Keeping Your Tortoiseshell Cat Cool

Top tips to make sure your tortie is comfortable this summer

June 19, 2025

Keeping Your Tortie Cool

The summer is heating up here at Tortie Catz HQ in the UK, so we thought that a great topic for our newsletter would be on how to keep your tortie cool and safe during the warmer months.

Tortoiseshell cats, known for their sassy personalities and unique coats, are just as vulnerable to heat as any other feline. Whether your kitty is a sun-worshipper or a shade-seeker, a few smart strategies can make all the difference in keeping her comfortable.

Keep your tortie cool in the shade

Here are our top tips for keeping your tortoiseshell cool when temperatures rise:

1. Provide Cool Retreats
Cats instinctively seek out cool spots. Make sure your tortie has access to shaded, well-ventilated areas inside your home. Tile floors, bathroom sinks, and shaded corners are often feline favorites. You can also lay down a damp towel or place a cooling mat in her go-to nap spot.

2. Ice, Ice, Kitty
Add a few ice cubes to her water bowl throughout the day to keep her hydration station refreshing. Better yet, consider investing in a pet fountain. (We recommend the MauiStore ceramic fountain). Running water stays cooler and is often more enticing, which helps prevent dehydration.

3. Groom That Gorgeous Coat
While tortoiseshell cats can have short or long fur, all benefit from regular grooming in summer. Brushing removes loose hair and helps regulate body temperature. If your tortie is long-haired, consider a professional trim (but avoid full shaving, which can expose delicate skin to sunburn).

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4. Freeze Some Fun
Keep your tortie entertained and cool with frozen treats. Try freezing tuna water in ice cube trays or stuffing a toy with a bit of wet food and popping it in the freezer for a chilly challenge. Just be sure all ingredients are safe and kitty-approved.

5. Limit Outdoor Time
If your cat has access to the outdoors, limit her time outside during peak heat hours (10 AM–4 PM). Always ensure she has shaded areas and plenty of fresh water. Indoor enrichment—like puzzle feeders or a window perch—can help keep her happily occupied indoors.

6. Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Watch for signs like excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, or rapid heartbeat. If your tortie shows any of these symptoms, move her to a cool spot immediately and contact your vet.

Your tortoiseshell cat deserves a summer that’s as chill as her attitude (well, as chill as a tortie can be!). With a few adjustments, you can make sure she stays safe, happy, and comfortably cool.

Thanks for reading and share your pictures of your tortie keeping cool on our X, Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also check out tortie videos on our You Tube channel.

Look out for the next Tortie of the Week on Sunday!

Don’t let a surprise vet bill torpedo your budget

Routine vet checkups are rising, and some surgeries can cost as much as a holiday in Europe. Fortunately, pet insurance can help offset these unexpected costs. With some policies starting at $10 and reimbursing up to 90%, you can keep your pet healthy without sacrificing your savings.