The UK is currently in the middle of a heatwave after what seems like a very slow start to the summer.
While many of us will be over the moon about the warm weather, it's important we keep ourselves cool, and those around us.
That includes keeping those adorable cats and other fluffy faces who share our homes cool during the summer heatwave.
Cats can become very hot, very quickly when the weather is so warm. As you can imagine, wearing a fluffy layer through all temperatures can make it hard to keep cool.
Luckily, we’ve put together some tips for the best ways to help keep your cat cool during a heatwave.
How to keep cats cool during heatwaves
- Leave fresh water around the house and ensure it is always available
- Stroke your cat with a damp towel
- Create a cool and well-ventilated space for your cat
- Make sure there is some shade available outside for your cat
- When inside use a fan to cool the room down, you can put a bottle of iced water in front of the fan to help
- Brush your cat to ensure they have no tangles or matted hair
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- Wrap an ice pack in a towel and put it in their favourite sleeping spot
- Make sure there are no areas such as greenhouses, sheds or cars that your cat could get stuck in. These places become increasingly warm during hot weather and can lead to heatstroke.
- Never leave your cat in the car
- Spray cool water onto your cat’s fur
- Move your cats bed to a cool, well-ventilated area
- Uncover cool flooring if you can by removing a rug, cats will naturally navigate to these cool spots
How to spot the symptoms of heatstroke in cats
If you’re concerned your cat is suffering from the heat even after trying these tips there are a few signs to watch out for.
Check to see if your cat’s feet are leaving wet paw prints across the floor – this could be a sign of sweating and dehydration.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of heatstroke. These include: panting, drooling, fever, vomiting, agitation, diarrhoea, weakness, fever, lethargy, dizziness, collapsing or unconsciousness.
If you’re worried about your cat and is suffering from any of the above symptoms during the heat, call your vet who will be able to advise on the best course of action.
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