The Met Office has issued its first ever Red Extreme heat warning for Monday July 18 and Tuesday July 19, with temperatures of 40C forecast in the UK.
People are advised to stay safe by drinking water and staying indoors between 11am and 3pm where possible, but it's not just humans who will find the record temperatures uncomfortable and stressful over the coming days.
Hot weather can not only be uncomfortable for animals, but also dangerous. It's important to be aware of the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Luckily there is plenty you can do to keep your pet safe and happy during the heatwave.
Here are five ways of keeping your cat cool from experts at Catit, and also signs of heatstroke to look out for.
How to keep your cat cool
1. Staying hydrated
Hydration is key during a heatwave, also for you furry friends. Cats generally don't drink as much water as they should as they get much of their water from food.
They are also incredibly picky about what water they will drink, so it's important to have a good supply of fresh water for your cat.
They may not drink if it's been standing overnight, or is placed too close to their food.
It's also a good idea to serve wet food during the heatwave rather than dry kibble, as this will provide extra water without them even realising.
Cats also love running water, so you can encourage them to drink from a drinking fountain, or even taps and hoses.
2. Ice packs or frozen water bottles
Your cat's bed or usual sleeping spot may be too hot for them, especially if it's made out of a fluffy material.
One trick is to wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a towel and placing this in their bed to help them keep cool overnight.
You can also move their bed to a tiled floor to help it keep cool.
Also remember to leave a window open overnight to give your cat proper airflow while it's cooler.
3. Prove shade for outdoor cats
If you have an outdoor cat who loves playing in the garden, it's important to provide shade to rest. This can be under a tree, table or umbrella.
It's also worth putting a water bowl in the shade and keep it away from the sunlight.
When you're making yourself a drink you could also drop a few ice cubes in their water bowl to help it stay cooler for longer.
4. Keep a fan on for indoor cats
If you have an indoor cat, keeping them cool is just as important. If you live in a high-rise where you can't open doors, make sure to keep air conditioning or a fan on for most of the day.
Grooming is also key to keeping them cool, especially for long-haired cats, and older or overweight cats who are more vulnerable to overheating.
According to the RSPCA, long-haired cats should be brushed every day, and short-haired breeds weekly.
5. Cold treats
A fun way of keeping your cat cool and happy is to freeze their favourite creamy treats to make 'cat pops'.
Or, if your cat refuses to go near it, because let's face it, they make their own mind up, try putting it in the fridge.
It may be less of a shock to the system, but will still feel nice and cooling for them.
How to spot symptoms of heatstroke in cats
If you're concerned about your cat suffering from the heat, here are a few signs you should watch out for.
Check to see if your cat is leaving wet paw prints on the floor – this could be a sign of sweating and dehydration.
Other signs of heatstroke include panting, drooling, fever, vomiting, agitation, diarrhoea, weakness, lethargy, dizziness, collapsing or unconsciousness.
If you're worried about your cat and it is experiencing any of the above symptoms during the heat, call your vet who will be able to advice on the best course of action.
