Ben Madilynn
When the summer sun turns up the temperatures, our feline friends feel it just as much as we do. Imagine lounging in a fur coat on a sweltering day—yikes! And since the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting record-high temperatures this summer, it’s more important than ever to make sure your kitty stays safe as the heat takes hold.
Cats are generally more heat tolerant than dogs—after all, they love to seek sunny spots for a sunbath—but the dog days of summer are hot for your cat, too. Even though most kitties can regulate their body temperature pretty well on their own, they may struggle to keep their chill when the weather turns scorching.
We’ve gathered top-notch tips from veterinary expert Shannon Leonard, DVM at Central Animal Hospital in Florida, to help your kitty stay cool, comfortable, and purr-fectly happy all season long. You’ll want to be especially alert if your cat is long-haired, elderly, or has health issues. “Be sure to monitor for signs of overheating and if you notice your cat exhibiting any of these signs seek veterinary care immediately: panting, open-mouth breathing, drooling or excessive salivation, lethargy, red or pale gums,” says Dr. Leonard.
So, keep reading for vet-approved (and kitty-approved) ways to keep your cool cat even cooler. 😺
Keep Them Hydrated
Cats always need access to fresh water, but this becomes even more essential during heat waves—especially since our finicky felines are notorious for not drinking enough. Be sure to regularly top off their bowl with cold water. Additonally, Dr. Leonard tells us, “I always recommend water fountains for cat owners! It encourages them to drink more water… as an added bonus, my cat LOVES when I add ice cubes to his!”
Another way to keep your cat hydrated is by switching them to wet food. Wet food contains much more water than dry food, so this change can help prevent dehydration. To make it even better, try chilling the wet food before serving it or providing your cat with fun frozen treats.
Provide Cool Spaces
Help your kitty bring their temperature down by ensuring they have cool surfaces (such as tile or wood) to sprawl out on during the warmest parts of the day. For outdoor cats, you’ll want to have plenty of shaded areas, too. Dr. Leonard says, “If you can’t do that at home, there are cooling pad options you can buy for them.” You can even try making your own by placing a damp towel or T-shirt in a cool spot.
Dr. Leonard adds, “I would also recommend keeping fans on for your furry friend to keep the room temperature down and to create circulation.” If you don’t have AC in your home, there are also plenty of ways to cool down a room to keep both you and your pets comfortable.
Help Them Groom
You may notice your cat grooming themselves even more during the summer. This can actually help cool them down! Even so, they’ll be extra appreciative if you give them a helping hand. “Regular grooming for your pet is also helpful to keep their temperature down. While cats are very tidy animals and groom themselves throughout the day, helping them rid themselves of excess fur will help them to regulate their body temperature,” says Dr. Leonard.
A pet brush will remove loose fur to improve airflow through their coat and can cut down on mats that could keep them from releasing heat. Taking a damp cloth and stroking it down your cat’s coat can help them cool off faster, too. And since cats only perspire through their paws, wetting their little toes can also help your floof stay refreshed.
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Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
