Keeping Kitty Cool In the Warmer Months

@Katlady2 (9904)
United States
May 23, 2007 2:44pm CST
Here's a helpful little article on keeping your cats cool when the weather gets warmer, courtesy of http://www.catchow.com/ Making Your Cat's Summer More Enjoyable Dr. Steffen Runquist, DVM, Feline Specialist Summer can be filled with fun times for you and your cat. It can also be surrounded by many things to be mindful of. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe, comfortable summer together. Mind Her Diet It is important for all of us to stay hydrated when temperatures rise. Providing plenty of cool, fresh water will help keep your cat cool and content during the summer. You can even put a few ice cubes in her water bowl for her to enjoy during periods of extreme heat. It is also normal for your cat to eat less during hot weather—just as you might. Unless she displays other signs of illness, just keep in mind that she is adjusting to the warm weather. Playtime for Two Don't forget playtime. Though your cat may want to nap a lot during the summer, she still needs regular exercise. Set aside 15 minutes each day to help your cat remain fit, trim, and alert. Keeping Her Cool Short-nosed breeds, overweight and geriatric cats all tend to be susceptible to overheating during the summertime. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, provide your cat with shady spots and breeze within your home. And always remember to constantly monitor and refresh your cat’s water supply—she can get thirsty and dehydrated, just like you. Going Places Together If you must travel with your cat by air, schedule the flight during early morning or evening. Peak travel periods when delays or stopovers may be longer should be avoided if possible. Upon arrival at your destination, your cat should be picked up promptly. Grooming is Sharing Regular grooming not only helps control summertime shedding, but also aids in flea and tick control. Enjoy the quality bonding time you’ll have together, while you help keep your cat clean and pest free. A final thought You and your cat can share in the summertime fun together when you’re prepared to handle her seasonal needs.
2 people like this
3 responses
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
23 May 07
Yeup, I have a Big Dog Drinkwell fountain for all my animals to drink out of. With the heat lately, I'm filling the gallon resevior every day which I'm happy to do cause it means they are drinking alot more. Once I turn the A/C on, I know where my cats will be. Napping right on top of the 2 floor vents in the bathrooms. Rest of the vents are baseboard. I've noticed Tigger has been more active in the morning hours as well as evening and of course, while I'm trying to sleep. lol Now he is under my bed sleeping the heat of day away.
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
23 May 07
He's showing how smart he is....maybe we should do the same thing. But not under the bed! LOL
1 person likes this
• United States
24 May 07
Your right, not under the bed, but on top with a fan going on us.lol It's 8:41 here and 79 degrees. Thinking of turning the fan on me now while I sit here then I'll be set for bed as well. I'm overheating already. It's cooler outside than inside. Nice breeze IF I was sleeping in Tigger's room. lol
2 people like this
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
24 May 07
That's how our house is. The insulation sucks, so it's always either too hot or too cold inside. I had the fans going all day, and around 4:00 pm I broke down and turned on the AC. I just couldn't take it anymore, and the cats looked like they were melting in their fur.
• United States
24 May 07
These are good tips to remember. When summertime gets here and it is so hot and you are hot you know that your cat has to be hot also. These are very good tips and they will certainly help to keep your cat better suited to handle the summer heat.
1 person likes this
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
24 May 07
Thank you so much hon.
@sodapop (977)
• United States
24 May 07
More good information. I was wondering, old wise Katlady (who has the answers to everything it seems) since my cat is an indoor cat only could I shave my cat to help her keep cool, or would that be a bad thing to do. Still new to having cats, and I shave my dog every year and she seems so happy to get all that fur off of her.
1 person likes this
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
24 May 07
I know people who have taken their cats to be groomed and given hair cuts. But, using my kitties as examples, if I were to shave mine they would be completely insulted, and I would end up losing a lot of blood from their claws! LOL If you have a fan for her to lay in front of, that is the best thing to do. Mine hog the fans when it's hot in my house. It's pretty funny to see them shoving each other out of the way to get to the cool air.