With the UK weather heating up it’s important that we help our feline friends to feel cool. Cats will try to keep themselves cool in the hot weather by licking their fur, the saliva evaporates it cools their body down. But, if you’re cat is anything like one of mine, they are often reluctant to remove themselves from the heat source. As loving cat parents, we need to give them a helping hand to keep cool when the weather heats up. Here are some of my favourite ways to keep cats cool.
1. Provide shaded areas
If your cat is a house cat then shade may be easier to find but keeping the curtains closed during the day will help to keep rooms cooler.
If your cat enjoys being outside then adding shrubs and plants to your garden will help. Cats will often seek out cooler spots under trees, bushes or even a garden table.
2. Encourage cats to drink more
Cats are notorious for not drinking enough but having access to clean, fresh water will help them stay cool. Regularly top up their water bowls with fresh cold water throughout the day.
If you suspect your cat isn’t drinking enough then try changing their bowl. Plastic harbors bacteria, no matter how often you clean it odors and smells can linger. Swap to a ceramic or metallic water bowl as they will keep the water cooler for longer. If your cat only drinks from a running tap then try a water fountain.
3. Play with ice to keep cool
Add an ice cube to water bowls to keep their water colder for longer. Or freeze blocks of ice and let them have some fun playing with them
4. Enjoy frozen treats
Make some cat-friendly ice treats! Dilute a low salt chicken stock or spring water from tuna cans with water and freeze to make mini ice lollies. These go down a treat!
5. Circulate air
If you can, open windows to let some air in. If you have an inquisitive housecat try Flat Cats. They supply window protectors so you can get the benefit of an open window without an escapee.
If open windows aren’t possible then use fans to move the air around. Place a frozen bottle of water in front of the fan for instant cool air.
6. Use damp towels
A gentle stoke over their fur with a damp towel will be appreciated in the hot weather. Or place the damp towel on the floor for them to lie on.
If you haven’t got a spare towel handy just wet your hands and stoke them. This will help keep them cool as the water evaporates, similar to them licking themselves.
7. Maintain regular grooming
Often as the weather heats up cats start to lose their winter cats which means they have an excess of fur to get rid of. Sometimes they need to get rid of the fur quickly when an unexpected heatwave comes along. Give them a helping hand by brushing them regularly. The last thing a cat may feel like doing in the hot weather is grooming itself.
With long-haired cats a haircut might be in order! Always use a professional groomer as cats have many different layers of fur and a groomer knows exactly how to cut each layer so that they grow back properly. A professional groomer will also be able to remove any mats as they usually form close to the skin its not always easy to get to them.
8. Minimise activities
If your cats are energetic and enjoy playing then keep playtime to early mornings and evenings when its cooler. The less active they are during the hot day the cooler they will be.
9. Keep sleeping areas cool
Sleeping areas can be kept cool with cooling mats, however, my cats would probably pierce the surface! For a safer and cheaper alternative, I freeze ice packs or water bottles and wrap them up in a blanket or towel. I then put the cool parcel inside their favorite beds and sleeping spots.
10. Double-check for cats
Cats are curious and like to explore. Check sheds and garages before locking them up to make sure a neighbours cat hasn’t wondered in.
Cats need to be kept out of conservatories and greenhouses too. These quickly become unbearable for us in high heat, just like a parked car without the windows open.
Keep cats cool to prevent heatstroke
If your cat is struggling to keep cool in the hot weather keep a close eye on them in case they develop heatstroke. Although licking themselves is a way to keep cool excessive licking isn’t natural and could be a sign that something is wrong. If your cat displays any of the following symptoms contact a vet immediately:
- heavy panting,
- drooling,
- vomiting,
- staggering.
How do your cats stay cool in the warm weather? I’d love to hear what you do to help your furbabies stay happy in the heat!