At Cairo Cat Rescue & Rehoming Champions' HQ we have a lot of cats to keep cool - sometimes temperatures hit 45 degrees and higher. Although cats will often seek shade and drink more water to keep themselves safe in hot weather, we've taken tips from some of the top cat organisations such as the RSPCA, Cats' Protection, Blue Cross and others to help you take a few extra steps to ensure your cats stay cool during the summer months.
1. Outdoor Cats
Check sheds, greenhouses and summerhouses before closing them up. Cats can find their way into warm areas if they're looking for a cosy spot, but could get too hot or dehydrated if they get trapped.
Never leave animals in hot cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans, even if it's just for a short while. Temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments, which can be fatal.
Where safe, keep windows and doors ajar to allow a breeze through the house for when they return indoors.
Use pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your cat's skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose. This is especially important if your cat has white or light-coloured fur, as they can be very vulnerable to getting burnt. Speak to your vet if you're unsure which product it's best to use.
Watch out for fleas All cats are prone to fleas during the summer months, both from grass and other animals such as dogs which carry them into the house. Check your cat regularly and treat as necessary. This particularly applies to longhaired varieties and those with thick coats.
Ensure your cat always has access to shade and fresh drinking water in your garden to help keep them cool.
Don't put their wet food outside, or check it regularly to be sure it doesn't go off. Dry food is fine of course as long as they have plenty of water available. Make sure all this is in a shady spot
Provide them with an elevated cat house or shelter outside so they don't have to rest on hot bricks or concrete
2. Indoor Cats
Try to allow a breeze through your house by leaving windows and doors ajar. If your cat lives in a flat or is strictly indoor only consider different options such as windows with locking mechanisms such as child locks which allow air into the house while also keeping your cat indoors - and safe. Purpose-made screens are now available so that you can open windows fully to let in the breeze. They are reasonably priced and worth exploring.
Put ice cubes into your cat's water bowl or make some tasty ice cube treats.
Make some iced cat treats. There are some great online recipes including this one from the Blue Cross which involves freezing a balloon!
Just search cat iced treats (avoiding the cat-shaped ones for humans)
Give your pet damp towels to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a towel - both will provide welcome relief from the heat. Alternatively cats love tiled floors in the heat (see video above) so make sure your cat has access to tiled spaces such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Groom them regularly. Regular grooming in warmer weather can help brush away any dead or excess hair, leaving your cat with a less dense coat - much better for staying cool!
Help them get cool through play. Ice lollies are the perfect way to keep your cat entertained and cool in the heat. It's easy to make an icy snack with your cat's favourite treats – all you need to do is freeze some spring water from a can of tuna, or low-salt chicken stock into an ice lolly mould.
Encourage them to play with ice cubes. Ice cubes can provide a whole world of fun for cats. Pop some ice cubes on hard floor and watch your curious cat bat them around the room. As well as cooling down their paws, which is where cats absorb and lose heat, ice cubes provide enrichment on days when it is best to keep your cat out of the heat.
Use a fan to cool them down. Circulate cool air with a fan. If you have an air conditioner then of course switch it on.
Make sure they have cool bedding. It's not the time for those fleecy blankets.
Draw the curtains to keep the room cool but make sure the air can still get in if the window is partially open
Finally, but most Importantly - know the signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when your cat becomes dangerously overheated. While most cats seek shade to avoid becoming overheated, if your cat gets trapped in a hot area, such as a greenhouse or a shed, they can develop heatstroke.
If left untreated heatstroke can quickly become fatal, it is important to be able to recognise the symptoms. Signs include:
· Collapse
· Excessive panting
· Dribbling
· Vomiting
· Diarrhoea
If you think your cat is suffering from heatstroke, contact your vet immediately while cooling them down. You can do this by moving them to a cool place with a draught, and gently wetting their coat with cool (but not freezing) water.
We hope this helps and re-assures you. Have a good and safe summer!
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