Fluffies have a hard time in the heat.
It’s a challenging time for cats: how to keep your pets healthy in hot weather?
Warm days have arrived, but the real heat is yet to come. Cats, especially those living in apartments, will have a particularly tough time.
They have nowhere to escape and find fresh air, except maybe from a balcony, but only in the evening when the sun’s intensity diminishes.
As a result, once active and playful cats become passive loungers, yearning to hide under the bathtub or seek out cool tiles in the bathroom.
Mid-summer is a “hot season” for veterinarians as well. They receive cats who have suffered in some way from the summer heat.
What dangers does heat pose to a cat?
Heat and stuffiness are dangerous for cats, not only causing overheating and heatstroke but also severe dehydration.
Additionally, chronic conditions in animals can worsen during hot weather. This is especially true for pets with cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, and allergies.
In cats with heart conditions, the heat can increase blood pressure, leading to intensified contractions of the heart muscle.
Blood flow through the veins slows down, resulting in swelling of the brain and lungs. Often, a cat’s paws become swollen.
Cats with asthma may experience more frequent breathing difficulties and may panic. Older pets are particularly vulnerable.
How can you protect your cat from stuffiness and heat?
It’s essential to create a cool oasis for your cat. In a private house, this can be a shaded area under bushes or a spot in the shed. Make sure to place water bowls there.
In an apartment, it is recommended to keep the bathroom door open since it is always cooler there.
Usually, cats lie on cool tiles or curl up in the porcelain sink to sleep. It may look funny, but it’s not a laughing matter for the cats—they need a way to cool down.
However, bathing cats in the heat is not desirable.
Firstly, their fur will lose the insulating air layer that helps protect them from overheating. For this reason, it is not advisable to shave a cat for the summer, as many mistakenly do.
Secondly, if a cat suffers from kidney problems, the condition may worsen due to temperature fluctuations, leading to kidney inflammation. Drafts from open windows during hot weather can exacerbate the situation.
It is important to ensure that the cat drinks water. Place several water bowls throughout the apartment.
If your cat likes to drink from pots or buckets, provide them with an old dish for that purpose.
You can also moisten your cat’s paws more frequently with cool water, which will significantly ease their discomfort.
Many owners use fans or air conditioners. However, remember not to set the cooling device below 23-24 degrees Celsius, as the animal may catch a cold.
If you are used to walking your cat, it is best to do so early in the morning or late in the evening when the relieving coolness sets in. Such walks will be beneficial for both of you.
10 important rules
- Ensure proper hydration: Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Place multiple water bowls throughout the house and consider adding ice cubes to keep the water cool.
- Create a cool environment: Provide your cat with cool and shaded areas where they can rest. Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.
- Offer cooling surfaces: Place cool tiles or mats for your cat to lie on. You can also use chilled gel pads or create DIY ice packs wrapped in a towel for them to cuddle up to.
- Keep them indoors during peak heat hours: Avoid letting your cat outside during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for early morning or late evening walks or playtime when the temperatures are lower.
- Provide proper grooming: Regularly brush your cat to remove excess fur and prevent matting, which can hinder heat dissipation. However, do not shave your cat’s fur as it acts as insulation against both heat and cold.
- Watch for signs of overheating: Monitor your cat for signs of distress in hot weather, such as excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, or vomiting. If you suspect heatstroke, immediately move your cat to a cool area and contact a veterinarian.
- Use cooling techniques: Wet a cloth with cool water and gently stroke your cat’s fur. You can also use a fine mist spray bottle to lightly dampen their fur, but avoid soaking them.
- Frozen treats: Offer frozen treats like ice cubes or specially made cat-friendly frozen treats to help cool down your cat from the inside.
- Consider a cooling bed or mat: Invest in a cooling bed or mat designed for pets. These products are designed to stay cool and can provide additional comfort during hot weather.
- Monitor indoor temperature: Keep an eye on the indoor temperature and adjust cooling devices accordingly to maintain a comfortable environment for your cat.
Remember, each cat is unique, and their tolerance to heat may vary. If you have any concerns about your cat’s well-being in hot weather, consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Take care of your pets’ health.
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