Cats may seek out warm spots during the winter but in the summer, quite the opposite is often true. Heatstroke is a real concern in summer months and cats can quickly get overheated if their body temperature gets too high. Warm summer weather can easily be a contributing factor and overheated cats may be open mouth breathing, lying on their sides, panting, have red gums, and be lethargic. These signs may indicate heatstroke and require immediate veterinary attention. Thankfully it's easy to prevent your cat from getting too hot with a few simple solutions.
The following tips can help keep your cat cool in summer and prevent heatstroke.
- 01 of 08
Airflow
Air conditioning units can help keep your rabbit cool. Getty Images/DonNichols
Air conditioning, standing fans, open windows, and ceiling fans all offer airflow that aids in keeping your cat cool. Air conditioning is the most effective option you can provide for your indoor cat but if that isn't an option for you, ensuring a breeze and regular air circulation can help
02 of 08Cooling Mats
Cooling mats are popular options for cats. Amazon.com
Special cooling mats can be purchased for your cat to lie on in the summer. These mats are made of fabrics that will help keep your cat cool indoors, and some even contain special interior components like gels and foams.
03 of 08Window Curtains and Blinds
Blackout curtains are great at blocking hot sunlight. Getty Images/ÐндÑей Ðлеменков
Simply closing the curtains or blinds on a window will help block any sunlight from entering the room where your cat is lounging. This will help keep that room cooler for you and your cat, especially if you don't have air conditioning.
04 of 08Shade
An outdoor cat house helps provide shade. Getty Images/Oleg Breslavtsev
If your cat goes outside at all, offering a cat house for them to retreat to and get some shade is a must. An outdoor cat house also doubles as a place to stay warm in the winter months, so it can be used year round.
Be sure your cat can easily get in and out of the shelter on its own as these confined spaces can sometimes heat up unexpectedly if the sun moves. Give your cat access to clean, cool water if they are outside on a warm day.
Continue to 5 of 8 below05 of 08Tiles
Tiles can help your rabbit cool off. Getty Images/Xinzheng
If your home has tile floors, you have a built-in way to keep your cat cool. Tiles are naturally colder than carpets and wood floors, so you may find your cat spending more time on the tile if their seeking a cool spot to relax. If you don't have tile in your home, you can purchase a couple of large tiles from a home improvement store and simply place them on your carpet for your cat to lie on.
06 of 08Flowing Water
Cats will drink more water if it's running. Getty Images/Lightspruch
Cats are more likely to drink more water if the water is moving, so a cat water fountain is a great way to keep your cat hydrated and cool.
07 of 08Haircuts
A lion cut can help keep your cat cool in the summer. Getty Images/101cats
If your cat has long hair or a thick coat, a haircut may help keep them cooler in the summer. Lion cut haircuts are popular for Persians, Himalayans, and other extra fluffy felines, but even a trim can help. Use a professional groomer if you do not have the proper equipment and know-how to give your cat a haircut. If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, this may not be a good choice because their fur also protects against sunburn and insect bites.
08 of 08Wet Food
Canned food has more moisture than dry food. Getty Images/Elizaveta Antropova
In addition to flowing water, you can feed wet food to help your cat get more hydration. Wet food has a higher moisture content than dry, so it's a great option if your cat doesn't drink enough water and is prone to dehydration.
FAQ- Can cats get heatstroke?
Yes, cats can become overheated and develop heatstroke if they are unable to cool off. This can occur if they are in too warm of an environment.
What are the signs of heatstroke in cats?Signs of heatstroke in cats include panting, open mouth breathing, lethargy, lying on the side, and even vocalizing. These symptoms are serious, and you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
How can I tell if my cat is too hot?A cat's normal rectal body temperature is 101-102.5 degrees. If it doesn't stress your cat out, you can use a thermometer to take your cat's temperature to see if it is above 102.5 degrees. You can also feel your cat's ears and paws to see if they are warm and monitor them for signs of heatstroke.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.Related Article
litter-box-training-and-issuesWhere Should I Put the Litter Box?
You have a new kitten or have just welcomed a cat into your home, so now you need to cover the bath
cat-preventative-careWhy Yarn Is Not a Safe Toy for Cats
Cats love to play with small items that they can bat around with their paws, and yarn is no excepti
cat-preventative-careWhat to Do if Your Cat Ate a Dryer Sheet
Curious cats and kittens can get into all kinds of inappropriate items around the house. There are
cat-preventative-careWhat Do You Feed a Stray Cat?
It's natural to want to care for stray cats that hang around your home. It may be easy to simply pu
cat-treatmentsWhat You Need to Know About Anesthesia for Your Cat
Many pet owner's are fearful of anesthesia. Anesthesia, defined as a "loss of feeling or sensa
cat-diseases-and-disordersKitten Diarrhea: When to See the Vet
Kitten diarrhea is a fairly common problem with many potential causes. If your kitten has loose or
short-haired-cat-breedsAmerican Wirehair: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care
The American wirehair cat is a rare, developing cat breed. Native to upstate New York, and born in
short-haired-cat-breedsEgyptian Mau: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care
The Egyptian mau is an elegant, spotted cat whose ancestry may date back 3,000 years to the cats wh
About FleaFree Feline
We are a premier digital platform committed to delivering high-quality content to our readers. Our mission is to provide accurate, reliable, and engaging information that adds value to our audience's daily lives.
Our team consists of experienced content creators and subject matter experts who uphold the highest standards of professionalism. In an era of information overload, we curate content with care, ensuring our users receive only the most relevant and trustworthy information.
Beyond just reporting facts, we focus on depth and context. Through expert analysis, comprehensive research, and clear presentation, we help our audience gain meaningful insights and make informed decisions.
We take pride in being a trusted information source for our growing community of readers. Our user-first approach means we continuously adapt to provide content that meets our audience's evolving needs and interests.
Innovation and excellence drive everything we do. We're committed to improving our platform and services to deliver the best possible experience for our users.
Comments on " How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer" :