When summertime arrives, it doesn’t just make us feel hot, but our furry friends feel it too. Cats need extra care to stay cool when temperatures rise.
That’s why we’ve put together easy tips to help you keep your cat cool and safe during sunny days. From making sure they drink enough water to finding shady spots, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make sure your cat stays cool and happy all summer long!
Recognizing Signs of Heat Stress
Just like us, cats can get stressed from the heat. But they can’t tell us how they’re feeling, so we need to watch for signs that they might be struggling.
Here are some signs:
- Panting: Cats don’t normally pant like dogs, so if you see your cat breathing heavily with their mouth open, it could be a sign they’re too hot.
- Lethargy: If your cat seems more tired or less active than usual, it could be because the heat is tiring them out.
- Seeking Cool Spots: If your cat is constantly lying on cool surfaces like tiles or looking for shady spots, they’re probably trying to cool down.
- Drooling: Excessive drooling can be a sign of heat stress in cats.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: Just like humans, cats can get sick from the heat, so if you notice these symptoms, it’s important to do something about it.
Tips to Keep Cats Cool in Summer
Summertime can get very hot for cats, so keeping them cool and comfortable is important. Luckily, there are some easy things you can do to help them. In the list below, you can find simple tips to keep your cat cool and happy during sunny days!
1. Creating a cool environment
Create comfortable places where your cat can relax. It could be a quiet corner with a soft blanket or a cool tile floor they can lie on. You can also open the windows to let in the cooler air when the sun goes down. Just make sure your cat can’t escape!
If you have fans or air conditioning, use them to keep the air moving and cool. It’s also a good idea to keep the curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun’s rays and keep the inside of your home cooler.
2. Keep your cat hydrated
It’s important to make sure your cat drinks enough water, especially when it’s hot outside. Keep their water bowl filled with fresh water and clean it regularly. Try putting water bowls in a few different spots around your home so it’s easy for your cat to find.
Some cats like drinking from a running water source, like a pet fountain. Wet cat food has lots of water in it, so it’s another way to keep your cat hydrated. On hot days, you can also add ice cubes to their water bowl to make it cooler and more refreshing.
Keep an eye on how much your cat is drinking, and if you’re worried they’re not drinking enough, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.
3. Keep your cat well groomed
Here are some tips related to grooming that will help your cat during those hot days:
- Regular Brushing: Brushing your cat regularly helps remove loose fur and prevents matting, which can trap heat and make them uncomfortable. Choose a brush that’s suitable for your cat’s coat type and make grooming sessions a relaxing bonding time.
- Trimming: If your cat has long fur, think about trimming it during the summer months to help them stay cool. Use scissors carefully and think about getting help from a professional groomer if you’re not sure what to do.
- Bathing: Even though most cats groom themselves, you can help them by bathing them if they get dirty. Use a cat-specific shampoo and make sure the water is lukewarm.
- Check for Fleas and Ticks: Summer is the time for fleas and ticks, so it’s important to check your cat often. Use products suggested by your vet to protect your cat from these pests and keep them away.
For more tips on grooming your cat and dealing with mats, check out our blog post on How Do I Get Rid of My Cat’s Matted Fur.
4. Cooling mats and ice packs
Cooling mats are usually made of a special gel that stays cool without needing to be put in the refrigerator. They often come in different sizes and shapes, and they are designed to give a cool surface for your cat to lie on. You can find them at pet stores, online, or even make your own by filling a pillowcase with ice cubes or frozen vegetables and wrapping it in a towel.
You can put it in your cat’s favorite resting spot. The mat will absorb your cat’s body heat and help keep them cool and comfortable, especially on hot days.
You can also use ice packs. Wrap a small ice pack or frozen water bottle in a towel and put it in your cat’s sleeping area. Pay attention to your cat to make sure they don’t get too cold, and remove the ice pack if necessary.
5. Leave fresh water around the house
As we mentioned above, your cat must always have access to fresh, clean water. You should put multiple water bowls around your home. You can use bowls made of plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel, whichever your cat likes more. Put them in different rooms or areas where your cat likes to spend time, like near their food bowl, by a sunny window, or in their favorite resting spots.
Don’t forget to change the water often to keep it fresh. Having water in different spots around the house helps your cat stay hydrated all day long.
6. Apply cool water to her paws
You can help cool your cat down by putting cool (not freezing) water on their paw pads. Wet a soft cloth or sponge with cool water and gently wipe their paw pads. You can also dip their paws into a shallow bowl of cool water for a few seconds. This helps to lower their body temperature and gives them instant relief from the heat. Just be sure to dry their paws afterward to prevent them from getting too cold or uncomfortable. This simple trick can help your cat feel more comfortable during hot weather.
Preventive Measures and Emergency Preparedness
You can avoid problems by keeping your cat cool with shade, giving them fresh water, and cool places to relax. If you brush them regularly, it will help prevent overheating by removing extra fur. You can also use special mats or damp towels to help them cool down. But accidents can still happen.
If you see them panting or acting tired, try cooling them down with cool water and call the vet immediately. Keep the vet’s number and an emergency vet clinic’s number nearby, just in case. It’s also smart to have a first aid kit for pets with bandages and wipes for emergencies.
Conclusion
Keeping your cat cool and comfortable during the summer is important for their health and happiness. By following these simple tips, such as giving fresh water, grooming regularly, and being prepared for emergencies, you can ensure your cat stays safe during the hot weather. Remember to monitor your cat for signs of overheating and act quickly if you notice any problems. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a fun and worry-free summer with your beloved cat.
