If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer
days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your cat
will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you
to care for your cat’s healthy so that he or she does not become
overheated. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby—your cat
cannot tell you that he or she is hot or uncomfortable. You have
to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so
that your cat does not get too hot.
When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever let
your cat inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars
quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in
the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet
will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car
safely. In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your pet could
die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does
little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves
and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your pet. If your
pet will be going with you, make sure that cats are allowed
wherever you will be.
When the heat index is high, keep your cats inside. Cats that
are not outdoors most of the time won’t know where the cooler
places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not
return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a cat’s health,
as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads. If your cat does
not use a litter box and instead goes outside, make sure that he
or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the
hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that
seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay
indoors as well.
Keep your cat well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing
you cat often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been
shed and is weighing down the animal. If your cat has very long
hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an
air-conditioned room if possible. Preventing overheating is key.
As always, make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water.
This can be tap water, but should be cool and changed multiple
times a day when it is hot outside. Your furry feline is very
important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper
care when the summer days make your sweat.