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With temperatures set to soar this weekend, it would seem summer is finally here!  Whilst some of us make our way to the pool or beach (or air-conditioned pub!) to cool off it is really important to consider our kitties left  at home who may find it difficult to cool down given all the fluff they are hiding under!

Summer poses many risks, including; heat stroke, dehydration, and for those that venture outside – sunburn, thermal burns and even snake bite.  Many of these risks can be avoided by keeping our kitties safe indoors.  As we know, even indoors in our beautiful country, it can get very warm indeed!  Below are a few considerations to keep our furry babies cool, well hydrated and safe throughout summer;

Water! Water! Water!

Most importantly, always make sure there is fresh water available for your cat.  Topping up or replacing the water a few times a day or considering the use of a water fountain may encourage them to drink.  Placing multiple bowls around the house will ensure that water is within easy reach of all cats in the household.  Ensure to keep bowls clean, washing them every day.

Some cats may enjoy cold water, created by adding a few ice cubes to the bowl.  Always ensure there is a second bowl without ice cubes nearby, as some cats will not drink ice-cold water (as nice as it sounds to us!).

Climate Control

Some cats are indeed spoiled, having 24-hour-a-day air conditioning to keep them cool.  For some of us, this is just not feasible.  If your home does not have air conditioning consider opening a window to let in the breeze (making sure of course the window is escape-proof!!), or running a fan to help the air circulate (again, make sure this is cat-proof i.e. not climbable!).  Often cats will take the opportunity to lie sprawled out on the tiles where it is nice and cool, so giving cats access to a room with a tiled floor is often a good idea.

There are cooling mats available for purchase at pet stores, but you can create your own “cool bed” by wrapping up a frozen water bottle and placing it in your cat’s favorite resting spot (just a tip – do not fill the water bottle all the way to the top prior to freezing as the lid may pop off and make for a nasty surprise!).

If your cats are lucky enough to have an outdoor cat run, ensure they have access to lots of shady resting spots in the run as well as an easy access path inside the house to escape the heat if needed.

Grooming

Brushing your cat regularly will ensure they don’t develop knotting and mats, which can be uncomfortable and also trap heat.  For some of our long-haired friends it may be worth considering a professional full body clip to help keep them cool.  Regular grooming also provides the opportunity to check for parasites like fleas which tend to thrive in warm weather!

Fleas, worming and vaccinations

Regardless of the season it’s important to keep your cat up-to-date with vaccinations but it’s especially important now that windows and doors will be open more often, and the potential for a cheeky escape exists!

Ensure your kitty is covered with the appropriate parasite protection, including; intestinal worming, heartworm prevention and flea treatment.  Fleas tend to be most active in the warmer months and even if your cat lives indoors, sometimes dogs can serve as a “flea taxi”!  For safety, don’t use any over the counter flea products without speaking to your vet first.

Sun Protection

Slip, slop, slap is not just for humans (although most cats won’t be impressed being dressed in a long-sleeved t-shirt and sunnies)!  If your cat enjoys sun-baking outdoors or even on a window ledge, consider the use of animal sunscreen or zinc (most human sunscreens are not suitable and can even be toxic).  This is especially important for white cats or cats that are sparsely haired to the ear tips or bridge of their nose.  For our very sparsely haired (or naked!) Devon-Rex and Sphynx friends, there is actually companies that manufacture cat sun-suits!

Like us, cats can develop skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma with prolonged sun exposure.  If the UV index is too high for us humans to go out in the sun then this also applies for our kitties.  It is best to avoid the outdoors during these times.

Stay safe and keep cool this summer!

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