PET PARADE
Where would we be without our fine furr y and feathered friends? We help you make the most of your pet with a spot of animal whispering and all the best in pet news
Whether your cat is an indoor pet or likes to wander outside, during the sunnier months it is impor tant that your feline friend is kept cool and comfor table.
Outdoors, your cat will generally find sheltered spots to stay cool in and somewhere nice to bask in the warmth – but do think about providing a den in your garden for them to relax out of the sun. An empty, upturned cardboard box with an entrance hole in a shady spot will do the trick! Make sure there is always fresh water in the garden too. You can even think about keeping them indoors to avoid the midday sun.
If you have an indoor cat or your wanderer has returned looking a little hot around the collar, a cooling mat is a great way to help ever yone chill out again. These mats work by absorbing the heat from your animal. There is no need to chill the mat beforehand either! We like Cool Club Dog And Cat Cooling Mat, £5.25 to £16.50 (from Pets at Home) and Crufts Self Cooling Gel Mat, £5.90 to £9.48 (from
Amazon). When it’s hot in the city you’ll want one for yourself!
Keep an eye out for signs that your cat has had too much sun and/ or become overheated. A too-warm kitty will pant, feel overly warm and have a rapid hear tbeat. Move them to a cool, not cold, air-conditioned room and turn on a fan if you have one. Keep them calm and encourage them to rehydrate. If they have a bright red tongue and are drooling, be extra aware. Just like humans, a cat with heatstroke will be confused and stagger, perhaps unusually “floppy” or lethargic. With these and any more severe symptoms, call your vet right away.
Keep an eye on all pets in warm weather