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Summer is in full swing nationwide, and we’re seeing a lot of days
with soaring temperatures. In order to help your cat beat the heat, CATalyst
Council, a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare
organizations working on behalf of cats, has the following suggestions for
keeping your cat cool when temperatures rise:
1. Ensure your cat has access to fresh, cool water. “All animals
need plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when it is hot,” says Dr.
Jane Brunt, executive director of CATalyst Council “Dehydration can occur very
quickly and can be dangerous, leading to other complications. You may want to
put out additional water bowls for your cat so that it’s easy for them to
access in various parts of the house.”
2. Proper grooming is important. Brushing your cat can help reduce
matting, which traps heat near the body and keeps the cat warmer than it would
be otherwise. Grooming is also calming for many cats. If you have long haired
cats, you may want to consider getting them a new “summer do,” and having their
coats clipped shorter to help keep them cool.
3. Think twice before leaving your cat in your car. A study from
Stanford University found that 80 percent of temperature rise in cars occurs
within the first 30 minutes of leaving the car, and that even in cooler
temperatures cars can quickly become very hot. For instance, at a 72 degree
outdoor temperature, the interior of the car could become as hot as 117
degrees. The study also found that cracking the windows did very little to slow
the temperature increase within the car. So, if you need to bring your cat with
you while you are out and about, think twice before you leave it unattended in
your car for even a brief period of time.
4. Keep your cat indoors. While cats have been described as desert
animals, they don’t require the heat of hot summer months. By staying inside,
not only will your cat enjoy an extended nap on the sofa, it will also enjoy
having a safe environment while still enjoying the sunbeams. Keeping cats
indoors also keeps them safe from predators, cars, parasites --which tend to be
worse during warmer months-- and other dangers. “If you suspect that your cat
is suffering from a heat-related illness, take it to your veterinarian
immediately,” adds Dr. Brunt. Signs your cat may be overheated include panting,
confusion, glazed eyes, agitation, vomiting or drooling, or staggering. Any of
these signs should be treated as an emergency situation, and you go to your
veterinarian immediately.
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