As the dog days of summer approach, many of our furry patients are spending their afternoons relaxing and trying to stay cool. As you may have noticed, relaxing comes very naturally for cats. Staying cool, however, isn’t always that easy for Fluffy. In fact, overheating is a serious danger for kitties! Read on as a Columbia, MD vet discusses helping your cat beat the heat.

Keeping Kitty Indoors

We always advise keeping cats indoors, for safety reasons, but this is particularly important in bad weather. Keep Fluffy inside, in rooms cooled by fans or air conditioners.

Kitty Hammock

Hammocks stay cooler than regular beds, as they allow air to pass beneath them. You can make Fluffy a kitty hammock by attaching a piece of material to the legs of a table, coffee table, or chair. Look online for specific instructions.

Beauty Sessions

Did you know that brushing your kitty regularly will help keep her cooler? Brushing will remove dead hair and dander from Fluffy’s coat, which will increase the insulating properties of her fur.

Water

Keeping your pet hydrated is very important! Make sure your furball always has plenty of fresh, clean water. Many cats prefer drinking running water, so consider getting Fluffy a kitty water fountain. You can also drop an ice cube into her bowl on hot days.

Kitty Hangouts

As you’ve probably noticed, cats are very, very good at getting comfortable. If you let your feline pal roam freely throughout the house, she’ll naturally seek out the coolest spot. This may very well be the bathroom or kitchen floor, as tile tends to stay cool.

Ice Cube Hockey

Fluffy’s paw pads are not only great for making windshield art on freshly-washed cars, they also help her regulate her temperature. Put an ice cube on the floor, and see if your furball wants to play hockey.

Fan

Pointing a fan at Fluffy’s bed will also help her stay cool. Just be careful not to put it too close, or in a spot where your cat could knock it over.

Cold Towel

Put a towel or pillowcase in the freezer for a while, and then put it in Fluffy’s bed. This is a great way to activate that smug, satisfied look happy kitties get!

Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Columbia, MD animal hospital, today!