It is not just humans who feel the heat; our very own favourite cats also do.
And this is because cats are sensitive to high temperatures, and overheating is dangerous for them. They have a hard time in hot weather, which is why it is important to help them stay cool and safe.
Let us protect our cats in the hot weather by helping them stay cool, even if they adore sunbathing.
How Hot is Too Hot for Cats?
If you are feeling hot, then probably your cat is feeling hot too!
Cats are not very good at cooling themselves down. Unlike humans, they do not really sweat, only a little bit from their paws, which isn’t enough to cool them off. In summer, you might notice your cat grooming more. That is because their saliva dries and helps them cool down a bit, but it is not very effective.
To avoid getting too hot, cats usually slow down and rest more in warm weather. They look for cool, shady spots, lie on cooler surfaces like tiles or grass, and drink more water to stay cool and hydrated.
If your cat stays indoors in an air-conditioned home, you usually do not have to worry. Temperatures that feel good to you are also great for cats.
How To Keep Your Cat Cool?
When cats get too warm, they may first show signs of heat exhaustion. They will become tired or slow down to try to cool off. If they keep getting hotter, it can turn into a serious health problem, so here is what you need to do.
- Keep Outdoor Time Short During Hot Hours
You will have to limit their outdoor time when the sun is strongest, usually between late morning and early evening. Instead, let them go outside during cooler times like early morning or late evening.
If your cat loves being outside, slowly reduce the time they spend out during the hottest parts of the day so they can adjust more easily.
Also, you have to make sure any outdoor area they use has plenty of shade and fresh water.
- Brush Your Cat to Help Them Stay Cool
You have to brush your cat regularly, as it will help your cat to stay cooler in hot weather.
It also removes loose and dead fur that can trap heat and makes it easier for air to reach their skin. This can lower their body temperature and make them feel more comfortable.
If you keep a regular brushing routine, not only will it help them stay cool, but also keep their coat healthy and reduce the risk of heat-related problems.
- Use a Damp Cloth to Cool Your Cat
One simple way to help your cat stay cool is by gently wiping their fur with a damp washcloth. Your focus should be on their paws and belly, as these areas help them release heat.
The paw pads are especially important because that is where most of their sweat glands are. If you are able to moisten them, it will lower their body temperature.
- Keep the Air Flowing to Help Your Cat Stay Cool
A good airflow will help your cat feel cooler on hot days. For this purpose, you can use fans around the house to keep the air moving and give your cat a breeze to enjoy.
You can also open the windows in the early morning or evening when the outside air is cooler. This will create a nice cross-breeze that helps lower the temperature indoors.
- Make Sure Your Cat Stays Hydrated
Cats need to drink more water in hot weather to stay cool and healthy. That is why you have to always keep fresh water available, even for indoor cats. Please watch for signs of dehydration, like:
- Tiredness
- Dry or pale gums
- The skin between their shoulders
- Never Let Your Cat In a Car
Do not leave your cat in a car on a warm day, not even for a few minutes.
Do you know that even with the windows slightly open, the inside of a car can heat up very fast? On an 85°F day, the temperature inside can reach 102°F in just 10 minutes, and 120°F in 30 minutes. That can be deadly for a cat.
- Try a Cooler Diet for Hot Days
If you change your cat’s diet in summer, they can stay cool and hydrated. For this, you can use wet food because it has more water than dry food, which helps with hydration and keeps their body temperature down.
You can also offer chilled or frozen treats like small bits of frozen fish or meat as a refreshing snack. Adding a little water to their wet food is another easy way to help them drink more.
- Use a Damp Towel or Cooling Mat
If you place a damp towel, sheet, or cloth on the floor, it can also help your cat to cool down. What you have to do is simply:
- Wet it
- Wring out the extra water
- Lay it flat
Your cat might lie on it or step on it, which helps cool their paws and body.
You can also use a cooling mat made for pets. These mats often contain a safe gel that stays cool when your cat lies on it, no electricity or water needed.
- Play with Ice Cubes to Cool Your Cat
You can also place a few ice cubes on a hard floor and let your cat bat them around. It will cool their paws.
You can also drop a few ice cubes into their water bowl to keep the water cooler for longer, especially if you don’t have a cat water fountain.
- Make Cool, Shady Spots for Your Cat
You can also set up cozy spots away from direct sunlight. You can use fans or air conditioning to keep these areas cooler during hot days.
Cover sunny windows with light, airy curtains to block out the heat while still letting in some gentle light. You can also add soft bedding in these shaded spots so your cat has a comfy place to relax and escape the warmth.
Conclusion:
Our feline friends, who are very dear to us, can get affected by summer heat just like us. We love them and that’s why you have to take these simple steps, and you will have a safe, happy, and cool cat.
So, try out these tips and share with us which one worked best for your cat. Let us connect in the comments box.
FAQs
Q1: How do cats naturally cool down?
Ans: Cats cool down by panting, which allows for the evaporation of moisture from their lungs and airways, releasing heat in the process.
Q2: Does brushing a cat cool them down?
Ans: A daily brush will help make sure that your cat’s thick undercoat and excess fur is removed, which can help them feel a little cooler.
