Summer isn’t far off now. Florida summers are no joke! While many of our feline pals enjoy sunbathing, the heat can be dangerous for Fluffy. After all, kitties are wearing fur coats, and they can’t cool off by sweating the way we can. A local Seminole, FL vet offers some tips on helping your cat get through our scorching summer heat in this article.
The best way to keep Fluffy cool is to simply keep her inside, in rooms that have climate control or at least fans. It’s worth noting that cats are pretty good at making themselves comfortable. Your furball will naturally seek out a cool spot to sprawl out in. Don’t be surprised if you find her sprawled out on the bathroom floor: tile naturally stays cool.
Making sure that Fluffy has plenty of water is also very important. Many of our feline buddies prefer to drink running water, so you may want to get your cute pet a fountain. You can also drop an ice cube into your cat’s dish on sweltering days. While you’re at it, put one on the floor, and see if she wants to bat it around. Since kitties use their paw pads to regulate their temperature, playing ‘pawkey’ can also keep them cool.
Did you know that brushing your cat will also help keep her comfortable? Dead hair can get quite hot and itchy. It can also interfere with the natural insulating properties of your kitty’s coat. Plus, beauty sessions will make Fluffy feel pampered, which will help keep her motor going.
You may have noticed that kitties are, well, rather lazy. This makes sense: cats can’t cool down easily if they overheat. When it’s really hot out, Fluffy will likely spend a lot of her time just lounging about. That’s purrfectly fine! Don’t tempt her to run or play in the heat.
Who doesn’t enjoy a cold snack on sweltering days? Offer Fluffy a bowl of chilled sodium-free broth. You can also make her some cold treats. Put wet food and ice in the blender to make a kitty slushie. Or, combine canned tuna with water. Put small portions into an ice cube tray, and freeze.
Please reach out to us, your Seminole, FL veterinary clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
