Beat the heat! Tips to keep your cat cool.
Heatstroke is no joke, and now that the summer heat is here, you can bet that our cats are feeling the heat in a big way.
Covered in a year-round fur coat and with limited sweating ability through their paw pads, cats are vulnerable to overheating. And overheating can quickly escalate to life-threatening heatstroke that requires emergency treatment.
With a few simple precautions, you can ensure your cat always keeps their cool, even in the sweltering heat of summer. Here are some things you can do to prevent heatstroke:
- Car caution! Never leave your cat in the car. Not on cooler days, not in the shade and not with the windows cracked. Interior car temperatures rise very quickly, even on sunny, cool days.
- Be a hydration hero! Keep fresh water available at all times—outside, inside and on outings in the car.
- Timing is everything. Plan your cat’s outdoor exercise for the cooler morning and evening hours to avoid the scorching midday sun.
- Home cooling. Even without air conditioning, you can use strategies to keep your cat comfortable (and your energy bill down!), like closing blinds and curtains during the day.
- Air circulation. Maintain good airflow with a floor or ceiling fan. A cooling mat can be a paw-some addition!
- Paw protection. Asphalt, wood and even artificial turf can all get extremely hot on warm, sunny days. Provide cool, soft areas to rest, such as natural grass or soil.
- Groom for summer. Help your cat stay cool with a summer grooming routine to shed excess hair and keep them comfortable in the heat.
Keep cool and stay safe. With these tips, you can rest easy and enjoy the season with your best buddy by your side!
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