How is everyone surviving the heat this summer? Last week we suffered through 6 straight days of 90 plus degree weather with the heat index making it feel over 100 degrees. This is extremely unusual weather for Vermont and Mudpie and I were both dragging in spite of having the air conditioner on practically non-stop.
Our cats suffer in the heat just as much as we do and they depend on us to find ways to keep them cool when the temperatures rise. This month's edition of The Purrfect 10 features our tips on how to do just that...
1) Hydration is key: Always have a supply of fresh water available, and change it several times a day to keep it fresh in the heat. Place several bowls around the house so your cat doesn't have to look for one when she is feeling the heat. If you are out for the day, add some ice to the water before leaving. (More tips and tricks to keep your cat properly hydrated can be found here.)
2) Give a cooling wipe down: Many cats enjoy being wiped down with a damp paper towel or washcloth. The moisture on their fur cools them off, just as their own saliva does when they groom themselves. Do this in front of a box fan or open window for added comfort.
3) Put a cold water bottle in their bed: Partially fill a small drink bottle with water and freeze it overnight. Wrap it in a towel and place it in your cat's favorite nap spot.
4) Turn on a small fan at floor level: Place one of the above-mentioned frozen water bottles in front of the air source if you do not have air conditioning. Avoid frozen gel packs which could be toxic for your pet.
5) Raise the pet bed: If you elevate your cat's bed, air will circulate and cause a cooling effect to keep body temperature down. Placing it in a drafty room or near a fan will double the effect.
6) Provide shade: Make sure there are lots of shady areas for your cat to stretch out. Many cats will seek out cool places like basements and rooms with tile floors. Closing shades and blinds will also create a dark, cool environment, as will keeping windows shut during the hottest times of the day.
7) Splish splash, I was taking a bath... Mudpie *loves* playing in the bathtub! It's cool surface also provides a great place to hang out during the summer.
8) Brush your cat often: Removing excess fur and preventing tangles will help to keep them cool.
9) Keep exercise to a minimum: Playtime is important, but don't encourage your cat to play during the hottest time of the day. Wait until later in the evening to burn off a little excess energy.
10) Avoid car trips: Cats are just as vulnerable as dogs to the heat trapped inside a car. NEVER leave your pet in a vehicle on a hot day, even with the windows cracked.
If you suspect your cat has become overheated, check for the following symptoms of heatstroke:
1) Hydration is key: Always have a supply of fresh water available, and change it several times a day to keep it fresh in the heat. Place several bowls around the house so your cat doesn't have to look for one when she is feeling the heat. If you are out for the day, add some ice to the water before leaving. (More tips and tricks to keep your cat properly hydrated can be found here.)
3) Put a cold water bottle in their bed: Partially fill a small drink bottle with water and freeze it overnight. Wrap it in a towel and place it in your cat's favorite nap spot.
4) Turn on a small fan at floor level: Place one of the above-mentioned frozen water bottles in front of the air source if you do not have air conditioning. Avoid frozen gel packs which could be toxic for your pet.
5) Raise the pet bed: If you elevate your cat's bed, air will circulate and cause a cooling effect to keep body temperature down. Placing it in a drafty room or near a fan will double the effect.
6) Provide shade: Make sure there are lots of shady areas for your cat to stretch out. Many cats will seek out cool places like basements and rooms with tile floors. Closing shades and blinds will also create a dark, cool environment, as will keeping windows shut during the hottest times of the day.
7) Splish splash, I was taking a bath... Mudpie *loves* playing in the bathtub! It's cool surface also provides a great place to hang out during the summer.
8) Brush your cat often: Removing excess fur and preventing tangles will help to keep them cool.
9) Keep exercise to a minimum: Playtime is important, but don't encourage your cat to play during the hottest time of the day. Wait until later in the evening to burn off a little excess energy.
10) Avoid car trips: Cats are just as vulnerable as dogs to the heat trapped inside a car. NEVER leave your pet in a vehicle on a hot day, even with the windows cracked.
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- panting/rapid breathing
- restlessness
- excessive grooming
- sweaty paws
- lethargy
- stumbling
- drooling
- redness of the tongue and mouth
- fever
- vomiting
- unresponsiveness
How do you keep kitty cool during the dog days of summer?
