It’s officially summer! The perfect time for fun, festivities and maybe a vacation or two. To make sure everyone in the family has fun and stays safe in the heat, let’s go over some pet safety tips.
Fireworks
The loud noises from fireworks can cause extreme anxiety and fear in pets. If your cat gets scared of loud sounds, keep them in a quiet, secure room - with doors and windows fully closed - with calming, classical music or cat TV videos playing to distract them and help drown out the noises during Independence Day festivities.
Grooming
Brush your cat often. Removing excess fur helps cats to regulate their body temperature. If your cat is very fluffy, they may be more likely to overheat so brushing them frequently and removing their undercoat will really help them stay cool and comfortable in the heat.
Hydration
Cats can get dehydrated very easily, especially since many cats don’t love drinking water. Encourage them to drink more water by placing bowls of water in multiple locations throughout the home. Try using a water fountain to encourage drinking since cats prefer flowing water over still water. Make sure their water is always cool. If it’s too warm or too cold, they won’t want to drink. Feed wet food twice a day and try adding a bit of water to it for more hydration. Offer tube treats for a delicious hydration boost.
Indoors
Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block any direct sunlight. If that’s not possible, ensure your cats have a shady place to get out of the sunlight. Use fans or air conditioning to keep air flowing. Add ice cubes to water bowls or let your cats play with ice cubes like toys. Freeze bottles of water and wrap them up in a towel or inside a pillow case so your cat can play with them or cozy up next to them to cool off.
Outdoors
If your cat is allowed to go outside or in a catio, limit their outside time to the mornings or evenings when it is cooler. Don’t let them walk or rest on hot pavement. Be mindful of the sun as cats can get sunburn too - especially white cats or hairless breeds.
Cats can easily overheat so it’s important to know the signs of heatstroke and dehydration. Cats don’t typically pant, but they may breathe rapidly, drool, act lethargic or limp, or even have a seizure or collapse. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to act fast and get them to a vet as soon as possible.
Parked Cars
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. It is extremely dangerous and not worth the risk. It can quickly and easily lead to dehydration, heat stroke or even death.
Pest Control
Summer is prime time for fleas, ticks, and other parasites and bugs. Keep your cat up to date on flea and tick preventives and deworming medication. Schedule a wellness appointment with the vet to make sure their vaccines are current and they are microchipped AND don’t forget to make sure that your contact information on their microchip is up to date.
Plants
Many plants are toxic to cats. Before bringing any plants or flowers into your home make sure they are cat-safe. Lilies, tulips, and daffodils, for instance, are toxic while roses and gerbera daisies are cat-safe. If you garden, keep all pesticides and fertilizers out of reach.
Windows and Doors
While it’s nice to get fresh air by leaving the windows or screen doors open during the summer, make sure screens are secure. Push on them to confirm they are strong enough to bear weight. This will help to prevent accidental falls or planned escapes. If you have a cat, unscreened windows should stay closed at all times. You would be surprised how small of a space a cat could slip out of, whether on purpose or accidentally.
It's so important to keep your cat safe and comfortable in the heat. To ensure their safety this summer, it’s crucial that they stay hydrated and avoid overheating. Secure windows and doors, keep toxic plants and chemicals out of reach, and never leave your pet in a parked car. Ensure your cat always has access to clean, fresh water and cool, shady spots to lounge. Use a fan or air conditioning on hot days to keep them comfortable, and keep them current on vaccines and parasite prevention. By following these tips, you can ensure that your cat stays safe this summer.
Love, Nala
