When the temperatures rise, it's crucial to prioritize the summer essentials for cats to ensure their safety and comfort in hot weather. Whether your cat is an adventurous explorer or prefers to lounge indoors, incorporating cooling solutions will help keep them cool and protected throughout the season.
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Cat Safety in Hot Weather: Protecting Your Feline Friend from Heatstroke
As temperatures soar, it's vital to pay attention to cat safety in hot weather. Cats may be more self-sufficient than dogs, but they can still suffer from heatstroke. To prevent this, provide them with the necessary cooling solutions. Keep an eye out for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting and dehydration. Set up a designated cooler space for your cat and place a fan nearby to aid in their cooling. Additionally, ensure they have access to multiple clean water dishes to stay hydrated.
We’ve written a comprehensive blog on detecting signs of heat stroke in your dog or cat and how to treat it, but here are the main signs you need to look out for:
Panting: just like dogs, cats sweat through their paws, not all over their bodies as we do. Seeing your cat do some heavy panting shows that they’re working hard to cool down by evaporating the sweat from their mouths. Try and get them to a cooler space and in front of a fan to help them chill out.
Signs of Dehydration: If your cat can’t seem to get enough quality time with their water dish, they may be overheating and dehydrated. Remember that when your cat drinks like a fish while not being exposed to warmer temperatures, it might be a sign of another more serious issue, like a urinary tract disease. Another major sign of dehydration is thick, sticky saliva—remember to have several clean and regularly refreshed water dishes around your home to avoid this.
Keeping Cats Cool and Safe: Summer Essentials for Cats
Now, let's explore some must-have items to keep your cat cool and comfortable throughout the summer months. These summer essentials for cats will help create a pleasant environment while ensuring their well-being:
1. Cat Collar Tracker: Enhancing Safety during Outdoor Adventures
Invest in a cat collar tracker to enhance safety during your cat's outdoor adventures. This allows you to keep a close eye on their whereabouts and ensure they don't wander too far from home. Choose a tracker that is specifically designed for cats, attaches securely to their collar, or comes with a breakaway collar for added safety.
2. Harness and Leash Anchor: Secure Outdoor Explorations
For cats who enjoy outdoor excursions, a cat-specific harness, long leash, and anchor stake are essential. This setup enables your cat to explore the outdoors while keeping them within the boundaries of your yard. Always supervise your cat, even when they are securely harnessed, to ensure their safety.
3. Safe Outdoor Spaces: Creating a Catio for Added Enjoyment
If you lack a yard or want to provide additional outdoor experiences for your cat, consider creating a catio. A catio is a secure outdoor space that allows your cat to enjoy the outdoors while remaining protected. Use bite and claw-resistant netting to enclose the area and ensure your cat's safety. DIY options or prefabricated kits are available to suit your balcony or patio space.
4. Cat Water Fountain: Promoting Hydration and Freshness
To encourage your cat to stay hydrated during the hot season, invest in a cat water fountain. Cats naturally prefer fresh, running water, and a water fountain provides just that. Choose a high-quality, non-toxic fountain with stainless steel bowls that are dishwasher-safe. Place the fountain away from their feeding area to mimic their instinctual drinking behaviour. Our favourite cat fountain is the Catit Stainless Steel Flower Fountain, which has 3 settings so you can adjust the water flow to your cat’s preference.
Did you know? Helping to prevent kidney disease in your cat starts with keeping them hydrated—read up on how diet and adequate hydration can save your cat a world of trouble down the road!
5. Quality Brush: Maintaining a Healthy Coat
Regular grooming is crucial for cats, especially during summer. Invest in a quality brush to help maintain their coat's health and prevent excessive shedding. For long-haired cats, a comb is useful for gently removing mats, while a de-shedding tool helps control shedding. Short-haired cats or those with sensitive skin can benefit from a grooming glove or a brush with silicone bristles.
6. Cooling Mat: Providing a Comfortable Spot to Beat the Heat
Give your cat a dedicated spot to cool down by providing a cooling mat. A cooling mat offers a comfortable surface for your cat to rest on while helping to dissipate heat from their body. Look for a specifically designed cooling mat for cats which uses cooling gel or materials that absorb and release heat. Place the mat in a shaded area or near a fan for added cooling effect.
7. Satisfying Summer Treat: Raw Bones for Cats
Another great way to help your cat beat the heat is by providing them with raw bones, a nutritious and entertaining treat. Raw bones not only offer essential vitamins and minerals for your cat's diet but also help keep their teeth clean. They provide mental stimulation and a cooling effect, especially after a long day of lounging on the windowsill. RDBK offers a wide range of high-quality and ethically sourced raw pet food for cats, including a variety of raw bones that are perfect for your feline friend's summer enjoyment.
If your cat is new to raw bones, try holding it for them until they get the hang of gnawing on it. RDBK offers an expansive line of high-quality and ethically sourced bones that are perfect for your precious kitty!
Not sure where to start with bones? Never fear, we’ve got you! Check out our Bones 101 guide, and when you’re ready for more, head over to Bones 102!
Tackling the Heat Like a Pro
By incorporating these summer essentials for cats, focusing on cat safety in hot weather, implementing cooling solutions, and keeping your cat cool in summer, you can ensure that your feline friend stays comfortable and protected throughout the season. Remember to observe your cat's behaviour and make adjustments as necessary to provide them with the best possible care during the hot summer months.
Did we miss one of your favourite tips or tricks for helping keep your cat cool? Let us know on Instagram or Facebook at @reddogbluekat—we’d love to hear from you!
Stay cool and enjoy the summer with your beloved feline companion!