As we start to move into the warmer months and we spend more time sitting out in the sunshine, for cats, all the extra heat and humidity can not only leave them feeling hot and bothered, it can also cause them to get heatstroke, which can be fatal!
Here are our top tips on how to keep your kitty cool during the summer.
Be sure to keep their water bowls topped up with fresh, clean water so they can keep hydrated. Try putting multiple bowls around the house and in the garden so they’re never too far away from a nice, refreshing drink. Another way to keep their hydration levels up is to give them wet food, check out our range, all packed with goodness and flavour to keep your cat happy and well. Made with freshly prepared meat ingredients, all of our wet food range provides a nutritionally balanced meal to satisfy even the fussiest eater.
Make sure there are lots of cool, shaded spots for your cat to take themselves off to, and stay cool. Whether it’s in the garden, or in rooms with large windows where the sun beams through, creating cool places they can relax in, in between roaming around will help them to avoid overheating.
As well as drinking water, another way for your cat to stay hydrated and cool is by eating icy treats which you can make in bulk, like no-salt chicken stock ice blocks. Not only is it a tasty treat for them, it will help keep their internal temperature down at a normal level.
Cooling mats are a great addition to cat beds and shady spots where your cat goes to stretch out and unwind. Available online and in most pet stores, investing in a couple will provide little corners of calm for your kitty in what can be a stressful and flustering time. If you don’t have any cooling mats, wet towels work in the same way, but their cooling effect wears off quicker and they may also start to smell of damp.
Staying on top of your cat's grooming is an easy way to help them be able to regulate their temperature. Regular brushing will help get rid of excess hair, making them more comfortable in the heat.
What are the signs of heatstroke in cats?
Like us, cats can develop heatstroke when out and about in the sunshine for too long, especially if they’re older or overweight. Keep an eye out for the symptoms of heatstroke and seek immediate medical attention from your vet should you think your cat is showing any of the signs:
- Agitation
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing rate
- Skin that’s hot to the touch
- Excessive drooling
Keeping your cat indoors during the hottest time of the day (11am-3pm) can help reduce the risk of them developing heatstroke, and can also help to stop them from getting sunburn too! If they do find themselves out in the sun for long periods of time, especially paler cats, pet-friendly sun cream is available at most pet stores, which will protect them against painful sunburn and potential skin cancer.
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