Keeping your Cat Healthy and Cool in Summer

Heat and sun are not two elements that cats love. A lot of people know that heatstrokes can happen with dogs but so many know that cats can also suffer from such a condition. Dehydration and sun burn can also affect your cat during summer so we need to know how to keep your cat healthy and cool in summer!

First off, when the weather is warm try to keep your cat indoor. Cats are prone to developing skin cancer so you must always pay attention to sun exposure. Now turn your attention towards your home. The cat surely has a special place where he likes sitting. You should try and make it as cool as possible. Fans and air conditioners are just two of the many ideas you can deploy. Replace the blanket in the cat's bed with a sheet and an icepack beneath the blanket will keep her cool while the sun is doing damage on the outside.

Always keep enough water bowls available for your cat. Analyze them and make sure they are always full, especially if you have more than one cat. Put ice cubes in the water bowl. This move will keep the water colder than usual and immediately the cat's temperature lower.

Now problems might appear when the cat loves the outdoor environment. In such a case you should not restrict it from what she likes but instead make sure that there is always fresh water outside your door or window. If you have a garden make sure that you put in some shady plants in order to help the cat in retreating from the heat.

One of the worse problems that can happen is a heat stroke. This is why we must be aware of the symptoms of heat strokes in cats. Cats are usually secretive about illness and they rarely pant. The early symptoms of cat heat stroke will include: anxiety, increased heart rate, panting, hyperventilation, dark red gums, increased temperature, lethargy and respiratory distress. A healthy cat shows a temperature of between 100° and 102° F. If you see that the temperature goes over 104° you should take it as a warning sign. In such a case you need to take the cat in a cool room and give him a rub with a towel that is dampened in water. A cold compress needs to be placed under the cat's neck and if the cat resists you helping her you will have to wrap ice or frozen peas in a towel and place it in the cat's favorite nap spot. This will cool the cat and allow her to heal.

Keep in mind that dehydration can always happen. This means that you will need to have plenty of fresh water around. In some cases cats that will suffer from dehydration will refuse to drink. If this is your case use an eye dropper or your finger in order to get water in your cat's mouth through rubbing it on her lips.