[UPDATED: 5th August 2023]
Sure, the weather’s been a little up and down lately. But we’ve had some scorchers too and hopefully we’ll see more sunny days before the summer is over. But as the thermometer rises, so does your pet’s body temperature and so it’s up to you to help keep them comfortable. Here’s how to keep your cat cool in the heat…
Keep water topped up
This one sounds obvious, but your feline must have access to fresh, clean water at all times. If your cat goes outdoors, make sure you pop a bowl near your front door or in the garden to reduce the risk of feline dehydration.
Play with ice cubes
Some cats adore ice cubes – they’re perfect for pouncing play! Pop a couple down for your feline friend, and it’ll cool down their paws as they grab for them. Make sure you always supervise your cat if you give them ice cubes to play with.
Give your feline a cold snack
Line an ice tray with squares of parchment paper and top with small piles of tuna. Pop the tray in the freezer and voila! An ultra-tasty, cooling cat treat.
Invest in a cooling mat
A custom-made cooling mat can provide a lovely cold place for your cat to rest or snooze on a hot day. Alternatively, you can dab your feline’s fur with a cold, wet flannel now and again.
Keep them cool with a fan
A strategically placed fan can also work well but make sure it has a secure safety cover – with no exposed blades – and is placed on a secure surface where it can’t be knocked over.
Check they’re not shut in
Make an effort to check for your cat periodically. It’s dangerous for a cat to get shut in a room on a hot day with no ventilation.
Brush daily
Fur retains heat, so grooming daily is a good way to get rid of any excess hair If you notice your cat is grooming themselves more in the hotter weather, don’t worry. It’s totally normal and simply your pet’s way of cooling down!
Create shady spots
Cats often naturally seek out the coolest places to rest on hot days. But, if their favourite sleeping place is in full sun, do your best to block out the heat by creating shade around them. Simple steps like closing the curtains can help keep a room cooler.
Understand the signs of overheating
If your cat is displaying any of the following signs, he or she could be overheating, and should see a vet right away:
- Racing pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Lack of energy
- Vomiting
- Stumbling or collapse
Cat thermometers
As a final note, it can be worth considering keeping a cat thermometer handy so you can check your kitty’s temperature if you’re worried. That said, not all cats will tolerate having their temperature checked, so only try this if you know how too, and your cat doesn't mind too much.
As a guide, a normal temperature for a cat is between 37.5°C and 38.5°C. Anything outside of this range (especially if above 39.0°C) can be a concern, and we would recommend calling your vet.
Did you know we make a range of cat supplements to help keep your kitty happy including joint, digestion, skin and coat and calming care?
