What Can Be Done to Cool Cats Down?

During hot summer months, cats, like humans, face risks such as dehydration and heatstroke. Moreover, these are serious health problems for cats. In addition to causing permanent health problems, extreme heat can be fatal for cats. Especially when the air reaches 40 degrees Celsius, the risk of heat-related health problems for cats also begins to increase. Measures taken to cool cats down during the summer months help them get through the hot days in a fun and healthy way.

Measures to Protect Cats from Hot Weather

There are some measures that can be taken to help cats have a more comfortable summer. Closely observing cats and updating their comfort zones according to their reactions to hot weather will help them get through the summer months more comfortably. In this article, you can find the measures you can take for cats living at home or on the street during hot weather.

1. Ensure Access to Water

Like all living things, cats need more water in hot weather. Especially during the summer months, you need to make sure your cat's water bowl is clean and full. You can put a few ice cubes in its water to encourage it to drink more and help it cool down more easily. Automatic water bowls, designed based on cats' interest in running water, also help encourage them to drink. You can check out automatic water bowls that encourage cats to drink water by clicking here.

2. Allow Access to Shade

It's not very difficult for cats living indoors to escape the sun. However, if you have a cat in your garden, the situation is a little different for it. Creating shaded areas in various parts of your garden helps cats protect themselves from the sun.

3. Brush Regularly

Brushing cats is an overlooked method for cooling them down. However, shed and tangled fur traps heat. You should brush all cats daily, especially long-haired cats.

4. Wipe with a Damp Towel

The warmest areas of a cat's body are their belly, paw pads, armpits, under their chin, and the outside of their ears. Although most cats don't like getting wet, you can wipe your cat's head and these areas with a slightly damp towel. Wiping your cat when you think, "My cat is overheating," or something similar, can make a big difference.

5. Change Game Time

Cats love to sleep, but they are also active creatures when awake. Especially in hot weather, excessive physical activity can lead to serious health problems. In the summer months, you may notice that your cat gets tired and out of breath much faster at the same activity levels. Instead of playing with them during the day, you can help them stay cool by interacting with them in the cooler evening hours.

6. Create Cool Zones

Cats are the smartest animals in the world when it comes to their own comfort. When it's hot outside, you can often find them lying on the stone floor, in the sink, or in the bathroom. When you see your cat in these types of places, you can understand that they are trying to cool down. By creating a cool and dark area in the house, you can allow your cat to cool down and rest there. By creating a space for them in a quiet part of the house that doesn't get sunlight, you can prevent them from being affected by the hot summer months.

7. Provide an Indoor Space

You need to make sure your cat is not in the garden or on the balcony during the hot midday hours. The hours when the sun's rays are at their strongest are oppressive not only for humans but for all living things. You need to ensure your cat is inside the house during these hours.

8. Pay Attention to Time Spent in the Vehicle

You need to be extra careful when taking your cat to the vet in hot weather. During the journey, you need to make sure the cat carrier is in a safe place, away from sunlight, and with air circulation.

9. Ensure Air Circulation

Even though the inside of the house is cooler than the outside, even indoor spaces can be oppressive in very hot weather. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the house is well ventilated during the summer months. If several windows are open in the house, you may see your cat lying in cool, breezy spots. 10. Take Precautions Against Sunburn You might think that cats don't get sunburned because of their long fur, but cats are also sensitive to the sun. Burns can occur especially in the ears and nose area where the fur is short. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer in cats. Therefore, you need to make sure that your cat is not directly exposed to sunlight, especially on sunny days. What are the Symptoms of Heatstroke in Cats? Heatstroke is something that happens to cats on hot days. Knowing the symptoms of heatstroke will help you help your cat if it is having difficulty. Symptoms of heatstroke in hot weather include excessive stretching, rapid breathing, overheated skin, vomiting, excessive drooling, and dull eyes. If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your cat, you should contact a veterinarian.

10. Take Precautions Against Sunburn

You might think cats don't get sunburned because of their long fur, but cats are also sensitive to the sun. Burns can occur, especially in areas where the fur is shorter, such as the ears and nose. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer in cats. Therefore, you need to make sure your cat is not directly exposed to sunlight, especially outdoors.

What are the Symptoms of Heatstroke in Cats?

Heatstroke is a common occurrence in cats on hot days. Knowing the symptoms of heatstroke will help you assist your cat if it is experiencing difficulties. Symptoms of heatstroke in hot weather include excessive stretching, rapid breathing, excessively hot skin, vomiting, excessive drooling, and dull eyes. If you see one or more of these symptoms in your cat, you should contact a veterinarian.