During hot weather it’s not just us humans that can feel hot and bothered, but our furry friends can feel particularly uncomfortable, as well as an increased risk of heatstroke. Looking after your cat in summer, and keeping your cats feeling cool, will not only reduce their risk of heatstroke, but keep them feeling much happier in the summer weather. Here are our 5 tips for looking after your cats in summer months.
1. Ice Cubes
When looking after your cat in summer, ice cubes are great to add to your kitties water bowls. They can also make for a great game for your cats; pop a couple on the floor and watch your cat push them around the room! Not only will it help to cool down their paws, where to absorb and lose heat, but will also keep them entertained.
2. Wet Towels
It’s no secret that cats hate being wet, so they are unlikely to take a dip in a paddling pool to cool down. Instead grab a small towel and dip in cool water, and then lightly dab on your cats fur to cool them down. It will gently cool them down, without upsetting them with too much water.
3. Cooling Mats
On particularly hot days it’s worth getting a cooling mat for your cats to sit on. Cooling mats help to absorb your pets body temperature, helping them to cool down. If your cat is being a typical cat who would prefer to sit on anything other than the new bed you bought for them, try placing ice packs or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel in your cats favourite spot, it works just as well!
4. Keep on top of grooming
If your cat is particularly long haired, they may find the summer months harder than short haired kitties. Daily grooming during heatwaves will help to shed dead hair, helping your cat to feel more comfortable.
If you see your cat grooming themselves more during the warmer months, don’t worry. This is their own way to cope with the hot weather, as when the saliva evaporates off their fur it will cool them down.
5. Protect from the sunshine
Cats with light coloured fur are more likely to be at risk of getting sunburnt, increasing their risks of skin cancer. Applying suncream to your cats ears and noses may feel strange, but can help to protect them.
Another way to look after your kitties in the sunshine is to keep them indoors at the hottest part of the day, or provide them with some shade indoors – plants, boxes all create purrfect shadey spots for snooze.
