Did you know that cats are only able to sweat from spots between their toes and their paw pads? This means it is more difficult for them to keep cool when the temperatures soar. According to meteorologists, we are going to be experiencing one of our hottest summers ever, so knowing how to keep your cat cool and safe on hot days is more critical than ever.
Take a look at our top tips to keeping your cat cool during the summer months.
8 Top Tips to Help You Keep Your Cat Cool
1. Make sure your cat has access to fresh water
One of the simplest ways to keep your cat cool on a scorching hot day is making sure it has access to clean, fresh water around the clock. A lot of cats enjoy lapping up running water, so it might be worth investing in a drinking fountain for your favourite feline. On especially hot days, you could add a few ice cubes to the water or give them chilled water from your fridge.
2. Serve your cat some chilled treats
If there was ever a life hack to keeping your cat cool, this is it. Put some canned cat food in an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. Your kitty will love these frozen treats.
3. Let your cat play with ice cubes
While it might sound weird to let your cat play with ice cubes, it is a great way to cool their paws down as they push and prod at the little blocks of ice. Not only does it provide your cat with some relief from the heat, but it also keeps your furry friend busy indoors and out of the sun.
4. Try to limit your cat's activity
Chances are your cat won't want to do too much on particularly hot days, which is a good thing. Instead, schedule playtime for early in the morning, or later in the afternoon when it is a little cooler.
5. Turn up the air conditioning
If you have air conditioning in your home, turn it up to cool your cat down. Just make sure it can leave the room should it get chilly. No air con? No worries. Simply keep the blinds down and open the windows.
6. Use an ice pod
Ice pods are an excellent way to keep cats cool in summer. Simply freeze the pod and place it in your kitty's bed or on its hammock. Alternatively, you can wrap an ice pack in a blanket or towel and put it where your cat likes to relax.
7. Groom your cat
Knots and tangles in a cat's fur create spots that trap heat, which raises their body temperature. Regular brushing will get rid of these mats and help cool your cat down. You could also use a damp towel to rub your kitty down if it doesn't like getting groomed.
8. Use a sunscreen
Don't laugh! In the same way, we need to protect ourselves with sunscreen, you should also use it on your cat. Cats with fair coats and pink skin can get sunburnt and are more predisposed to developing skin cancer. Stock up on pet-friendly sunscreen for your cat.
Signs Your Cat is Suffering from Heat Stress
If your cat is exposed to hot weather, it will show signs of heat stress. The most common symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Excessive drooling
- Being unsteady
- Vomiting
- Increased heart or pulse rate
- Collapsing
Steps to Help Your Cat in an Emergency
If your cat displays any of these symptoms, you must take action immediately.
- Get your cat into a cool space and out of the sun
- Use a damp, cool towel to wipe your cat down. You can also use a fan or turn on the air conditioning
- Do not pour ice-cold water over your cat, or put it in an ice-cold bath
- If your cat can drink water, encourage it to have some
- Take your cat to the vet as soon as you possibly can
Heat stress can be fatal, and even if your cat starts cooling down and is looking more refreshed, the vet must do a thorough check to make sure your cat is okay.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with other cat parents. With temperatures set to soar, keeping your cat safe during the summer months is more important than ever.
