Cat Care Tips for the Summer Heat

The summer is heating up, and so are our pets. But how do cats keep cool in hot weather? Read on as a vet offers a few good tips for keeping your feline friend safe and comfortable during the sweltering months of summer.

Summertime Dangers for Cats

Summer is a great time to spend outside. Your cat probably loves the sun and warmth just as much as you do. But there are also some dangers that you need to be aware of when your pet is outside in the summer heat.

Allergies and Skin Problems

Cats can develop skin problems in response to hot weather, especially if they are getting wet and then drying off too quickly. This is more likely to happen if they spend a lot of time outdoors, but it can also happen indoors if there is humidity or a lack of air conditioning in your home. Heat waves can also bring out allergies in cats, making them itchy and irritable during the peak heat of summer. If you notice your cat experiencing these issues, consider our Pet Allergies and Veterinary Dermatology services for expert care and treatment.

Heat Stroke

Cats that are left outside for long periods without access to shade or water are vulnerable to heat stroke during hot weather. If your cat spends most of its time outdoors, you should check on it regularly when temperatures reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (36 Celsius). Make sure that there is plenty of shade available for it to seek out if needed, and provide water at all times so that it doesn’t get dehydrated while playing outside in the heat.

Ways to Keep Your Cat Cool in the Summer

• Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. You may want to provide multiple sources of water in case one runs out or spills over. If you have an outdoor cat, consider using a water bowl with a low center of gravity so that it will stay upright when moved by playful cats.
• Keep your windows closed while you are away from home so that your cat does not get overheated or dehydrated by the radiant heat coming through the windowsills and doors. This is especially important for indoor cats who may get confused about when it is safe for them to come back inside after playing outside all day! If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure that he/she cannot squeeze through any gaps in the window frames and escape; kittens especially can fit through very small spaces!
• If possible, try to avoid taking your cat outside on hot days — this includes walks around the block as well as car rides where there is no air conditioning available.

While these tips are specific to cats, dog owners might also find it helpful to read about How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule Fluffy for a checkup, please feel free to call us today.

Contact us, your local animal clinic in Peterborough, ON!