The long, lazy days of summer make it easy to be outside, but your furry friends may need a little extra TLC during the warm weather months. Even though cats are desert animals, the heat of summer can bring some risks. As a responsible cat “pawrent,” you can take steps to protect your cat for the sunny days ahead.
Warm Weather Checklist
Vet check: Healthy indoor cats often only see the vet once a year, but summer is a good time to schedule a well visit to ensure your cat is properly protected from the hazards the longer days, increased heat, and new adventures can bring, including fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Your vet can also check that your cat continues to enjoy good health.
Check windows: Summer breezes are full of interesting smells, and if the sun isn’t appealing enough, the smells wafting in through the open windows are sure to draw your cat to this new view of life. Check that your windows all have secure screens to keep pests out and kitties safe.
Hydration: Just like you might need more water during hot weather, so do your pets. Provide an ample supply of fresh, clean water at all times, especially when the weather turns hot or humid. Cats tend to be light drinkers, but you can encourage proper hydration using a pet water fountain, serving ice cubes flavored with tuna juice, and providing wet food.
Proper grooming: Cat fur has naturally insulative properties, which can help them stay cool or warm as needed. However, cats can still overheat in hot weather. Brush and groom your cat regularly during the warm weather months to reduce the risk of overheating. Cozy Cat Suites offers cat grooming for even the shyest cats, and we can help them stay cool and comfy throughout the summer with trims. If you have a hairless cat, talk to their vet about the best way to protect them from damaging UV rays.
The Potential Dangers of Heat
Overheating may be the biggest risk that hot weather brings. Senior cats and kittens, obese cats, flat-faced cats like Persians, and cats with health problems are most vulnerable to overheating. Symptoms can include:
Difficulty breathing, panting, and increased respiratory and heart rates
Drooling, stumbling and vomiting
Weakness, stupor, or collapse
Seizures
If you recognize signs of heat stroke in your cat, move your cat to a cool, shady place immediately, and wet their coat with cool – not cold – water to lower their body temperature safely. Contact your vet right away for additional instructions.
Outside cats may face additional risks. If you garden, check that your plants are pet-safe. Some plants can cause anything from nausea and gastrointestinal distress to liver failure and death. Keep pesticides and herbicides well out of reach of your cat. Microchip your cat, if they’re not already, and check outbuildings, like sheds, garages, and greenhouses, to ensure cats are not accidentally locked inside.
Finally, if you’re planning a summer getaway, contact Cozy Cat Suites to arrange boarding. We offer spacious, home-like suites with fun, cat-friendly designs where your cat can enjoy a summer getaway of their own.
