Help. Tips for keeping cats cool in warm weather

The main risks for cats in warm weather are

1. Dehydration 
2. Hyperthermia (heat stroke)

Dehydration

Maximising water intake is especially important in warm weather 

There are many ways to do this:

• Make sure your cat has plenty of cool fresh water
• Make sure bowl isn't in direct sunlight
• Offer a selection of bowl types and sizes
• Offer water in a selection of locations
• Place ice cubes in the water bowl (Ice cubes can be flavoured with chicken stock)
• Some cats like to drink from a dripping tap-so leave a tap dripping 
• Drinking fountains can be helpful to stimulate drinking
• Offer cooled treats**
• Offer more wet food in warm weather (you can even add water to the wet food)
• If your cat is poor to drink and does not like wet food, she may drink cat milk.

Hyperthermia

• Unlike people cats do not sweat through their skin, so they are not able to regulate their body temperature as easily. 
• If their body temperature increases too much it can be very serious and even life threatening. 
• The breeds with short noses are particularly at risk as they have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
• If worried about hyperthermia get a towel soak it in water and wrap your cat in it, while someone else calls your vet.

Signs of heat stroke include being poorly responsive, stretching out, breathing rapidly, extreme distress, agitation, skin hot to the touch, glazed eyes, vomiting and drooling.

Note 
Panting (open mouth breathing) is abnormal for cats, contact your vet immediately if you see your cat panting.

Keep room temp low-

• Close the curtains and blinds during the warmest times of the day, 12-3pm
• Fans help circulate cool air
• Allow cats access to shaded cool areas, tiled floors, bath, sinks
• Allow enough space for cat to stretch out
• Cooling mats and raised beds can also be useful
• Groom your cat frequently especially the long-haired breeds
• Keep your cat calm, avoid vigorous play in warm weather

Note

• Cats are crepuscular, i.e. they are most active at dawn and dusk, they are not designed to be active in mid day heat.
• If you have more than one cat it may be best to separate them so each can relax.
• Cats seek out warm areas for sunbathing. Be very careful they don't get trapped in these areas e.g. the conservatory.
• Avoid travel in warm weather, but if it really is necessary to travel, never leave your cat unattended in a car. You will need a secure carrier but well ventilated with enough space for cat to stretch out in order to cool down.
• If your cast goes outside applying suncream to the white hairless areas- ears and noses. Over time sun exposure can lead to burning and even skin cancers. The best protection is keeping these cats out of the sun.
• Old cats, young kittens, sick or obese cats are at higher risk.

**Simple cooled treat. Mix tuna, wet cat food and water and freeze.

Click HERE for more information on how to keep your cat cool.

Please let me know if you found this information useful or if you have any other cat related questions.