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Summer Cat Health

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Cats may love to bask in the sunlight on a window sill, but there may be some precautions to take during the summertime, especially in summer heat.  When the temperature soars, your cat is at risk of experiencing similar reactions as a human would, including dehydration and heatstroke. These are both severe conditions that can cause illness or death. That is why it is crucial to make sure your cat stays cool during hot temperatures during the summer.

Give your cat a cool place to relax

Make sure you have a shady spot outside for your outdoor cat; even a cardboard box can be helpful.  Use a damp towel to lay on and help cool off the warmest part of their body – the tummy, paws, and armpits. Another idea is to fill a hot water bottle with ice-cold water and place it under a blanket to cool your kitty off while they relax.  When it is scorching outside, consider keeping your outdoor cat indoors.

Keep your cat hydrated

This is the most obvious way to keep your cat safer during hot weather.  Make sure your cat has access to clean water in their bowl regularly and that it is complete.  If you go away, make sure your cat sitter is aware that they must do this, or you can purchase an automated water fountain for cats to ensure your cat gets the hydration needed. You can even throw a few ice cubes in the water to keep it cool. Other than drinking water, cats do not have another way to cool themselves.

Make catsicles (popiscles for your cats) for their cat!

Protect your cat from sunburn

If you have a hairless cat, they are in danger of sunburns.  You can talk to your vet about sunscreen options.

Never leave your cat in the car

It may seem like only a few minutes to you, but most people don’t realize how hot it can get in a parked car.  You may think it is only 75 degrees outside, but that can quickly spike to 160 degrees on a sunny day.  It can take minutes for your feline friend to develop heatstroke that can cause seizures, respiratory distress, organ failure, or death.  So it is best to leave your cat at home for errands.  Here is Dr. Ernie Ward, a Vet, discovering just how hot it can become in a parked car and how quickly it can soar to dangerous temperatures.

Calm your cat down

If your cat or kitten is running around playing and being very active on a hot day, this can lead to exhaustion and dehydration – try to relax your cat when the temperatures soar.

Brush every day

Knotted or matted hair can trap heat; daily brushing can help avoid this.

Signs of heatstroke in your cat

Always keep an eye on your pets on sweltering days.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

  • Glazed eyes
  • Vomiting
  • Drooling
  • Agitation
  • Extreme distress
  • Skin is hot to touch
  • Stretching and breathing rapidly

Contact your vet immediately if you suspect heatstroke

May Cat Headlines

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Family welcomes lost cat after 16 years apart

A family in Maryland was shocked when they were notified that a stray cat was found via a microchip scan by a veterinarian.  They were shocked because Jason and Liz McKenry’s cat, Ritz, went missing 16 years ago!  Initially, when Ritz had run out of their apartment and went missing, the couple looked everywhere for Ritz.  They couldn’t find their beloved cat for months, even after checking nearby shelters.  The family welcomed home Ritz and were happy to spend time with their long-lost cat Ritz.

Cat Cafés are popping up across the country

Stay tuned for the opening of a new cat café in Central Ohio.  The Kitty Bubble Café & Bar is slated to open in late August of this year.  The owner, Ivy Hou, announced the café will feature bubble tea, coffee, tea, beer, and wine in addition to a cat lounge to cuddle kitties.

In Las Vegas, the non-profit Hearts Alive Village has opened a cat café to help adoptable cats from shelters be paired with people that could give them furever homes.  There is a $15 entry donation to help raise money for the vaccines and microchips for kittens and cats to be adopted

Cuddle Cat Rescue Kitten Shower

An event called the Cuddle Cat Rescue Kitten Shower was held in Missouri where people were able to come to meet cats, get information about adopting and fostering, and enjoy refreshments. People also brought donations to help the shelter, like cat food and litter. Cuddle Cat adopts approximately 300 cats per year and was started by the founders, Janet Matson and Zach Atteberry in 2017.

Cat Breed Spotlight: Bengal Cats

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The Bengal cat is a breed domesticated from cat hybrids, including the Egyptian Mau and the Asian leopard cat. Their coat often has spots, rosettes, arrowhead markings, and marbling with a golden shimmer from their ancestors – leopard cats. The first time this breed was ever mentioned was in 1889 by Harrison Weir. However, Jean Mill of California bred the modern version of the Bengal cat. As of 2019, The International Cat Association has almost 2,000 Bengal breeders registered with them globally since they were accepted into the organization in 1983. [Read more…]

Is your cat constipated?

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If your cat doesn’t seem to be leaving anything in the litter box or is straining when pooping, your cat may be constipated. If this only happens occasionally, there is probably nothing to worry about. If it happens more often, you probably need to contact your vet. Constipated poop is small, hard, and dry. [Read more…]