A Complete Guide on Taking Care Of Cats In Summer
During the summer cats also need special care to feel good and not too hot. Summer brings its own set of problems for the cat owner as heat and dehydration, parasites and sunburn can all take their toll. From the dangers that summer heat poses to your pets some facts of caring for a cat during the hot season, they answer all questions and how you can help your dog cope with the heat.
1. Why Are Cats So Susceptible to Heat?
Cats do not sweat like humans. With the exception of sweat glands on their paw pads, they lack other methods to help cool off and withstand extreme heat. Rather, they utilize various other techniques such as pet grooming and panting. But that’s not always sufficient, particularly during a heat wave.
a) Thermoregulation of the Body
A cat has a normal body temperature of 100.4°F — 102.5°F (38°C -39.2°C). If the outside temperature soars, especially during the summer (naturally), cats will have a hard time maintaining a healthy body temperature and may experience symptoms of heat stress or more seriously, heatstroke. It is also crucial to observe their behavior and environment, making sure they have the opportunity or access to cool and shaded locations.
Dehydration, Heat Stress, and Heatstroke Symptoms in Cats
Heat stress can rapidly progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening state. Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stress
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Restlessness
- Overgrooming (in an attempt to keep cool)
- Drooling
- Lethargy
If heat stress escalates toward your dog developing heatstroke, you might notice some of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Bright red gums
- Unsteady movement or collapse
- Seizures
Heatstroke requires immediate treatment if you notice any symptoms in your cat. Place the cat in a cool area, give it some water, and call a vet immediately.
2. Providing a Cool Environment
Arguably the easiest, and most impactful way to care for your cat in the summer is to make sure they have a safe space.
a) Air Conditioning and Fans
If you have air conditioning, having it on during the warmest parts of the day will substantially help your cat. Otherwise, you can open your windows and turn on fans in naturally well-ventilated rooms to help circulate the cooler air. Whereas, they retreat to tiled floorings (where it is quite colder than the room temperature), near fans (air), and under the shades.
b) Cool Beds and Mats
Also, cooling mats or beds that regulate temperature are available for the summer. The little guy is licking his fur and spreading it on his bed, but will occasionally sleep on a plastic crate mat that absorbs more of their body heat to help keep them cool. Or, if your kitty likes to sleep on a wet towel you can place some on the floor.
c) Outdoor Cats
If your cat enjoys outdoor time, provide them with umbrellas or tree shade in the yard. Install a Cat House/ Shade Cloth or block-off to keep it cooler outdoors. Babies < 6 months should avoid exposure to the sun and all kids may benefit from playing inside during peak heat hours (10 AM-4 PM)
3. Hydration is Key
Cats are very susceptible to the summer risks of dehydration. Encourage Hydration Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water
a) Fresh Water Availability
Make sure your cat has fresh clean water available at all times. In the summer, water bowls must be kept in multiple spots in the house. Cats like running water, so you can get a water fountain that will make drinking more attractive for their
b) Wet Food for Hydration
Another option is to feed your cat(s) wet tuna, water added or you can give her some of the flavored (fancy feast cat food), some cats are also fed with those small cans of tuna that have already been prepared for human consumption. Because it has a higher moisture content than dry food, wet food can play a role in hydration.
c) Hydrating Treats
Freeze small amounts of low-sodium broth or wet cat food in an ice cube tray to make hydrating treats for your favorite feline. A few cats may even like to lick on an ice cube or crushed ice, especially when it has a little zest from their beloved broth added
4. Grooming: Cat Comfort
In the summer, cats groom themselves more often in order to stay cool. But, they also depend on their owner for proper grooming to regulate body temperature
a) Regular Brushing
It can also trap heat; Blade Regular brushing removes dead hair and helps prevent mats or tangles which, in turn, trap heat. Short-haired cats can be brushed once weekly, but longhairs such as Persians need more frequent grooming
b) Shedding Season
Cats shed a lot during the summer. In shedding season, this practice might minimize the amount of hair hanging around your house and keep your cat from eating too much fur and licking her coat, which creates hairballs
c) Bathing Cats
Most cats hate water but might enjoy a bath now and then during the hot summer months, particularly if they do a lot of outdoor playing. Bath in lukewarm waters with cat shampoos to protect their skin and keep it clean
5. Sunburn and Skin Protection
Cats who are light-skinned, or have light fur or even who have exposed skin on their ears and/or nose will be at the most risk of getting sunburned. Too much sun exposure can also cause another type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma
a) Sunscreen for Cats
If your cat goes outside or always finds its way to a sunny window, it is crucial that you apply a cat-safe sunscreen to those vulnerable areas. People’s sunscreens can be toxic, so you need to use a pet-specified product
b) Limiting Sun Exposure
You can also keep your cat inside during the time of day when the sun is at its brightest to protect them from sunburn. There are UV-blocking window films and shades that will allow your cat to bask in the sun, but protect them from direct sunlight
6. Parasite Prevention in Summer
Summer is the prime season for many parasites, including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. These bugs are not only annoying but can also infect your cato.
a) Flea and Tick Control
Regular flea and tick prevention control is another necessity during the summertime in cats. There are spot-on treatments, collars, and oral medications available as well but again it is best to ask your vet which one they think would work best for your cat.
b) Mosquito bites- heartworm
Heartworm is a parasite that can be passed to cats via mosquitoes, and it carries life or death consequences. Heartworm is less prevalent in cats than dogs, but prevention treatment is of utmost importance to protect your cat — especially if mosquitos are plentiful in your area.
c) Regular Cleaning
Clean your pet’s bedding, toys, and living environments to prevent parasites. Hygiene of various materials that the cat uses can influence flea control and some other pests.
7. Traveling with Cats in the Summer
Summer is a time to take vacations, and some cat owners may want their feline friends with them
a) Preparing for Travel
Below are some of the most important aspects to keep in mind: When it comes to traveling with your cat, be equipped with a soft carrier which is well-ventilated! Put cooling pads in the insert for long trips, and avoid travel in the middle of the day whenever possible
b) Never Leave Cats in a Car
And, when the weather is warm, a cat should never be left in an unattended parked car. The interior temperatures of a car can heat up so quickly, that it doesn’t take long for death in minutes from heat stroke
c) Cooling Down During Travel
Crank up the air conditioning in warm weather if you’re driving there. Use a freshwater fountain, or feed your cat at stops along the way
8. Indoor Safety for Cats
Summer presents its own set of challenges for even indoor cats. Un-air-conditioned homes can reach dangerously high temperatures, and some common household items are dangerous
a) Heatproofing Your Home
Takeaway: If you live in a house, close the curtain or blind during some of the day to keep the heat out. Similarly, you can circulate air from fans and even put frozen water bottles wrapped in towels near your furry friends’ favorite napping places to help them cool down
b) Houseplants and Hazards
Make sure any plants your cat may come in a range of are nonpoisonous. Lilies, aloe vera, and sago palms are popular summer plants that are toxic for cats if they are swallowed
9. Senior Cats Older cats need to have their thyroid levels rechecked 3-6 months after radioactive iodine treatment.
Cats that are aging may be more prone to heat and dehydration, making them especially vulnerable when summer comes around
a) Monitoring Senior Cats
Find out how to tell when an older cat has heat stroke. They are less active and more susceptible to dehydration, so it is important to give them water and provide them with a cool place to rest
b) Managing Health Conditions
Temperatures over 100 degrees can cause problems for cats with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory issues. Follow your vet to learn about treatment during the summer and whether medications might need to be adjusted
10. Identifying and Acting on Emergencies
Still, summer emergencies can happen. It goes a long way if you can identify and react to these situations
a) What to do immediately for an overheated cat
If your cat appears to be overheating, relocate them to a cool shady spot. Give Offer water, but don’t force them to drink. You can also spritz them with cool (not cold) water or use a wet cloth on their paws and ears
b) When to Call a Vet
And if symptoms such as heavy panting, vomiting, or lethargy continue after you take steps to cool your dog down: Call your vet right away. In extreme cases, heatstroke can start causing organ damage, and at that point, time is of the essence
Conclusion
Whether or not you like caring for cats in the summer, your kitties require more adoration if they are going to survive the heat. With the right habitat, proper grooming, protection against parasites, and knowledge of the symptoms of heat stress in cats, you will almost guarantee a happy – if not too hot – summer with your furry house hunter in tow. Summer can be a nice time for your cat (and you) with the proper care
