It is summer and measures are always taken to protect vulnerable groups, such as older people and young children from its effects. But what about another risk group: our cats? Chewy.com has tons of great products that keep pets cool.
Cats
Cats enjoy warm weather. They are also good at keeping themselves cool if necessary with a little help from their human friends.
- Don't let your cat go outside between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Do apply a pet sunscreen that can't be licked off to the nose and ears of pale colored cats if they do go outside.
- Do let your cat choose a cool place to lie down. They will naturally gravitate toward a cool tile floor, fan or ac in the summer, just like they curl up next to a fireplace or heat vent in the winter.
- Keep your curtains closed during the hottest part of the day in south or west facing windows -- this will also help to save on a/c bills.
- Don't worry if your cat is sleepy during the day, they sleep up to 16 hours a day anyway; and sensibly, they nap even more on a hot day, rather than rushing about on a hot day getting hotter.
- Don't worry if your cat seems to be grooming more than usual. This is a cooling mechanism similar to sweating; as the saliva evaporates off the its fur, the cat will cool down.
- Don't worry if your cat starts panting; it is the way they take in cooler air if they are unusually hot. Heavy panting could be cause for concern.
- Do pay attention to your cat's paws, they have sweat glands on their paws. If your cat is leaving wet paw prints, it is sweating and needs to replenish fluids.
- Make sure your cat has plenty of cold, clean, fresh water. I leave two water bowls around the house in addition to their cat water fountain.
- As an extra tip, drop a few ice cubes in the water bowls and fountain basin.
- NEVER EVER leave your cat in a car.