23/06/2024
Some fabulous tips here for your fur babies in the heat!
At last we have some warmer weather! And whilst we are enjoying this welcome rise in temperature, your cat might not be enjoying it as much.
Use Grooming to Cool Your Pet!
Regularly grooming your cat removes dead hair and prevents mats. When mats form, they prevent air from reaching the skin’s surface and trapping heat in, so our poor kitties can easily overheat. In between grooming sessions with me, get combing to keep your cat comfortable in the heat!
To Shave or not to Shave? That is the question!
Fur actually insulates from heat and protects from sunburn, so opting for a full shave down, though counter intuitive, isn’t going to help your cat keep cool in the summer heat. If your cat recently needed a full shave down (also known as a lion cut) to resolve widespread matting, try and keep them indoors or apply cat safe (not human!) sun cream.
So, rather than a shave, offer shady spots in the garden, provide a Cool Mat or cold tiles for them to lie on. If an indoor cat, close curtains to keep the heat out of the house and try to get some air circulating (either with a fan that is secure or open windows on a latch).
Make sure your cat also has access to fresh water in multiple places. Place ice cubes in their water bowl for it to melt slowly. Lick-e-lix is great as a frozen treat!
Remember: if you feel uncomfortable in the heat, the chances are your cat will too.
