Cats usually feel uncomfortable in the summer season. They struggle in the heat because their ability to cool off by sweating is low. They can overheat quite easily due to high body temperature and heatstroke.
Cats enjoy a snooze in the sunshine and when they feel too hot they change their place and move to a shady area. Tiles and materials such as porcelain keep cool, so cats move towards them. Like tiles, kitchen floor, or the bathroom.
To keep cats cool in summer
Make sure the cat has plenty of water with low salt levels. Change the water once or twice a day to encourage the cat to drink.
Place the different bowls at different locations of the house and garden so that water is within easy reach and always available in case others are split or run out.
An open window allows the breeze to pass through it and helps to provide a cool area to rest.
Household fans can also be comfortable for the cats living there. Often brush the cat's hair. A well-groomed tangle-free coat will help to keep the cat cool.
If the cat has long fur, they feel more hot and uncomfortable. White and light-colored cats also have pale skin and can have sunburn.
Consult your veterinarian for cat clips that could help to keep them cool in hot weather. Cats with pink skin and fur coats were previously influenced by sunburn and skin cancer.
Cats cool themselves down is by grooming, which is nothing more than wetting their fur with saliva rather than water.
Cats do not mind a little bit of moisture on their fur, especially when they see how it can cool them off.
There should be plenty of shaded areas in the garden so that cat has the freedom to roam around in the outdoors.
During summer days, an active cat quickly becomes exhausted and dehydrated. Cats can be affected by the sun in the same way humans are.
They can also get heatstroke the same way and develop skin cancer from sunburns, even on cloudy days.
Categories of Cats Feel Heat
Cats with short noses like Persian shorthair cats have difficulty in breathing because of the shape of their face, so they have to struggle to cool themselves down, especially in hot weather.
Cats with fluffy hair feel the heat more than their short-haired cats. They need regular grooming that helps them to cool down in summer.
Older cats with health problems are usually more sensitive to the heat and more likely to suffer from serious problems like heart stroke.
Keep cats inside the house during summer, so that they can protect themselves from the heat of the sun.
Overweight cats carry extra fat, these fats put their body under more strain and insulate them, and do not allow inner body heat to go out, it is much harder for them to cool down.
To Make Cats Feel Comfortable
A tangle-free coat helps to keep your cat cool. Brush your cat regularly during the summer season. It is also nice to keep your cat clipped for summer, especially if she has long fur.
Stroke your cat with a damp washcloth on hot days, gently stroking your cat with a damp washcloth or paper towel can help them cool down. And we all know that every cat loves a good pat.
Cats are not very good at cooling down their body temperature, they quickly become overheated. Heat stress is a condition that affects the whole body. Furbaby affected by heat stress appears distressed and restless.
A large amount of saliva starts coming out from the mouth and nose. Sometimes become unsteady on their feet, collapse and in a case can die from heat stress.
Some fur babies may also vomit and if you notice many little things, you may see their pulse is racing and their tongue appearing red.
Pay attention to your cat's feet as they have sweat glands on their paws. If your cat is leaving wet paw prints, it's a sign of sweating, so you'll need to refill her fluids.
Cats easily find their way into all kinds of hiding places, particularly if they are looking for a shady spot to cool down and relax.
All cat owners need to be aware of the watch for signs of heatstroke. Symptoms of heatstroke, so you can get help for your cat quickly if needed. Call your vet immediately.
Common signs of sickness include:
- Low Energy.
- Drooling (in extreme cases, your cat will get a dry mouth and gums).
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Mouth breathing/panting.
- Unsteadiness.
- Collapse.
- Shaking.
- Stretching out and breathing quickly
- Worry and Depression.
- Skin hot to the touch.
- Glazed eyes.