Summer Care for Cats

Summer is officially here. Here in Florida, this time of year can be absolutely scorching. The heat can be quite problematic for our patients, especially our feline friends. Cats can only sweat through their paw pads, and panting doesn’t really do much to cool them off. Your kitty could be in serious trouble if she overheats! Read on as a local Lakewood Ranch, FL vet offers some tips on keeping Fluffy cool and comfy in the heat.

We always recommend that cats stay indoors. They’re just much safer inside! This is especially important in summer, when heat and storms are at their strongest. Keep Fluffy indoors, in rooms cooled by fans or air conditioners. 

The best way to keep your adorable little pet cool is to make sure that she always has fresh water. Drop some ice cubes into Fluffy’s bowl on hot days. It’s worth noting that some cats prefer running water. This may be due to the fact that, in the wild, standing water is typically more likely to be fouled or unsafe than running water. Give your pet a kitty fountain, and see if she likes it.

Everyone likes a cold treat on sweltering days. Give your feline buddy a bowl of chilled sodium-free broth, or perhaps some chilled tuna in water. Fluffy may also enjoy having some wet cat food or tuna juice mixed with shaved ice. Think of this as the kitty version of ice cream.

You’ve probably already noticed that our feline pals are very, very good at getting comfortable. Want to score some extra purrs and head bonks? Tie a sturdy piece of fabric to the legs of a table or chair. This cute little kitty hammock will be cooler than a regular bed. You can also point a fan at or above Fluffy’s bed. Or put a cooling pack in it, beneath a thin towel.

Kitties are quite diligent about keeping themselves clean. Your pet will spend time grooming herself every day. Actually, since dead fur and dander make Fluffy’s coat hot and itchy, this also helps keep her cooler. Give your furball a helping hand by brushing her regularly. (Bonus: you’ll also find less cat fur stuck to everything.)