Why Is My Cat Sleeping More During Hot Weather? Summer Behaviour Explained
As temperatures rise, many cat owners notice a change in their pet's behaviour.
Your normally energetic cat may seem less interested in playing, spend more time stretched out on cool floors, or disappear into shady corners of the house.
This often leads owners to ask:
Why is my cat sleeping more during hot weather?
In most cases, this is completely normal.
Cats naturally adjust their behaviour to conserve energy and stay comfortable during warmer temperatures. However, it's important to know the difference between normal heat-related behaviour and signs that your cat may be struggling.
Normal Summer Behaviour vs Warning Signs
Not all changes should be ignored. Here's a quick guide:
| Usually Normal | Time To Be Concerned |
|---|---|
| Sleeping more | Struggling to stand |
| Resting on cool floors | Excessive panting |
| Reduced daytime activity | Drooling |
| Drinking more water | Vomiting |
| Seeking shade | Weakness or collapse |
| Less interest in play | Difficulty breathing |
If your cat shows signs of heatstroke or appears distressed, contact a vet immediately.
Do Cats Sleep More In Summer?
Yes.
Cats are experts at conserving energy, and many will naturally become less active during hot weather.
You may notice your cat:
🐱 Sleeping for longer periods
🐱 Playing less during the day
🐱 Seeking cooler locations
🐱 Being more active early in the morning or late in the evening
🐱 Drinking more water than usual
This is your cat's way of avoiding unnecessary exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
How Do Cats Keep Cool?
Unlike humans, cats only sweat through a small number of sweat glands, mainly located in their paws.
To regulate body temperature they rely on:
✔️ Grooming
✔️ Seeking cool surfaces
✔️ Resting during hotter periods
✔️ Increasing water intake
✔️ Choosing shaded areas
This is why you may find your cat stretched out on kitchen tiles, bathroom floors or shaded garden spots during a heatwave.
5 Ways To Help Your Cat Stay Comfortable
1. Provide Multiple Water Stations
Cats can be notoriously fussy drinkers.
Placing several bowls around your home can encourage them to stay hydrated.
2. Offer Wet Food
Wet food contains significantly more moisture than dry food and can help support hydration during hot weather.
3. Keep Curtains Closed During Peak Sunlight
Closing blinds or curtains can help prevent rooms from overheating.
4. Create Cool Resting Areas
Cooling mats, shaded rooms and tiled floors can all help your cat regulate its temperature.
5. Encourage Play At Cooler Times
Early mornings and evenings are often the best times for interactive play during a heatwave.
Indoor Cats vs Outdoor Cats
Both can be affected by hot weather, but in different ways.
| Indoor Cats | Outdoor Cats |
| Risk of overheated rooms | Risk of direct sun exposure |
| Less natural airflow | Increased dehydration risk |
| Conservatories can become very hot | May roam further searching for shade |
| May rely entirely on owner for cooling | Often seek cool spots independently |
Regardless of lifestyle, all cats need access to fresh water and cool resting areas.
A Quick Summer Checklist
Ask yourself:
✅ Does my cat have access to fresh water?
✅ Are there cool areas available indoors?
✅ Is my cat eating and drinking normally?
✅ Have I noticed any unusual behaviour?
✅ Is my cat able to avoid direct sunlight?
If the answer is yes, you're helping your cat stay comfortable during warmer weather.
If your cat is sleeping more than usual during a heatwave, it's often a perfectly natural response to warmer temperatures.
By providing fresh water, cool places to rest and opportunities to stay hydrated, you can help your cat remain comfortable throughout the summer.
If you have questions about keeping your cat happy and healthy during hot weather, visit your local Smith's Pets store and speak to our friendly team.
