05/04/2024
How to keep a cat cool in hot weather:
Cats – even the fluffy ones – generally tolerate the heat better than dogs and humans. But they can suffer on hot days. When the weather is really hot, it’s important to keep your cat cool.
Whether you have an indoor kitty or an outdoor prowler, here are 5 ways to help keep your cat cool during hot weather.
1. Keep your cat hydrated:
Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, so you’ll need to encourage your kitty to drink during warm summer weather. Place multiple water bowls around where your cat hangs out to encourage them to drink. Add a splash of tuna water to the bowl to tempt them.
Cats enjoy drinking from running water so letting them drink from the tap or investing in a cat water fountain is one way to get even the most reluctant cats to drink.
2. Keep your cat well groomed:
If your cat has long fur, it might be worth having them professionally groomed for the summer. Brushing your cat often will help keep its coat tangle-free and prevent it from becoming an unwelcome woolly jumper.
We all know cats love a good pat, so on a hot day, try petting your cat with a damp cloth to help cool them down.
3. Get a fan or cooling pad:
Cooling pads are a popular way to help pets stay cool in summer, though cold kitchen and bathroom floors work just as well. Leaving out a frozen water bottle for your cat to play with or lie beside is another way to do this if you don’t have a cooling pad.
A fan (ideally a box fan with the blades enclosed) creates a nice indoor breeze. Turbo-charge your fan’s cooling power by placing it near an open window or air conditioning unit. You could also put a frozen water bottle in front of the fan to create a chilled breeze.
4. Provide shady, well-ventilated spaces:
Whether your cat is indoors or outdoors, you’ll need to ensure they have a shady, well-ventilated place to hang out. A shaded bed that’s out of the sun and off the floor is a great way to do this – the airflow beneath the bed will help keep them cool.
If your cat is indoors, closing curtains and blinds but leaving windows open where possible will provide shade and ventilation.
5. Try cat sunscreen:
Fur helps protect your cat from sunburn, but exposed skin is still vulnerable. Hairless cats are much more prone to sunburn, but even fluffy cats can get sunburnt on their nose and ear tips.
Curious cats are likely to lick it off, so you’ll need to find cat-friendly sunscreen. Sunscreen for humans usually contains zinc oxide, scents and salicylates that aren't good for your cat. If you’re unsure about which cat sunscreen to use, chat with your vet.