Edited by: Ingrid King. Last updated: March 3, 2023 by Crystal Uys
During the hot summer months, it goes without saying that you should take precautions for your outdoor pets to protect them from heatstroke and other heat-related problems, but even cats interior require special attention, especially if you are trying to save on cooling. costs by increasing the air conditioning when you are not at home.
TXU and the Texas SPCA recommend that pet owners set thermostats no higher than 78-80 degrees and advise against turning off the air conditioner completely. If your cat has a health condition, be sure to check with your veterinarian for a proper temperature setting. A programmable thermostat can make it easier to control your indoor temperature. With some models, you can even control your thermostat via your smartphone.
TXU offers the following tips for saving energy during the summer while keeping your cats safe and comfortable:
Turn off the lights
To avoid wasting electricity, turn off lights in rooms you’re not using, whether you’re at home or on the go. According to the SPCA, if your pets are indoors without you, natural light is the most soothing, even if filtered by outdoor blinds, drapes or awnings.
Treat sunny windows to reduce glare
We know cats like to bask in the sun. Allegra and Ruby were always looking for the sun patches even when our power had been out for two days and the temperature inside our house had reached 90 degrees a few years ago. However, letting the sun in unfortunately affects the temperature inside your home, causing your cooling system to turn on more often. Consider treating your windows with solar film, or closing most blinds and curtains (well, maybe not your cat’s favorite…)
Let out a lot of water
Regardless of the interior temperature setting, be sure to leave enough water for your cats to drink. You can drop ice cubes in their water bowls to keep their water fresh longer. And while some people leave taps running to encourage their cats to drink, it wastes water and the electricity used to transport it to your home. A more energy-efficient option is a pet fountain that circulates water and uses a minimal amount of electricity.
Seal air leaks
You can save more of your household budget for treats, toys, and cat care if you avoid wasting the electricity that helps cool your home. So make sure your windows, doors and chimneys are sealed to prevent cool air from escaping the house when it’s hot outside.
Do you have any tips for keeping your indoor cats cool?
Thanks to TXU and the Texas SPCA for this advice. This post was first published in 2012 and 2020 and has been updated.
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital director, and veterinary journalist with a passion for cats.
