Heat Waves Threaten Pets Too: Here's How to Protect Your Cat
Experts from Cats Protection share key tips for keeping cats safe during the summer months, from recognizing danger signs to proper hydration.
Experts from Cats Protection share key tips for keeping cats safe during the summer months, from recognizing danger signs to proper hydration.
Summer heat doesn't just affect humans-it also impacts our pets. While cats enjoy basking in warmth, high temperatures can pose a serious risk to them. To help owners prepare, Cats Protection has issued a series of practical recommendations for protecting cats from overheating and sun exposure.
The most important rule: between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., when the sun is at its most intense, cats should be kept indoors. If your pet does go outside, it's essential to provide shaded areas where they can escape direct sunlight. At home, it's recommended to use a fan to circulate air, and a simple cooling trick is to place a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel near your cat's sleeping spot-never directly on the animal.
All cats can get sunburned, but those with light or white fur, white noses, or unpigmented ears are especially vulnerable. Areas with sparse fur and little pigment, like the ears and nose, are most exposed. Signs of sunburn include red, painful skin, blisters, and peeling. If you notice these, a vet visit is necessary.
As an extra layer of protection, sunscreen can be used-but only products specifically designed for pets. According to recommendations, it should have an SPF of 30 or higher and be water-resistant. Apply it to the nose, ear tips, belly, groin, and any areas with sparse fur. Avoid products containing zinc oxide and salicylates, as they are toxic to cats.
Heatstroke occurs when a cat's internal temperature rises to dangerous levels and the animal can no longer cool itself down. The condition often begins with heat exhaustion and dehydration. The first symptom owners may notice is sticky gums to the touch. A skin test is also a good indicator: gently pinch the skin on your cat's back; if it doesn't snap back immediately, your pet is likely dehydrated. Severe inflammation, dry eyes, and cold paws can signal serious dehydration and require an immediate call to the vet.
Regular hydration is key to prevention. The water in the bowl should always be clean and fresh, and the bowl should be full. It's recommended to use glass, ceramic, or metal bowls, ideally wide ones so your cat's whiskers don't touch the edges, which some cats find off-putting. Keep the water bowl away from where your cat eats and where its litter box is. It's a good idea to place additional water bowls in multiple locations around the house and garden. You can also increase fluid intake through wet food.
