Cat Care Tips to Help Your Pet Survive the Summer Heat

Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/cat-summer-heat/

According to an article from The New York Times, summer heat temperature will be above-normal this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have already clarified this in their report. Terrifying wildfires are said to be expected due to heat and humidity. With the Earth’s exposure to greenhouse gas emissions, the atmosphere is now 2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than before. The temperature rise can be a major health risk to humans and, most especially, to animals.

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If you have a cat at home, it is best to be more observant of them this summer. A feline’s health is at risk when exposed to intense heat. Their bodies aren’t as efficient as a human’s — cats find it difficult to adjust to drastic temperature increases. Felines may experience heat stroke, which is caused by exhaustion from the heat. Cats regulate body temperature by panting and minimal sweating through their paw pads. Provide them with extra care and better be aware of heat-related illness by watching out for these symptoms:

Restlessness
Excessive panting
Drooling
Vomiting
Lethargy
Staggered gait
Red tongue or mouth
Rapid breathing
Rapid pulse
High rectal temperature

As a pet parent, you shouldn’t neglect these symptoms. Ensure that your cat is not overly exposed to summer heat. Do not let them stay outside for long. You have to be extra cautious to keep them healthy this summer. For more assurance, here’s a list of things you need to do for your cat to save them from overheating.

Never Leave Cats Inside the Car

Cars can quickly absorb heat, making them dangerous for your cat. ASPCA stated that a vehicle can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit on a 70-degree day, and the temperature can also reach 102 degrees within minutes on an 85-degree day and 120 degrees in as little as half an hour.

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Garden Shade

Build safety sheds for your cat to use as a shelter when they stay in your garden. Cats like to roam around and can only safely do that if they have a spot not directly heated by the sun.

Small Fan

Even though you have an air conditioner indoors, a small fan is extra help for your cat to stay cool. Your cat will need additional cooling tools, especially felines with long and thick fur. You can place a frozen water bottle in front of the fan to release cooler air.

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Damp Towels

Help your cat regulate their body temperature by stroking them with damp towels. Dampen a cloth with cold water and stroke the cat from their head and down their back. Ensure that you apply the wet towel to the warmest parts of their body, such as their tummies, paw pads, armpits, chins, and ears.

Apply Sunblock

Cats can also be prone to sunburn, mainly if they are pale-colored and have less fur. The outdoors are their playground and place of adventure — making sunblock essential for them. Purchase a sunblock with equivalent UVA and UVB barriers of human SPF 15 or SPF 30.

Ice Packs

Aside from a damped towel, ice packs covered with a towel will also be a lot of help. If you don’t have an ice pack at home, you can use a frozen bottle and wrap it with a towel or blanket. Place these ice packs on their favorite spots — which they can lean on when the weather is too hot.

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Grooming

Cats with long and thick manes will probably have the most challenging time during summer. Make sure that you bring them to your trusted cat groomer to lessen the heavy feeling due to the heat. You might also opt to clip the tummy fur for added coolness since it is one of the warmest parts of a cat’s body.

Be much more attentive to your cat this summer season. Your pet might go to places with too much sun and heat exposure — such as greenhouses. Keep them inside the house for most of the day, especially during the afternoon. Do not leave water bowls empty so that cats can efficiently hydrate themselves.