Cat owners have been warned against spraying their pets with water in an attempt to help them cope with soaring temperatures, as Britain braces for what could become the hottest May day ever recorded. The UK is expected to see temperatures climb as high as 33C over the bank holiday weekend, with heat health alerts in place across large parts of England.

Forecasters say some areas could be hotter than holiday destinations including Marbella, Mykonos and Barbados.As the hot weather intensifies, veterinarian Mireia Balliu has urged owners to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe, stressing that some well-meaning cooling methods can actually distress cats. She said: "Cats should never be sprayed with water to cool them down; they hate it, and it can cause them great stress".

Instead, Balliu recommends focusing on hydration, ventilation and providing cool resting areas around the home.

She explained that cats are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat because "unlike humans, cats do not sweat effectively and their ability to regulate body temperature is limited; this makes them more sensitive to temperature increases and, in extreme situations, they can suffer from heatstroke, a potentially serious condition."

According to the vet, heatstroke develops when "a cat's body temperature rises above 40°C, and the animal cannot regulate it. This can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, or kidneys, and if not acted upon in time, it can be fatal; they may also experience dehydration, extreme fatigue, and in severe cases, seizures or coma."

Balliu said recognising the warning signs early is crucial. She noted that "the most common signs are excessive panting, weakness, tremors, reddened gums, vomiting, loss of coordination and in advanced cases, loss of consciousness; it is also important to pay attention to unusual behaviour, such as the cat seeking to hide or being very still and apathetic. If these symptoms are observed, one must act quickly and go to the vet."

Some animals are at greater risk than others during hot weather. Balliu warned that "elderly cats, kittens, those who are overweight, those with chronic illnesses (such as heart or respiratory problems), and brachycephalic breeds (like Persians or flat-faced exotics) are more vulnerable to heat. Cats with very dense or dark-coloured fur also retain more heat."

The vet advised owners to ensure their pets always have access to cool, fresh water, adding that bowls should ideally be refreshed several times a day and kept in shaded areas of the home. Wet food and cat soups can also help increase hydration levels.

She said that during warm weather, "it is important to always offer fresh water at several points around the house, keep the home ventilated and cool, avoid direct sun exposure (especially during peak hours), and never leave a cat inside a closed car or poorly ventilated spaces."

For owners looking for safe ways to cool their cats down, Balliu suggested gently stroking them with a damp glove if the animal is comfortable with it, as well as placing chilled towels on the floor for them to lie on. Frozen water bottles wrapped in towels and cooling mats designed for pets can also provide relief.

She additionally recommended brushing long-haired cats daily to help improve airflow through their coats and avoiding energetic play sessions during the hottest parts of the day.

With temperatures continuing to rise, experts say prevention and early intervention are essential to keeping pets safe throughout the heatwave.