Dubai summers are famous for their extreme heat. While cats love to stretch out in the sun, too much heat can quickly become dangerous for them. Most cats in Dubai live indoors, often in apartments, where air conditioning runs all day and balconies heat up like ovens. Without proper care, cats risk dehydration, heatstroke, or even sunburn.

The good news is that with a few smart adjustments, you can help your cat stay safe and comfortable during the hottest months. From creating cool spaces at home to encouraging your cat to drink more water, small changes make a big difference.

How Cats Regulate Their Body Temperature

Unlike humans, cats cannot cool themselves by sweating all over their body. They only have a few sweat glands, mainly on their paw pads. On very hot days, you may even see damp paw prints on the floor – that’s a sign your cat is trying to cool down.

Cats also groom more in summer. By licking their fur, they spread saliva, which cools the skin as it evaporates. Some cats will even pant like dogs, although this is less effective for them.

Another natural trick is changing their coat: long-haired cats shed more fur in summer, making their coat lighter and thinner.

Dangers of Summer Heat for Cats

Even though cats come from desert ancestors, the modern house cat is not built for Dubai’s 45°C summers. High temperatures bring several risks.

The most serious is heatstroke. If a cat cannot cool down, its body temperature rises above 39°C. Signs include restlessness, heavy panting, dark red gums, and weakness. In severe cases, the cat may collapse, shake, or even lose consciousness. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

Cats are also at risk of sunburn. Light-colored cats, hairless breeds, and areas with thin fur (like nose, ears, and belly) can burn just like human skin. Over time, sun damage can even increase the risk of skin cancer.

Another danger is dehydration. Many cats naturally drink little water, but in hot weather they lose more fluids through grooming, sweating from their paws, or panting. Without enough water, they can quickly become weak and ill. Read here how much cats should drink daily.

Cooling Solutions at Home

Cats need safe and cool places where they can escape the heat. In Dubai apartments, this requires some planning.

Offer your cat a cool retreat. Bathrooms with tiled floors, shaded bedrooms, or air-conditioned rooms are ideal. Some cats love to sleep in sinks or bathtubs because the surfaces feel cooler. If you have a balcony, make sure it is cat-proof and shaded. Use nets or screens so your cat can enjoy fresh air without risk.

Keep your home cooler by closing curtains or blinds during the day and airing out the apartment early in the morning or late at night. Be careful with fans and air conditioning: strong air flow can cause eye irritation or colds. Place fans safely, out of reach of curious paws. Further information: How to use AC with cats.

Extra help can come from cooling mats or damp towels placed on the floor. Many cats will happily lie on them. Even simple frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel can turn your cat’s bed into a refreshing spot.

Hydration and Nutrition in Summer

Water is the most important way to protect your cat in the Dubai heat. Place several bowls of fresh water around your home, especially in shaded and cool areas. Many cats enjoy drinking from moving water, so a cat fountain can be a good investment. You can also encourage drinking by adding ice cubes or a splash of unsalted chicken broth.

Food also plays a role. In hot weather, cats burn fewer calories and eat less, but they need more fluids. Offering wet food instead of dry food helps increase water intake. Avoid leaving food out for too long, especially wet food, as it can spoil quickly in the heat and attract insects. It is better to serve smaller portions throughout the day. For a fun treat, you can even make “cat ice cream” by freezing wet food or broth into small cubes.

Grooming and Fur Care

A cat’s coat changes with the seasons, but you can help your cat with regular grooming. Brushing your cat daily removes loose hair, prevents mats, and makes the coat lighter, which helps with cooling. For long-haired cats such as Persians or Maine Coons, this is especially important.

In Dubai’s dusty environment, frequent grooming also keeps the fur clean and reduces the amount of hair swallowed during self-licking. Offering cat grass helps cats cough up swallowed hair more easily, which supports their digestion during the heavy summer shedding period.

Outdoor and Safety Tips

If your cat goes outside or your cat enjoys time on a balcony, extra care is needed. Always provide shade and make sure there are safe, cool surfaces to rest on. Tiled or shaded areas under plants are perfect. In apartments, install secure nets or mesh on balconies to prevent accidents.

Some cats enjoy playing with water. A shallow bowl, a small paddling pool, or even a dripping tap can be fun ways to cool down. Adding toys, like floating treats or rubber mice, makes water play more attractive.

Summer also means more insects and parasites. Protect your cat with vet-approved flea, tick, and mosquito treatments. Be cautious with sprays or chemicals in the house — many insecticides are toxic to cats. A simple fly screen is often the safest way to keep bugs out.

When to Call the Vet

Even with the best care, heat can be dangerous. If you notice signs like heavy panting, drooling, dark gums, weakness, or your cat lying flat and unresponsive, it could be heatstroke. This is a medical emergency. Wrap your cat in a damp towel, offer cool water, and take her to the vet immediately.

Other warning signs include refusing to eat or drink, vomiting, or strange behavior such as hiding for long periods. In Dubai, where temperatures are extreme, it is better to see a vet once too often than too late. Many clinics offer 24-hour emergency services, so save the nearest contact in your phone before summer begins.

Conclusion

Cats love warmth, but Dubai’s summer heat can be too much for them. With a few simple steps, you can protect your pet: provide fresh water, safe cool spaces, daily grooming, and shade on balconies or gardens. Keep a close eye on your cat’s behavior and act quickly if you see signs of overheating.

By preparing your home and adjusting routines, your cat can enjoy the summer safely — even in the UAE’s extreme climate. A happy, cool cat means a relaxed owner, ready to get through the hottest months together.