Cats are true sun worshippers, as their bodies, descended from the African wildcat that lives in hot regions, are well adapted to high temperatures. They bask in the sun, doze in shady spots, or cool off with water games. However, the heat isn't just hard on us humans. Our feline companions also suffer at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), and the heat can have a negative impact on their health. To ensure your cat gets through the summer unscathed, you should definitely pay attention to this information and these tips.
How do cats cope with heat?
Even though cats love the warmth of summer, excessive heat can quickly become uncomfortable, as these furry pets can only sweat to a limited extent. They have few sweat glands, which primarily serve to emit scent signals and not to regulate body temperature. They mainly sweat through their paws, as the sweat glands there are primarily responsible for temperature regulation. If you observe your cat closely on hot days, you will quickly notice paw prints on the floor. Cats can also sweat through their ears. However, warm ears can also be caused by stress.
When it's warm, cats like to lick their fur to cool themselves down through evaporation. Panting also helps them cool down. Furthermore, much like humans, they try to avoid unnecessary movement. In very hot weather, the animals become lethargic and move much less than usual.
These are the problems cats can have in hot weather
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Overheating and heatstroke
Excessive and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause overheating in cats and even lead to heatstroke, which is life-threatening. Symptoms include an increased heart rate, restlessness, dark red gums, elevated body temperature, and difficulty breathing. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately at the first sign of heatstroke. The risk of heatstroke increases significantly if the animals spend a long time in an overheated car. Pets should never be left alone in a car during hot weather!
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sunburn
Cats, just like their owners, can get sunburned – especially white cats. In most cases, the face and ears are affected. Dehydration: Cats also need plenty of water on hot days, otherwise they risk dehydration.
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Colds or conjunctivitis caused by fans
Never place the fan in a spot in the apartment that the cat likes, because the draft can cause conjunctivitis and colds in cats.
What food is suitable for summer?
Cats need less food overall in hot weather because they are less active and therefore burn fewer calories. In summer, it's best to feed them several small portions throughout the day and quickly remove any leftover food before it spoils and attracts flies. However, food and water shouldn't be ice-cold, as this can easily irritate your cat's stomach.
How to cool your cat down in the heat: The best tips
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Plenty of fresh water
Place several bowls of water around your home so your cat always has access to enough. Changing the water frequently will prevent it from becoming warm and stale, which can lead to bacterial growth. If your cat is reluctant to drink, you might be able to encourage her with a few tricks. A splash of tuna infusion or unseasoned chicken broth in the water will create an appealing aroma. Some cats prefer drinking from a trickling tap, while others like to incorporate the water into their play.
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Cool retreat
Provide your cat with a cool retreat, such as a cool basement room. Cold tiles in the bathroom or kitchen are also suitable. Generally, the apartment shouldn't be too hot. You can also line the cat's resting place with damp towels. The evaporating moisture will create a cooling effect. On particularly hot days, you can also wrap ice packs in towels and use these as a mat for your cat.
Danger!
Fans and air conditioners pose a risk to cats, as they could injure themselves on the fan or catch a cold from the air conditioner. Tilted windows are also dangerous, as cats can get trapped.
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Fresh air
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Fresh air
Ventilate your apartment thoroughly, especially in the mornings and evenings. During the day, the windows should remain closed.
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Food in small portions
Cats become lethargic in hot weather and use less energy. The amount of food should be adjusted accordingly. Feed them several small portions throughout the day. This is easier for them to digest.
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Do not leave food uncovered
Wet food should never be left out in the open during the summer, but rather stored in the refrigerator. It should be taken out well before feeding so that it is at room temperature when served. The food should also not be left in the bowl for more than half an hour, as flies could otherwise lay their eggs in it.
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Damp towels
Moisten a towel or washcloth with cold water and gently stroke your cat with it. The cold water is especially soothing for your feline friend, particularly on their back and head.
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Water features
Although cats are known to dislike water, they love to play with it in hot weather. Place a shallow bowl of water in your home and dip a few ping-pong balls in it. Your cat will play with them and cool down at the same time.
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Brushing cat fur
Cats shed a lot of fur in the summer. To remove excess fur, you should brush your feline friend regularly, especially in high temperatures. Less fur also means less heat.
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sunscreen
Light-colored and short-haired cats, like humans, are particularly prone to sunburn. However, unscented baby sunscreen is very well tolerated by cats. Simply apply a little to the bridge of their nose and ears.
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Cat grass
Cats groom themselves more frequently in hot weather to cool down. However, this also causes them to swallow more of their own hair. Cat grass helps them to cough up these hairballs.
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