FELINE GOOD IN THE SUMMERTIME
Seasonal care to keep your cat cool.
COOL FOR CATS
We all look forward to the hazy days of summer but at this time of year, we need to pay extra attention to our cats’ welfare and comfort. Alison Gallagher-Hughes provides some top tips for cool cats.
Imagine sunbathing in a fur coat... yes, mad isn’t it? But our cats effectively do this when they venture out on a hot, sunny day. Cats lose most of their body heat through their paws and nose, so it’s essential to help keep them cool. Here are some top tips:
Cats tend to be sensible creatures; they will naturally seek out shady spots to regulate their own body temperature but why not give them a helping hand? There’s a great range of cat houses on the market or consider keeping open garden parasols, erecting a canvas gazebo, or simply put out a few cardboard boxes weighted with stones.
Try to restrict access to the garden during the hottest times of the day (between noon and 3pm) and provide some damp towels on which they can moisten their paws.
It’s important to keep our cats well-groomed at this time. During the early part of the summer, they will benefit from a good brush to remove their winter undercoat. If you have a senior cat or one with a medical condition, this is particularly important as they tend to groom themselves less frequently. Long-haired varieties may also benefit from a trim.
In the house, keep the air flowing where your cats rest. A carefully placed electric fan will help them feel more comfortable.
If you are going away this year, make sure that you plan ahead and make arrangements for the care of your cats, whether that’s in a cattery, by a cat-sitter, or with a friend in your home.
Ice cubes can be a great plaything for cats. Pop them on a hard floor and watch them push and pounce on them.As well as cooling down their paws, they provide enrichment on days when it’s best to keep your cat indoors and out of the heat.
Try making an ice balloon — part fill an inflated balloon with water, freeze, pop the balloon, and add the frozen contents to thaw slowly in your cat’s water bowl.
There are a wide range of cooling mats available to buy but placing freezer blocks or pads (well wrapped in a blanket) in your cat’s favourite spot will have a similar effect.