Keeping Your Feline Friend Cool and Comfortable in the Summer

Introduction

With the summer months comes the sunshine, warmer weather and longer days. It also poses changes for our furry companions. Cats are sensitive to higher temperatures and they need extra care and attention in the summer months for them to remain cool and comfortable. Following our essential tips can ensure your cat beats the heat and you can ensure your cat’s well-being. In this post we will explore valuable advice for cat care in the summer months, focusing on how to help your cat be at their most comfortable in the summer heat.

Hydration

In the heat, proper hydration is vital for your cat’s well-being. Ensure your cat has fresh and clean water readily available at all times. You could also place more water bowls around the house and in shaded areas for easy accessibility. Adding ice cubes into their bowls of water can keep them cooler for longer, you can even use an ice cube as a toy and let them bat it around the kitchen floor, keeping their paw pads cool. If your kitty is known to have a lower water intake try switching them over to wet food to increase their fluid intake.

Provide Shaded Areas

Cats should have access to cool areas to escape from the heat. Provide comfortable spaces away from direct sunlight, for your kitty to relax. Keep your curtains or blinds closed during the warmest part of the day to keep rooms cooler and block out intense sunlight. Have a fan in the room with your cat to keep it cool and well ventilated, this can be somewhere you can escape the heat too!

Keep Outdoor Time to a Minimum

During heat waves, it is always best to limit how much time your furry friend spends outside. The higher temperatures can lead to heatstroke or even paw pad burns. Try and schedule your kitty’s playtimes for the morning or evening when it is a lot cooler. If your cat especially enjoys the outside, create a covered shaded enclosure so you have a supervised space for them to chill out but still experience the fresh air.

To keep your cat entertained indoors see our previous article The Best Cat Toys for Your Cat, and the Ones to Avoid!

Never Leave Your Cat in The Car

You should never leave your cat unattended in a car, even for a very short period of time. As cars can become hot and suffocating very quickly this can lead to heatstroke and even life-threatening situations. If you need to transport your cat then ensure your car is well ventilated and make sure to check on them and provide them with plenty of water for the duration of the journey.

Summer Grooming

Regular grooming of your cat’s coat is essential to keeping them comfortable and to prevent any matting. Brushing your cat’s fur regularly to remove loose hair will help to regulate its body temperature and provide essential protection from the sun. If you are unsure of how best to groom your cat’s coat speak to a professional who can advise on the appropriate summer grooming for your cat’s breed and coat type. Cats with lighter fur are also more likely to get sunburnt, apply a pet-friendly sun cream (speak to your veterinarian if you are unsure) to their nose and ears to help protect them from the sun. If they let you, that is!

Keep an Eye for Any Signs of Overheating

Signs like excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing and red gums can each indicate heat stroke or heat stress in your cat. Be vigilant for the signs, if you notice any of these symptoms immediately transport your cat to a cool area, give them water and speak to your veterinarian for further guidance.

Cooling Equipment for Cats

There are a number of items available that can keep your cat cool during the summer heat. Cooling pads are designed to provide a cool surface for kitty’s paws and relief from the hot surfaces. Or you can simply soak a flannel and pat or wipe your furry friend’s face and allow them to lay on the damp cool cloth.

Conclusion

Taking care of your cat’s well-being in the heat is crucial to make sure their comfort and most importantly their safety during the summer months. By providing them with sufficient hydration, creating shaded areas, limiting outside time, regular grooming of their coat and staying vigilant and aware of any signs of overheating, you can help your feline friend enjoy a happy and comfortable summer. Also remember each cat is different, so if you have multiple cats observe their behaviour and adjust their care accordingly.

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.