Cats in the heat: tips for cooling down
Cats love to doze in the sun. However, the summer heat can quickly become a danger for these animals. Therefore, it is important for the well-being of your four-legged friend that you provide them with some cooling down. In this article, we will explain how you can achieve that.
Quick Tips for Cooling Down Cats
- Persistent heat can be a significant burden for cats in the summer.
- Owners can moisten their cat's fur with a cloth to provide some cooling.
- A cool place to nap and a constantly filled water bowl are essential in the summer.
- If cats drink very little despite the heat, investing in a drinking fountain may be worthwhile.
- Wet food, due to its high moisture content, is ideal for supporting sufficient hydration.
- If symptoms of heatstroke occur, cats need immediate assistance in cooling down.
Can cats sweat?
Unlike humans, cats have very few sweat glands. For this reason, cats cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating. Instead, they lick their fur to moisten it. The evaporation of moisture has a similar effect to sweating.
Moisten the cat's fur
You can assist your cat in moistening its fur during the summer. For this purpose, you can use a damp washcloth and gently stroke it over the cat's coat. This provides some cooling in hot weather and is often welcomed by many cats as a pleasant gesture of affection.
Support the Shedding Process
When temperatures rise after the winter months, cats shed a lot of hair. The so-called shedding process is particularly pronounced in outdoor cats and serves to adapt to the changing temperatures. You can support your cat during shedding by regularly brushing out loose hair from its coat.
Don't lock your cat out
If your cat is allowed to be in the garden or on the balcony, do not lock it out. Ensure that your cat can always come back inside if it becomes too hot outside during the summer.
Provide cool resting spots for your cat
When it gets too hot for your cat in the summer, it needs a cool place to rest. If possible, darken a room in your apartment to prevent it from heating up too much during the day.
Consider getting a cooling mat for pets and place it in a corner of the room. Such a mat, which can be found for a reasonable price online, helps to dissipate heat from the cat's body.
Pay attention to hydration
Adequate hydration is particularly important in the summer. The water bowl should always be filled and easily accessible. Unfortunately, this is not always enough, especially in high temperatures, as cats are not known for drinking a lot.
If your pet avoids its water bowl despite the heat, it may be useful to consider getting a drinking fountain. The trickling water can pique curiosity and help encourage your cat to drink.
In addition, feeding wet cat food is recommended. Compared to dry food, wet food has a significantly higher moisture content. This can help meet your cat's fluid needs, especially in the summer.
How to recognize heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can be very dangerous for cats. Signs of overheating should be taken seriously.
Typical symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Cramps and trembling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
- Apathy
Natural Support for Immune System
The high temperatures can also be a burden for cats. Therefore, it may be beneficial to support your pet's immune system with additional nutrients. For this purpose, you can find two suitable products in our shop: Shiimun Immun and I love my cat Immun. Both supplements contain only natural ingredients, ensuring optimal digestibility.
Cooling down cats in hot weather: a conclusion
As you can see, the heat in summer can pose a serious risk to your cat. It is essential to keep an eye on your pet and provide cooling when needed. By providing things like a cool resting spot and a drinking fountain, you ensure that your cat can feel comfortable and prevent unnecessary health issues during the summer.
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