Keeping Your Cat Cool

Summer is officially here. As the weather heats up, many people will head to pools and lakes to cool off. Beating the heat isn’t always that easy for our feline friends, however. After all, Fluffy is wearing a fur coat, and she doesn’t have any easy ways to cool herself off! Read on as an Oconomowoc, WI vet discusses keeping your cat cool this summer.

Keeping your kitty hydrated is very important! Make sure Fluffy always has clean, fresh water. You can drop an ice cube into her bowl on really hot days to help it stay cooler.

Did you know that batting an ice cube around is a great way for Fluffy to cool off? Your pet’s paw pads help her regulate her temperature, so walking on or touching cold surfaces can help keep your kitty cool.

Ever notice that the word hammock often brings to mind images of tropical islands and white sand beaches? There is a good reason for this: because air can pass beneath them, hammocks tend to stay cooler than regular beds. You can make your furball a hammock simply by attaching a piece of material to the legs of a table or end table. Look online for step-by-step instructions.

As you’ve probably noticed, cats are very, very good at getting comfortable. If you give your furball free access to your home, she will naturally gravitate to the coolest spots. (This could very well be the basement, so be careful not to lock your kitty in.)

Another thing that will help is to brush your cat regularly. Dead fur and dander decrease the insulating properties of your cat’s fur, making it harder for her to stay cool. Pick a time when Fluffy is feeling relaxed, and sweeten the deal with treats, praise, and cuddles.

When it’s really hot out, keep your kitty indoors, in rooms cooled by AC or climate control. This will also keep Fluffy safe from the dangers posed by cars, predators, chemicals, and other hazards.

Another thing you can do is keep a pillowcase or towel in the freezer overnight, and then put it on Fluffy’s bed. Instant purr!

Do you have questions about cat care? Contact us! As your Oconomowoc, WI pet clinic, we are dedicated to keeping our feline patients happy, healthy, and purring.