Anyone with a feline companion will know that cats love the sun. In fact, many cats enjoy sunbathing and will lay outside in the heat for hours! This can, of course, cause some concern for us cat paw-rents. Luckily for us, cats are naturally very good at regulating their body temperature and keeping themselves hydrated. However, there are still a few things we should do to ensure our cats are safe and happy during the Summer months...
Keep the water flowing
Every cat needs constant access to fresh, clean water. During the hot weather, be sure to keep drinking bowls topped up. It is a good idea to provide your cat with multiple water sources. Some cats prefer to drink from moving water, such as taps or cat fountains. If you decide to invest in a cat fountain, place it in a cool, shady spot far away from your cats food and litter.
Keep an eye on their feet
Cats have sweat glands on their paws, so wet paw prints could mean that they are sweating more than normal and may need to drink more. Also keep an eye out for any surfaces that you cat may like to climb on, some materials can get very hot and scald their sensitive paws. Be especially mindful of any metal or glass structures as these can reach very high temperatures. If you think your cat has burnt their paws, take them to your vet as soon as possible.
Give them somewhere to cool off
Creating somewhere shaded in your garden for your cat is a must! We also recommend keeping a room in your house cool and well-ventilated. The best way to do this is to close the curtains but keep the windows open. You can also find cooling mats widely available that may be beneficial to your cat.
Keep them protected
Cats with a shorted coat or lighter coloured fur may benefit from some sun protection. Regularly apply a pet-safe sunscreen to their nose and ears. Make sure to keep reapplying as this can easily be licked off!
Give them a groom
Regularly brushing your cat helps to reduce hairballs and removes excess hair, keeping your cat much cooler in the Summer months. Most cats love a brush, so this is also an excellent way to bond. Your cat may also groom themselves more than usual as the temperatures rise, this is because their saliva evaporating from their fur helps to keep them cool.
Keep pests at bay
It is more important than ever to keep your cat's flea, worming and tick treatments up to date. The warmer weather makes it easier for parasites to thrive, putting your cat at a greater risk of infestation.