How do I keep my cat cool in heat? Vet shares leading pointers to keep your feline good friends comfy
- Pets are vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke throughout the heat
- Read how to keep your cat cool throughout a heat wave listed below
Just like us, the hot weather can become a little too much for our pets, and cats are no exception.
Despite evolving as an animal which was well adapted to life in the desert, cats can still struggle in the heights of summer.
Even though they are independent as pets, with the freedom to come and go as they please, there are precautions you can make which will do them a big favour.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s Senior Vet Claire Turner has revealed the things you can do to help your cat when the heat is on.
Read on to find out her advice.
As cats are often free to roam about of their own accord, it can be difficult to ensure their safety during bouts of extreme weather. However there are things you can do to ensure they have the ability to keep themselves at safe temperature while outdoors (stock image)
Cat owners can leave out bowls of cold water for your cat in places that you know it likes to go (stock image)
Ensure there are shady spots for cats in their favourite haunts. It is also a good idea to lock enclosed spaces that cats like to explore, like sheds, garages and greenhouses, as their risk of heatstroke is high if they become shut in (stock image)
Use suncream
Just like us, suncream is a great way to help cats; you can even get pet-specific suncream.
This cream will be thicker than what you are used to slapping on by the pool, but do not be alarmed, this is to combat your cat’s urge to aggressively lick itself, so that the suncream will last long enough to make a difference.
Cats with lighter fur will be at more risk of sunburn, with the nose and tips of the ears the worst places for burns.
Switch-up their food
A simple way to make your cat’s food more summer-friendly is, if they are on wet food, to water it down a little.
Ultimately, keeping your cat cool in summer will largely be down to keeping them hydrated.
A more adventurous option is to make your cat an icy treat to cool them down.
Adding some chunks of tuna to your ice cube tray before you fill it up can be a great way of giving your pet a novelty snack which also keeps it cool and hydrated.
If your cat loves to lounge indoors, closing the blinds is an obvious way to help them stay cool
Leave out plenty of water
This seems obvious but one top tip is to be sure that your cat’s water is not next to their food, as this is wat they prefer.
In addition to this, if possible, have a number of water sources around your home to offer that variety.
And there is one more, extra special way that Ms Turner revealed you can encourage your cat to drink more.
She said: ‘Moving water sources are great.
‘If you’ve got a water fountain, that’s perfect.’
Make sure they have cool places to go
While cats can be very social, most will like their alone time too, whether that is on your bed during the day, or under a particular tree in the garden.
Wherever that is, try and make sure it is cool by keeping it in the shade.
Inside you can do this by closing the curtains, or if they like being out in the garden, consider cooling them down with a damp towel.
Ms Turner said: ‘You cant really force them to use one, if you put it on them it’s just another layer so defeats the point.
‘But if you put one down they at least have the option.’
You can even get specially designed cooling mats if you really want to treat them.
