchen tiles. And while many cats seem to thrive when they're basking under a sunbeam, high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat stress, and loss of appetite.
So, if your cat’s staring at their food like it’s an inconvenience, or spending suspicious amounts of time lurking behind the sofa to escape the heat, here’s how to help them stay cool and make meal times more comfortable.
Serve Smaller, More Frequent Meals
When it’s hot, your cat may go off their food or eat less than they normally would. So, instead of serving one or two big meals, try offering smaller portions more often. It’s less overwhelming and can tempt a reluctant eater back to the bowl.
If you feed wet food, pick up any leftovers after 20-30 minutes to stop it from spoiling in the heat.
Feed in Cool, Shaded Spots
Avoid serving meals in sunny patches or rooms that get stuffy. A cooler, shaded space helps keep your cat comfortable and their food fresher for longer.
Feed During the Cooler Parts of the Day
Feeding your cat during cooler hours, early morning or later in the evening, when the heat has eased off a bit, can help them feel more comfortable to enjoy their meal.
Keep Fresh Water Available at All Times
Hydration matters even more when it’s hot. Cats aren’t always the best at drinking water, so help them along:
Put out several bowls of cool, fresh water around the house. Cats like to have options.
Try a pet fountain. Many cats prefer running water and will drink more if it’s flowing.
Drop a few ice cubes into the water. It keeps things cooler, and some cats love batting them around for fun.
Monitor for Signs of Heat Stress
If you notice your dog developing symptoms of heat stress, we’d recommend making an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible. Common symptoms include:
Panting
Drooling
Lethargy
Rapid breathing.
Cats with flatter faces (like Persians) or older cats can be more sensitive to heat. If your cat seems unwell, call your vet promptly.
Important: Our meals are freshly cooked with no preservatives, so just like human food, you wouldn’t want them sitting out at an ambient temperature for too long. If the weather is particularly hot, the food may spoil quicker than usual, so we recommend disposing of any uneaten food in the bowl rather than leaving it for your cat to finish later on.