Summer is almost here! As the weather heats up, you’ll want to keep an eye on your feline pal. This can be a dangerous time of year for cats! Fluffy is wearing a fur coat, and doesn’t have a lot of ways to cool herself off if she overheats. As your Cedar Rapids, IA vet, I offer tips on keeping your cat cool in this article.
Water
First and foremost, make sure that Fluffy always has plenty of fresh, cool water. Many cats prefer to drink running water, so you may want to get your pet a kitty fountain. This is also a good idea for kitties that like tap water. On really hot days, drop an ice cube into your pet’s water. You can also offer your pet a small bowl of sodium-free broth on occasion.
Brushing
Brushing your cat can also help her stay cooler. This will remove dead fur and dander from Fluffy’s coat, which will keep her more comfortable. Plus, this is a great way to spend quality time with your pet.
Kitty Hammock
Did you know that hammocks are cooler than regular beds? This may explain why they are so popular in tropical climates. Make Fluffy a hammock by attaching a piece of fabric to the legs of a table.
Hockey
As mentioned above, our feline friends don’t have many built-in cooling mechanisms. One of the only ways cats regulate their temperature is thorough their paw pads. If you drop an ice cube on the floor on a hot day, your kitty may cool down with a game of cat hockey… or, perhaps, ‘pawckey.’
Cool Bed
There are a few things you can do to help your cat’s bed stay cool. Try putting a cold water bottle in it, beneath a thin blanket. Fluffy may also appreciate having a fan pointed at her bed.
Roam
If there’s one thing cats are good at, it’s getting comfortable. If you let Fluffy roam freely throughout your home, she’ll instinctively seek out the coolest areas. Don’t be surprised if you find your furry pal in the basement, or sprawled out on the kitchen floor tile: these areas naturally stay cool.
Is your cat due for an examination, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please reach out to me, your Cedar Rapids, IA vet, anytime. I’m dedicated to providing great veterinary care!
