Would you ever wear a fur coat in the middle of summer? Probably not! Our feline friends, however, don’t have much of a choice in the matter. Summertime can be very dangerous for cats, who can be at serious risk of heat stroke on sweltering days. Panting may help kitties cool off a little, but this isn’t very effective for them. Sweating doesn’t help much either, as cats only sweat through their paw pads. Here are some great tips for keeping your furry pal cool in summer.

While cats can struggle with the heat, they aren’t the only pets that need special attention during the summer months. Chinchillas, for example, are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. If you have a chinchilla, be sure to read our article ‘Chinchillas and Heat‘ for essential tips on keeping your furry friend cool and comfortable.

Fresh Water

First and foremost, always keep Fluffy’s bowl filled with fresh, clean water. On really hot days, you can drop an ice cube into her water to keep it cooler. If Fluffy is often home alone, consider getting her a water bowl with an automatic dispenser.

Brushing

Brushing Kitty’s fur will remove dead hair and tangles, both of which reduce her fur’s natural insulating properties. Give Fluffy quick grooming sessions every day to help keep her from overheating. Some kitties may enjoy being misted with cool water.

Sleeping Spots

Just like people, kitties instinctively seek out cooler spots to lounge in when it’s hot outside. Make sure your feline pal has access to rooms that have fans or air conditioners. An elevated kitty bed will allow for airflow beneath your sleeping furball, which will help keep her cool.

Playtimes

Our feline friends all benefit from regular exercise, but getting your kitty worked up during the hottest hours of the day can be dangerous. Play with Fluffy in the morning or after dusk. If you walk your cat, avoid taking her out during the hottest part of the day. Toss an ice cube onto the floor for your feline pal to bat around. The cool feeling of ice on hot paw pads may result in feline bliss!

Always monitor your cat for signs of heat stroke. Early symptoms include restlessness, panting, sweaty paws, drool, and unusually heavy grooming. This can be followed by a rapid pulse, vomiting, staggering, and lethargy. If your kitty shows any of these symptoms, contact us right away! Your emergency vet may advise you to take immediate steps to bring Fluffy’s temperature down. Wrapping her in a cool, wet towel, or misting her with cool water in front of a fan, are two things that may help. Remember, regular check-ups through our Vet Preventive Care service can help ensure your cat stays healthy and catches any potential issues early on, especially during the hot summer months.

Contact us, your local animal clinic in St. Lucie County, FL!