Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe and Cool This Summer

July 1st, 2022

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Summer is officially here with lots of fun in the sun, trips to the pool, and days of scorching heat. As a pet parent, it’s important to keep your feline friend safe and cool on hot summer days. Here are some tips to help your furry companion beat the summer heat. 

Summer Pet Safety Tips

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: We cannot overemphasize the importance of keeping pets hydrated to cool them off from the inside out. Make sure your cat has access to a bowl of fresh, cool water at all times, indoors or out. You may want to provide a pet water fountain because cats prefer to drink from a moving water source. 

Provide a Cooling Pad: Cooling pads offer a perfect solution to keep your kitties nice and cool. They are convenient, requiring no electricity, water, or any maintenance on your part. The gel-filled pads stay cool to the touch, providing refuge and relief on a hot summer day!

Provide Ice: Ice is a safe and refreshing way to keep your cat nice and cool. From entertaining your furry friend with ice cubes to providing them with frozen treats, the possibilities are endless. 

Create a Shady Spot: If your cat is an outdoors explorer, make sure there are shady areas. While trees and shrubs usually provide the needed shade, you can help by hanging sheets or blankets or creating a safe and cool outdoor refuge for your furry friend. 

Keep Your Cat Indoors: On very hot or humid days, try to keep your cat indoors during the hottest part of the day. There are plenty of ways to provide entertainment and ensure your pet escapes the scorching heat. 

Groom Your Furry Friend: Imagine walking around with a thick fur coat on a hot day. It’s no surprise that fluffy, long-haired cats are at a higher risk of overheating. Make sure you brush your cat daily to remove any excess fur and provide some relief from the heat.

Never Leave Your Cat in a Car: Never leave any pet unattended in a parked car. The inside temperature can rise to over 120 degrees on a warm day in a matter of minutes, leading to needless suffering, heat stroke, brain damage, or even death. 

What Are the Signs of Heatstroke?

Cats are good at avoiding overheating by seeking cool or shady spots. However, if they are trapped in a hot area with no way to cool themselves off, they are at risk of heatstroke. Signs of this serious condition include drooling, low energy, panting, mouth breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, unsteadiness, and collapse. 

If you notice any signs of heatstroke, contact your trusted team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Kirkland immediately. Heatstroke is a serious condition with potentially devastating effects on your cat’s health and wellbeing. 

Need More Cat Safety Tips?

Contact your trusted team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Kirkland, WA, if you need more tips to help your cat enjoy a safe and cool summer. We are here to support you and your furry friend every step of the way. You can always count on our team for purr-fectly compassionate care!