This is a perfect post. It’s been over 26 celcius degrees today. I’m slowly melting away on this couch, and I don’t dare to go outside in the sun. Both my cats don’t know what to do with this heat. Thank god I have a fan and a freezer.
Also read Sunbathing Hazards.
How Does A Cat Cool Off?
Cats cool off by sweating through the pads on their feet/their paws – which are too small to offer any real cooling effort.
And they also try to cool themself down in the summer by increasing the amount of grooming. They lick their fur, and leave saliva on their fur as they do. When the saliva evaporates, they cool down. But sometimes, that just isn’t enough.
How Can We Help Our Cat(s) Cool Off?
1. It’s a good idea to keep your outdoor-cat indoor on very hot days. But if your cat is outside, make sure there is enough shade, and a bowl of fresh water – which you should change several times a day (another tip: Freeze a bowl of water the night before and place it outside during the heat. Ice is a treat for any cat, but the frozen water keeps the bowl and water cool as it melts).
2. Or put your cat in an air-conditioned room. Be sure to put her water dish and litter box in the room with her.
3. Fans are great during the summer, so turn them on in the house to circulate air on hot summer days. Place the fans where the cat cannot reach them!
4. The bathroom is most of the times one of the coolest places in the house. So why not give your cat access to the bathroom in the summer? Cats know how to find a cool place to lie down when it gets hot, and the stone bathroom floor feels very refreshing!
5. Use a wet cloth with cool water to wipe your cat down. Pet him on his head and back with the wet rag.
6. Encourage your cat to stay calm during the heat of day. Rough play, running and exercise should be limited to early mornings or later at night when it is not as hot.
7. Groom your cat on a regular basis. Remove dead fur and matted clumps that trap heat against the cat’s body. Speak to your veterinarian to find out if trimming or shaving the cat’s coat is a viable option.
8. The places where cats get the warmest are their bellies, the pads on their paws, their armpits, under their chins, and on the outside of their ears. Concentrate on keeping these spots cool.
9. Another way to use a small kitchen towel is to soak it with water and place it in the freezer. When the towel gets cold enough, lay it out on a smooth kitchen or bathroom floor for your cat to lie on; if it’s too cold for your cat, leave it there as it’ll warm up enough over time. Don’t force your cat onto it – simply introduce her to it and if she likes it, she can make up her own mind.
10. Put a bottle of water in the freezer, and get it out when it’s cold enough – or frozen. Wrap a towel around it, and place it near/or under your cats sleeping place.
11. Keep the blinds, drapes, and most doors closed.
12. Moisturize your cat’s paws with aloe vera gel or vitamin E capsules every few weeks. This will help her to keep her paws in top shape and help to prevent cracking on hot pavements.
Do you know any good tips?
Resources
ehow.com
wikihow.com
Picture by craized.com
