Summertime Cat Care
It is up to you to make sure your cat stays cool as the temperature soars during the long, hot summer. Here are a few tips that will keep your kitty comfortable and healthy.
Keep your cat's bowl full of clean, cold water. There is nothing more refreshing than a chilled drink of water on a hot day. Your cat feels the same way. On a really hot or humid days toss a couple of ice cubes in the bowl to keep the water cool. Do not forget to change the water daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae.
Some cats love a game of ice hockey. On a smooth floor, bat an ice cube toward your cat. Swat it back to him if he or she returns your serve. Continuing the volley until your kitty loses interest is a great way to have fun and to keep cool at the same time.
High humidity combined with heat can put your cat at risk of heat stroke. On a humid day, keep your home cool with fans or air conditioning. Outside, an inexpensive water miser can give your cat a little relief.
Give a little more TLC to special needs cats. Senior cats, very young kittens and sick or debilitated animals are more sensitive to hot weather. Keep these cats cool at all times and watch them closely for signs of heat-related illness.
Never leave your cat alone in a car. Quick trips to the store always take longer than you expect. Leaving the windows cracked will not keep your kitty cool at all. On a summer's day of only 85 degrees the inside car temperature will shoot up to 120 degrees (F) in a matter of minutes even with the windows slightly open.
Check your screens for tears and secure fit. Cats like to stay cool on the window sill, especially during warm weather. a cat leaning against a loose or improperly fastened screen, however , may fall. use safety screens on all open windows and make sure they are installed properly.
Monitor your cat for symptoms of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a real medial emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke you must act quickly. Move your cat to a cool place and immediately contact your veterinarian. Symptoms of heatstroke include:
Panting
Drooling
Red tongue and lips
Dullness
Weakness and collapsing
Convulsions
Vomiting
Remember summer is a fun season for one and all . With just a few precautions, you can be sure you and your feline friend will beat the heat.
