Cool cats!
It’s hot outside! With temperatures set to remain toasty, here are some top tips for making sure our feline friends stay cool this summer!
Protection from the sun
- Make sure cats have access to plenty of shade. Cardboard boxes and sheltered plant pots outdoors can act as makeshift sunshades. Are there leafy shrubs you can introduce into your garden to give cats some natural shady spots in which to sleep?
- White cats are particularly susceptible to sunburn on areas with less hair, like tips of ears and their noses. Ask about pet-specific sunscreen for protection to help prevent potential development of skin cancer, and try and keep them in the middle of the day when temperatures are hottest
- Cats are quite good at regulating their temperature and will generally seek shade if too hot, but do continue to watch for signs of heatstroke which include prolonged panting, drooling, vomiting, agitation and being hot to the touch. Please seek veterinary advice immediately if your suspect your cat has heatstroke.
Staying hydrated
- Ensure your cat has access to cool fresh water at all times – bowls dotted inside and out will give your cat plenty of opportunity to drink
- Plastic bowls can taint the taste of water in heat. Use ceramic, glass or metal bowls instead
- Many cats like running water. Consider investing in a cat fountain to encourage your cat to drink
- Cats like to drink away from their food source so keep water stations and food separate
Cool dudes!
- Be careful to ensure your cat doesn’t get shut in anywhere hot (like a garden shed) as they can be at severe risk of heatstroke, and sadly even death if they are trapped and temperatures soar
- Putting frozen water bottles wrapped in a tea towel in a favourite sleeping spot will give your cat somewhere cool to rest
- Keep air circulating indoors by using fans or by leaving a back door open. However, avoid targeting blasts of air directly at your cat!
Click here for additional great tips from the pet charity Blue Cross on ensuring cats stay safe this summer.
