Our domestic cats aren’t so dissimilar from their wild ancestors: the African wildcat. Domestic cats and African wild cats even look pretty similar, with only about a dozen genes differing as a result of natural selection. Despite their desert-dwelling past and sun-loving present, however, our furry feline friends can still be sensitive to the heat. In the summer, cats can benefit from a little extra TLC to help them stay cool and comfortable when the mercury soars. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cat from the summer sun.
The Cat’s Natural Cooling System
Cats naturally have a fairly sophisticated self-cooling system that can help them stay chill on warm days. You might notice that your cat spends up to half their waking hours grooming, but in the summer, their grooming sessions might increase in frequency or duration. Grooming can help your cat stay cool thanks to evaporation. As your cat licks their coat, the evaporating saliva cools them down, much in the way your evaporating sweat helps you stay cool.
Cats also have sweat glands located on their beans: those soft little pads on the bottom of their paws. As they become warmer, their paw pads sweat, which helps them cool down.
These natural cooling systems only go so far, however, much like our bodies’ natural cooling systems can only help so much.
Summer Cat Care Tips
When the temperatures soar, your cat might need a little extra help. Consider investing in a lightweight elevated cat bed that allows for maximum airflow or a cooling mat that helps keep your cat cool. You’ll get bonus points for an attached sun shade!
Use a fan to keep air circulating near your cat, and if you’ve got air conditioning, use it as needed to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. Draw your blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to avoid passive heat gain within the house. Offer ample water to prevent dehydration. Cats might not drink as much as they need, so consider using a water fountain, bubbler, or fun drinking station to stimulate their urge to drink. You can also add a little bit of extra water to their wet food or flavored gravies to dry food to increase their fluid intake throughout the day.
Cats with short fur, white fur, or minimal fur like the Sphynx may benefit from an application of pet-friendly sunblock. While sunblock won’t necessarily keep your cat cooler, it can help protect against sunburn and sun damage. Be sure to apply the sunblock to all exposed areas of the cat’s body, including the tips of the ears, the nose, the lips, and the belly, and avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day or between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
If your cat spends time outside, bring them in during the hot part of the day, too, and set up a few shady spots around the yard for ample cooling options. Catios can offer an excellent alternative for both indoor and outdoor cats, allowing the ideal balance between safe outdoor exploration and ample cool, shady spots and paw protection.
Your cat might spend more time lounging around during the summer due to the heat, but playing provides great exercise and can strengthen your bond. Schedule play sessions earlier in the day or later in the evening to avoid heat and offer cooling breaks, especially if your cat seems tired or thirsty.
At Cozy Cat Suites, our climate-controlled indoor environment has everything needed for keeping cats cool, comfortable, and happy all summer long. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or other reasons, we’ve got you and your feline best friend covered. Contact us today to schedule a visit and check out our themed cat boarding suites.
