4 Tips on How to Help Your Cat Handle the Summer Heat

It is one of those periods in which we crave all-year round. Then, when it comes, we all moan because the Summer heat gets a little too hot to handle!

While we can’t truly verify that statement for cats, there is no doubt that they feel the heat in a similar way to us. It can get difficult for them and can increase the risk of all sorts of conditions, which all of the cat insurance claim statistics will most definitely vouch for.

Bearing this in mind, let’s now take a look at some methods that you can adopt to make life in the warmer months a little easier for your feline friend…

Pale colored cats are most at risk

Just like humans, pale-colored cats don’t fare quite as well in the sun. While their fur will protect most of their body, you’ve got to keep an eye on areas such as their noses and ears which aren’t covered as much by fur.

When we talk about “keeping an eye on them,” you can actually take on a similar approach as to what you would do with yourself. It’s now possible to buy sun cream that is specific for cats and you could consider applying some whenever the heat picks up for those aforementioned body parts.

Create some shade

If you’re keeping your cat indoors during the summer (which is always the best option), then you need to make sure that there’s some form of shading in place. This could be in the form of a parasol in the garden which covers the window, or simply closing the curtains during the hottest parts of the day.

Let’s not forget that just because your cat is indoors it does not mean that the temperature is low enough. One only has to look at glass-heavy rooms, such as conservatories, which can get exceptionally hot in the warmer months.

The best bet is to try and understand where the sun rises and move your cat around the house accordingly. Fortunately, many cats will do this of their own accord.

Understand the signs of overheating

Cats will start to feel the effects of overheating long before they’re actually in any danger. This is why you need to be on the lookout for certain signs, such as excessive panting or drooling, which will signify that they’re too hot.

What’s more, you should also look out for behavioral changes such as lethargy or a lack of appetite, as both can be early indicators that something isn’t quite right.

What should you do if this happens? It’s time to ramp up your cooling down and rehydration efforts. Or, if you’re concerned that your cat has been struggling for some time, it can be advisable to call your local veterinarian.

Get innovative with ice

Cats love to lounge around, and this is often made all the more comfortable with the help of a cooling mat. These can be placed in the fridge for a short while, and can then be used to help keep your cat cool for a number of hours.

There are other ways to use ice too, such as putting some in their water bowl (which will help to keep it cooler for longer), or even wrapping a few cubes in a towel and placing this on their tummy.